If you want to give massages, wouldn’t you want some solid advice? With the right knowledge, your skills will seem professional. Continue reading this article full some great insider information you should know about giving or getting massages.
Try getting a therapeutic massage. There has been proof that this type of massage can lower stress levels, help get rid of tension headaches caused by contracting muscles in the face, neck and head, and better the breathing of asthmatic children. It’s believed that is type of massage is so successful due to people believing in it so much, which creates a powerful mind and body connection.
Everyone is different, so make sure to switch up your techniques when giving massages. If your subject enjoys a certain area, then keep massaging in that area. Take the feedback to heart.
Make the most of your massage by drinking lots of water. Why? Because a good massage gets your circulation going, but water is needed to flush toxins out of your body. Hydrating before your massage makes your blood less sluggish, making it easier for the masseuse to rub excess lactic acid out of your muscles. Staying hydrated after aids your body in processing and eliminating these toxins.
If your baby is having a difficult time sleeping, give massage a try. Massage is relaxing and easy for any parent to do. Just rest the baby on your lap and rub the back, arms, legs and neck gently. You can even use a little oil to make the massage more enjoyable.
Your feet are a lot more sensitive than they look. You can find many nerve endings in this part of your body and massaging your feet could help you relieve the pain you experience in another part of your body. A foot massage is also a great way to relieve stress.
If you tend to have a lot of tension in your muscles, but you don’t like a rigorous massage, hot stone massage might be your best choice. The stones, which are smooth, are made warm and then placed onto specific areas of the body. This warms the muscles and tissues, releasing tension and pent-up energy.
Avoid holding your breath while your massage therapist is working. You may have knots that are extremely painful, yet the therapist cannot massage them out effectively if you hold your breath. Try to breathe through the muscle pain, and use a combination of deep breathing and visualization. In your mind, picture the area and imagine the knot is a lump of butter, melting in the warm sunshine.
Do not forget to stretch before and after you receive a massage. A massage will be more efficient if your muscles are already warm and you will have more energy after your massage if you take a few minutes to stretch your muscles. Besides, stretching is an efficient way to relieve muscle pain.
Athletes know about a sports massage. Everyone who’s into exercising can also find this to be a good massage as well. This type of massage helps to build your body and strengthen it against future injury in addition to repairing your current injury.
If you’re self-massaging, where should you concentrate on? Where it hurts, of course! Tender areas are a great starting point, and you should radiate outwards from there. Sometimes you will notice other spots emerging, so focus on those as well. When the good feeling stops, you can end the massage.
When your massage therapist tells you to drink water, listen! It is easy to become dehydrated quickly after a massage because toxins and fluids are released from your body. Drinking lots of water will help to replenish the fluids you are losing. If you choose to drink caffeine filled sodas or alcohol instead, you will suffer the consequences.
Before you start your massage, you need to make sure the therapist knows your medical conditions. This is especially true if you are pregnant. They’ll be able to devise a plan for your care. This will help you become as knowledgeable as possible regarding your situation.
See if your masseuse has a referral program. This can help you save a lot of money over time. If you don’t have much money to spend, this will help to continue to give you the ability to get the massages that you really need.
If you are getting a massage and you do not feel comfortable or suddenly feel like you are in pain, do not be afraid to end it. You are the paying customer whose pleasure should be the number one concern, so if you feel discomfort at any time, you have the right to conclude your session.
The patient isn’t made of glass, so don’t be afraid to close your fists or use your elbows to thump along the body’s outline. This small exertion of force at the beginning of a massage helps waken the nerves and loosen the tired muscles. Apply a gentle amount of force and follow along the shoulders, ribcage, and lower neck for maximum efficiency.
You want to make sure that you go to a reputable place that has professional staff members who are trained in the art of massage. Ask your friends who have gotten massages before for their recommendations, and do some internet research to find reviews of good places in your area.
Make sure you arrive for your massage freshly showered! First and foremost, this is a basic courtesy to your masseuse – would you want to massage someone who had not showered?! – and taking a shower will also help your muscles get nice and relaxed, which will help your massage feel better.
You will be able to give your partner a much needed massage. Plan to give it on a night after she has been working really hard, or surprise her on an afternoon one weekend. Remember what you’ve learned here, and keep getting better at massage.