Tennis Ball Massage

A tennis ball can be used to for a back self-massage to relax tense muscles. Standing with the back against a wall, a tennis ball is to be placed between the back and wall. By running the tennis ball up and down the back and in a circular motion one can experience a great massage.

This self-massage can also be tried by placing two tennis balls in a tube sock and tying a knot to close it. The balls are then placed on either side of the spine, either leaning against a wall or lying on the floor. Then one has to roll the way up and down the back.

When the feet hurt putting a tennis ball under each foot and rolling the balls around with slight pressure is quite helpful.

It is relevant to remember that the tennis balls are to be kept on the muscles and not directly on the spine.

Indian Ragas

Certain Indian ragas have got healing potential. The music is said to have a positive effect on hormonal and glandular functions. Listening to specific kinds of music at specific times of the day is said to have beneficial effects.

Specific ragas are mentioned to be effective in various conditions including indigestion and hypertension.

Music

Music bypasses the conscious mind. It is said to go directly to and stimulate the part of the brain that controls the emotions and other important functions.

Music therapy uses music to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals.

It is mentioned that listening to music for about 20 minutes a day can have a big impact on a person’s physical and emotional well-being. Music that is played at sixty beats or less per minute slows down the metabolic responses and decreases the stress level and increases the amount of endorphins.

One should choose the music that one enjoys. When assisting someone who is unable to identify their music preferences, the focus should be on the music that was popular when the individual was a young adult.