Step-by-step massage guides for home: techniques for every part of the body, partner and self-massage, pregnancy, intimate wellness and more.
If you have money sitting in a flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA), a massage gun can look like a smart way to use it. Sometimes it is. But are massage guns FSA eligible automatically? No. The IRS only counts them as a medical expense when they’re used to treat a specific … Read more
Putting a massage gun on stomach muscles sounds like an easy fix for bloating, a tight core or even belly fat. The truth is more limited. A massage gun can feel good on your ab and side muscles after a workout, but it won’t burn fat, “break up” gas or fix constipation, and there are … Read more
Heavy, achy or cold legs after a long day of sitting or standing are common, and a leg massager can be a relaxing way to get things moving again. The best leg massager for circulation uses air compression to squeeze and release your feet, calves or whole legs, which can temporarily boost blood flow in … Read more
If you live with diabetes, tired, achy feet at the end of the day are common, and a foot massager for diabetics can feel like an easy way to unwind. But diabetes changes the rules. Nerve damage can dull feeling in your feet, so a massager that’s too hot or too strong could hurt you … Read more
A handheld massager with heat does two jobs at once: it taps or kneads tight muscles and adds gentle warmth while it works. For a stiff back after a long day, sore shoulders from desk work or tired legs, that combination can feel more soothing than massage alone. Below are six picks we tested, from … Read more
Thai massage looks a little like yoga you don’t have to do yourself. The person receiving stays fully clothed on a mat while the giver uses palms, thumbs and gentle stretches to work through the body. This guide explains the core Thai massage techniques, then walks you through a gentle 20-minute sequence you can try … Read more
If you’ve come across the term lingam massage, you may have found a confusing mix of spiritual language, bold promises and very little practical or health information. This guide takes a calmer, more honest approach. Below, we explain what lingam massage is, where the word comes from, how it differs from tantric and prostate massage, … Read more
You’ve just stepped off the massage table feeling loose, a little tender and maybe slightly spaced out. Deep tissue massage uses slower, firmer pressure than a relaxing massage, so what you do in the hours and days afterward can make a real difference to how you feel. This guide covers what to do after a … Read more
Period cramps can range from a dull, nagging ache to pain that stops you in your tracks. When they hit, most people instinctively press a hand to their lower belly or rub their lower back, and there’s good reason to lean into that instinct. This guide walks you through a 10-minute massage for period cramps … Read more
Tennis elbow can make the simplest things hurt: shaking hands, lifting a coffee mug, turning a doorknob. It’s natural to rub the sore spot on the outside of your elbow, but that bony bump is where the irritated tendon attaches, and pressing hard there often makes it angrier. This guide shows you where a tennis … Read more