Have you enjoyed the pleasure of a good massage? If you have, then you are already aware of how amazing one can feel. However, you may not know all there is to know about massages. Learning about the different types of massages will help you to find the one that suits you best. Learn some important pointers and tips about massage by reading this article.
Have an open mind when you go for a massage. Particularly if it is new to you, there is a possibility that you may feel apprehension about the process of getting a massage. Do not allow this to keep you from the enjoyment. Stay relaxed and give the professional a chance to continue with the massage.
A massage is a wonderful way to alleviate stress and pain. If your back hurts chronically, or other stress issues are bothering you, get regular massages. Find a loved one who can massage you, or make an appointment with a massage therapist.
An easy way to give a relaxing massage is by using a technique called “raking”. In it, you just run your fingertips (spread hands) down the person’s back, gently moving back and forth. Really, you’re doing a raking motion up and down. For added effect, try alternating your hands – one rakes up while the other rakes down.
Put your thinking on hold. One of the most difficult, yet essential elements of getting the most out of a massage is relaxing your mental state. Try to start doing some deep breathing while the therapist is setting up. Imagine that, with every inhale, you gather all the nagging and stressful thoughts in your head. On the exhale, envision blowing all of these thoughts out into space, gone forever. Keep repeating until you feel yourself relaxing.
If you suffer from PMS each month with excessive water retention and cramping, there just might be some help for you. The power of massage has been shown to help reduce that unsightly water retention so that your pants will fit a little easier. It also can help relieve the pain that comes with cramps.
Before you give a massage, stretch all of the areas that you are planning to use. This means that you will need to stretch your fingers, arms, neck, back and legs so that you can reduce cramps during your massage and get all areas involved. If you are providing a long massage session, stretching is imperative.
When you are giving a person a massage, be sure to always keep one hand on them at all times. This helps the client to feel secure and remain in a relaxed state. Move slowly and steadily with confidence, and the person being massaged will feel comfortable and be able to enjoy the experience.
Finding the right therapist is very important when it comes to massages. You do not want to visit an inexperienced or inept therapist who may cause you more harm than good. Ask friends or family if they know of a good one in your area or look on the Internet for reviews.
When you plan to book an appointment for a massage, call up a few local spas and ask them what they have to offer. You may find that they provide a massage style which you’d like to try out, or that they don’t offer the old standby you’d prefer to use.
Wake yourself up in the morning or calm yourself down at night with a good massage! To do this, gently thump your body with your fists. Begin at your legs and arms and go from bottom to top. This massage is great for relieving stress and tension. However, avoid this massage if you are currently taking any blood thinners because you could bruise your body.
Go online for help in selecting a massage therapist. If that doesn’t work, talk to your primary care physician. You can also talk to a nurse or a chiropractor in the area whose work you respect. Professional recommendations are almost as good (if not better) than personal recommendations, particularly if you trust the individual.
A proper environment is essential to a successful therapeutic back massage at home. The ideal location is in a quiet, warm and relaxed environment. If you’re not doing the massage in an area like that, the person you’re massaging may not be able to relax or reap all of the benefits of a therapeutic massage.
Let the masseuse know what you want when you pay for a massage! Some massage therapists overdo pressure on the body, some don’t put enough, and you have to let them know, so they can do what you’d like them to do. You are the one paying for the massage, might as well get one you love.
Make sure you aren’t holding your breath during your massage session. Pressure massage is important to work out the kinks and pains in your muscles. The stored up pension cannot be eliminated if you are holding your breath the whole time. If you are feeling nervous, try some deep and slow breathing exercises before starting your session.
Try not to look at massage therapy as a one and done thing, especially if you have chronic pain. Massaging has a lot of great benefits over the long haul, through multiple sessions. Schedule a few of them over the course of the month and evaluate the results after several sessions and not just one.
When giving a massage, friction is your enemy. It is important to use massage oil to keep the skin lubricated as you rub it. Stay gentle, unless your client asks you to rub a little more enthusiastically, and keep control of your movements. This will lead to a most enjoyable massage.
At the end of the day, people who’ve had a good massage before understand just how wonderful it can be. The more knowledge you have, the more comfortable, relaxing and beneficial your massage treatments will be. You massage will be the best it can be when you take advantage of the advice above.
