This post is an introductory of other ones to come, full of tips to self manage muscle tension. Fortunately there are a few things you can do for yourself to ease tension. Actually, though, going to get a massage or other kind of therapy might help a lot you are not always able to make it. And even though you get one, you are always the person that can do more for yourself to ease muscle tension. As massage therapist I firmly believe you have the power, I have only some skills to help you. I am a mediator. A holistic point of view assess your body not only as a physical being, but mental, emotional and spiritual too, developed in a specific and unique social environment (your environment). From this point of view, not merely physical, we asses muscle tension not only as a knot causing you pain in your back. We look for emotions you are feeling and holding causing you that tension. We search if you are living a situation causing you distress, if your diet is balanced or not. We pay attention to your breathing and postural habits. If you exercise and how you do it. We ask you if you take any medication that might cause muscle tension or other unwanted effects. And as important is the way you socialize or if you are living your life in the way you want, etc… All of those factors give us a full picture of your whole body and the way it works when you attend a massage. As a Holistic Massage Therapist I firmly believe that to manage muscle pain we have to check our life for long term well-being. Overall health is achieved through a combination of physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being, which, together is commonly referred to as the Health Triangle. If we pay attention to one of those aspects (physical, psychological and social) to improve it, we will transform our bodies in a good way, the muscle tension will decrease and even our body shape will change. This is the secret of a long term muscle treatment and well-being. So, my first tip for you is not an easy one, but is the most powerful. Check your body not only as a physical one, pay attention to your emotions, your thoughts, your environment and see which is demanding your attention and which you are able to improve, your body will notice it. And remember, relax is a key because through relaxation we ease tension which finally ease pain.  BALANCE BALANCE BALANCE IS THE KEY