While severe or long term pain should always be checked out by a health professional, you can help yourself with everyday pains and aches. If you can reach the part your body that is in pain, you may be able to relieve the ache. Using both hands if possible, cup them slightly and lay them over the painful area. Now begin to breathe slowly and deeply. Imagine that you are breathing warmth and energy through your hands into your body at that point. Imagine that this warmth and energy flows into you through the top of your head and flows out through your hands. Imagine the pain and tension melting away under your hands.

Keep your hands in the same position until you feel a shift in your overall level of relaxation or a lessening in the degree of pain.

Use Massage with Others Too

All of the exercises suggested above can be done with a partner. Consider sharing the gift of touch with another person and allowing yourself to receive this gift in return. Again, it isn’t necessary to have formal training. Your intention to offer comfort or relief is all you need to use a healing touch.

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