My Favorite Self-Care Tools for Pain Relief
12/7/20254 min read
My Favorite Self-Care Tools for Pain Relief & Everyday Ease
At Cove, I often talk with massage therapy clients about self-care tools—and I make a lot of recommendations. Why? Because I absolutely LOVE them.
All of my favorite tools are intentionally simple to use. I want home-care to feel like a treat, not another task on the to-do list. When something is effortless and delivers real results, you naturally stick with it. It becomes something you look forward to—a small, beloved ritual woven into your day.
That’s how I think of self-care tools: tiny vacations for your nervous system. Little moments that help melt tension, ease pain, and bring you back into your body.
Below are a few of the tools I personally reach for again and again—which naturally coincide with the products I recommend to clients. They’re uncomplicated, supportive essentials that help manage pain and improve well-being.
ACUPRESSURE MAT
I bought my acupressure mat over 15 years ago, and it’s still the very first thing I reach for the moment I feel even the slightest twinge or discomfort in my body.
These mats draw on the principles of traditional acupressure and Shiatsu massage. By stimulating reflex points throughout the body, they help release blocked energy, soften tense muscles, and promote a deep sense of relaxation. Many people use them for:
Increased energy
Reduced inflammation and pain
Better sleep
Improved circulation
Most mats contain around 6,000 strategically shaped points that distribute pressure evenly across the body. And using one couldn’t be easier—simply lie down and let gravity do the work. Your body weight creates gentle, therapeutic pressure while the mat delivers all the benefits. (Told you I love effortless tools!)
As the points activate your skin and underlying tissues, they increase blood flow, release tension, and trigger the body’s natural “feel-good” chemicals—endorphins and oxytocin. The result: a calmer mind and a noticeable reduction in discomfort.
What I love most is how versatile these mats are—you can use them on virtually every area of the body. While they’re perfectly designed for the entire back, the benefits don’t stop there. They’re amazing for the face, abdomen, and feet, offering targeted relief wherever you need it most.
If you spend long hours sitting, try folding one into your office chair or car seat to keep circulation moving. They’re also amazing for travel—perfect for combating long flights and unfamiliar hotel beds.
While acupressure mats can be used on bare skin, I prefer using mine with a thin layer of clothing—it softens the intensity without reducing the benefits. You can use them on the floor for deeper pressure, but I personally use mine in bed most of the time. I always joke that I have to lie down in bed at some point anyway, so why not kill two birds with one stone—in a totally amazing, feel-good way! It’s such a simple way to sneak in some self-care.
**Pro Source Acupressure Mat**
NATURAL TOPICAL ANALGESICS
Many natural compounds ease pain when applied topically, but if one truly stands out, it’s menthol.
Topicals containing menthol deliver a wonderful one-two punch:
(1) They begin soothing discomfort almost instantly.
(2) They genuinely feel good—cooling, refreshing, relieving.
Menthol works almost immediately. If you’ve ever smoothed on a menthol-based cream, you’ve felt that crisp tingle quickly take over. Menthol activates your cold-sensitive receptors, sending signals to the brain that help override discomfort. At the same time, menthol gently widens tiny blood vessels in the skin and muscles—a process called vasodilation. This boosts circulation to the area, helping deliver more oxygen and nutrients to your tissues so your body can recover more quickly.
For anyone managing acute or chronic discomfort, this blend of cooling relief and physiological support makes menthol-based products a trusted ally.
**Nature's Willow Pain Relief Balm**
Other Botanicals That Ease Discomfort
These plant-based ingredients pair beautifully with menthol or work well on their own. Each carries a unique story of healing:
Turmeric – Golden, grounding, and naturally anti-inflammatory.
Ginger – Warming and invigorating, easing muscle tension.
Willow Bark – Nature’s original “aspirin,” offering ancient pain relief.
Boswellia – Aromatic resin known for supporting joint comfort and mobility.
Devil’s Claw – Traditionally used for inflammation and achy tissues.
Feverfew – Especially supportive for headaches and migraines.
Capsaicin – Gently desensitizes pain pathways for lasting relief.
Comfrey – Restorative support for sprains, strains, and muscle injuries.
SILICONE CUPPING THERAPY
I’ll admit, I was initially resistant to silicone cupping because I was so rooted in the traditional fire cupping techniques I first learned. But working in a spa that didn’t allow fire cupping nudged me toward trying silicone cups—and I’m so glad it did. I quickly discovered that while fire cupping will always hold a special place in my heart, silicone cupping offers its own unique advantages and benefits.
The flexible nature of silicone cups makes them perfect for sliding cupping. This technique is especially effective for promoting lymphatic flow, reducing swelling, and addressing fascial restrictions. One of my favorite things about silicone cups is how easy they are for clients to use at home. Without formal training—or the need to wield a burning cotton ball—a novice user can safely treat themselves with just a bit of instruction.
How I Explain Cupping
I like to explain cupping this way: as wonderful as massage techniques are, most of them press down into tissue that’s already tight and compressed. Cupping does the exact opposite. It’s one of the only techniques that gently lifts the skin and underlying tissue up, creating space between the layers.
When we create space in the body, movement and flow can return—and that’s when things start to change.
Stagnation often equals pain. So giving the tissues a little room to breathe and move can make a surprisingly big impact.
Benefits of Cupping
Here are some of the many ways cupping supports the body:
Increases blood flow
Helps deliver fresh oxygen and nutrients where they’re needed most.
Loosens tight muscles and fascia
Negative pressure separates tissue layers and eases restrictions.
Reduces inflammation
Improved circulation helps clear out inflammatory byproducts.
Speeds muscle recovery
Helps flush out metabolic waste like lactic acid.
Releases endorphins
Encourages natural pain relief and relaxation.
Breaks up scar tissue
Softens adhesions to restore mobility and comfort
In closing...
I love empowering clients with tools that make self-care simple and sustainable. I hope that you find the ones that feel nurturing, intuitive, and truly enjoyable—because self-care should feel good. Thank you for being part of the Cove community. I’m so grateful to support your wellness journey—both on and off the table.