A massage can be a wonderful way to soothe aching muscles and joints, as any doctor will tell you! If you are interested in learning more about the benefits of getting a massage or the possibilities in giving them, read on. This article is filled with expert tips and advice.
Drink plenty of water after you have a massage. When your tissues are stimulated during a massage, toxins are released into your body. Drinking a glass of water helps flush those toxins out and reduces the negative side effects. During the first hour after your massage you should drink at least two glasses of water, and another eight before 24 hours ends.
Feeling a little blue? Go get a massage! The health benefits of massage are numerous, and studies have shown that one of the benefits of massage is elevated serotonin. Serotonin is a neurochemical that makes us feel happy, yet lack of sleep, hormone fluctuations, gloomy weather and poor diets can lower your body’s natural serotonin stores.
How you massage will depend on each person. If you’re noticing positive responses when massaging certain areas, give extra attention to those regions. Don’t be afraid to ask them what they need, either!
Only disrobe to your comfort level. For many people, undressing for a massage is not a big deal. This is not the case with some and they often find themselves feeling uncomfortable or self-conscious during the massage. This will reduce the effect of the massage. Avoid this by only taking off the clothing you are comfortable with.
Ask you friends who they use for their massages. It can be hard to find a massage therapist that you are comfortable with, but knowing that someone you know uses and trusts them you will feel that much better about it. Ask as many people as you can before you decide on one to try.
A foot massage can be used for more than tired, achy feet. You can search online and find foot maps that show which area of the foot can be massaged to experience relief from a myriad of symptoms throughout your body. For example, pressing on the big toe is known to relieve sinus pain and pressure.
When you decide to get a massage, make sure you are communicating with your massage therapist. If you have any massage preferences, make sure you tell him or her when entering the room and before starting. If during the massage you are feeling pain or experiencing numbness, make sure you let your therapist know by speaking up.
As you get into the deeper parts of a massage, pick up the pace. Start slowly to allow your subject time to relax and to acquaint yourself with the subject’s body structure. Then, you can start to move faster to get knots out.
Massaging your belly can help with a sore stomach or poor indigestion. After eating a meal, you should rub your hands clockwise on your abdomen. This procedure should aid your body in the digestive process. Do this gently and avoid applying pressure on or near your abdomen until your food has fully been digested.
Interestingly enough, a certain type of massage can be very helpful after eating. Place both palms on your abdomen and make a circular motion with them. This aids in proper digestion because food moves along your digestive system in this way.
Do not be afraid to try new massage techniques when visiting the spa. Some spas offer massages where hot stones are used, others couple massages with a chocolate wrap or seaweed. These techniques can enhance the entire experience, benefiting your muscles, skin and psyche. Consider them if you are looking for a real pampering experience.
If you are battling cancer it can really take a toll on your body. You are probably feeling a little depressed, some anxiety, fatigue and nausea from the treatments and the diagnosis in general. Having a massage has been proven to help fight off all of these symptoms, which can help you to fight even that much harder to beat it.
Mint is a key ingredient to look for in massage lotions. This will soothe the skin while making you feel relaxed and fresh. Make sure that the products you purchase are high-quality and very moisturizing.
Do you have a cold? You can relieve sinus pressure by massaging your face gently. Massage your forehead and temples and apply gentle pressure around your nose and eyes. Repeat this process throughout the day until the pressure is gone. This technique is useful to relieve headaches and stress too.
It’s common to forget how important it is to drink water following a massage in favor of a nap. You really should be sure that you do so because it gets rid of the toxins that were released during your massage.
If you have a less than pleasant experience having a massage, try not to write them off completely. Everyone has their own style and techniques and no two massage therapists are the same. Ask for a recommendation from a friend for someone new, and explain your experience to them so they can do their best to make your massage with them as pleasant as possible.
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.
Massages can be a very valuable asset to your well-being. Nearly everyone who gets one enjoys immediate relief from soreness, tension and stress. Hopefully this article has answered all the questions you have about giving or getting a massage. Why not use this information to improve your health and wellness, right away?