If you’ve ever had a massage in the past, you know that they’re able to make your muscles loosen up. If you have never gotten a massage, then you need to know a few things before getting one. The following article was written with you in mind, to help ensure that your next massage is a great one!
When giving a massage, consider using a little bit of oil. Oil helps you to rub your hands over the skin more easily, and it also makes it easier to go deeper with pressure while giving the massage. Almond oil, olive oil and baby oil are all good choices. If you wish, add a little essential oil to make the massage fragrant.
If you have been feeling particularly stressed out, it just might be time to have a relaxing massage. Massages are not only helpful to relax you mentally but physically as well. It helps to promote circulation and loosens up your muscles. Let go of some of your stress with a massage.
Massages differ from person to person. If you notice that person seems to be enjoying a specific area massaged, concentrate on that area during their massage. You always should keep an eye out for feedback.
You should try different techniques when giving a massage. Use your hands and fingers to rub, apply pressure or even give gentle taps. Use the tip of your fingers if you need precision, for instance to relax a tense muscle. You could also try covering as much surface as possible by using the palm of your hands to apply pressure.
When your feet hurt, you hurt all over. Relieve the pain with a good foot massage you can do on your own or someone can do it for you. Stroke your foot with your thumb from the base of your heel to your toes. This motion should go back and forth across your foot at the same time.
If you experience stress or other negative emotions, you should try massaging specific points of your body. Target your nerve endings to get your body to relax. Sensitive nerve endings are located along your spine, the top of your head and in different parts of your face. You should try gently tapping on the top of your head, your forehead, cheeks and chin before taking a deep breath.
Keeping an eye on your partner is key when it comes to giving a great massage. Take note of any facial expression or if they tense up when massaging a particular area. It takes practice, but over time you will be able to read their body with your hands. If the body tenses, you may be applying too much pressure.
If your child is suffering from colic, a gentle massage may alleviate some of their suffering. Slightly warm some lavender baby lotion and gently massage your infants back, legs, hands and feet. This will help relax your child making them less fussy if they are suffering from stomach cramps caused by colic.
You should do a belly massage following every meal. Using one or both palms, start rubbing your abdominal area using clockwise circular motions. The clockwise motion is the same direction that your food digests naturally in your intestines. This can help with digestion and prevent gas and intestinal discomfort.
A great place to start with a massage is the back. When you start on your partner’s back, you will give their body an overall relaxation that is more conducive to massaging the rest of the body. The quicker you can get their entire body to relax, the more beneficial the entire massage will be.
Deep tissue massages are a great way to treat injuries, both old and new. It utilizes slow and firm friction-causing movements, applied against your muscle’s grain. This will help out with muscles that are tight, painful or injured, as well as issues with posture.
If you are pregnant and getting a massage, avoid massage tables which have holes in them. This will ensure yours and the baby’s comfort and prevent the stress to your lower back. Also, make sure you use plenty of pillows as additional padding in order to feel more comfortable and secure.
Get to your massage on time. You can’t relax if you’re late. Massage therapists have appointments the entire day that need to be done, so you should respect them like other professionals.
If you spend most of your day sitting in front of a computer, you should take frequent breaks so you can massage your neck. Place your fingers at the base of your skull and squeeze your muscles gently. Stretch your muscles by tilting your head to the side before massaging your muscles some more.
Massaging certain parts of your body on your own before and after exercise is great for muscle recovery and circulation. Before you exercise, you should pommel your body with your fists in order to stimulate blood flow. When you’re finished with exercise, rub muscles with a fist or your palm, in a direction that goes toward the heart.
Never get a massage if your doctor advises against it. This may seem obvious, but often, people will get a massage because they feel that it will help soothe them and make them feel better. If you have muscle tears, this could actually make them worse with constant pressure on your body.
Don’t make the mistake of thinking that you have to spend a lot of money to get a good massage. Meanwhile, it is human nature to choose well known spas, a smaller center or a massage school can offer the same services. Sometimes lesser known places offer better massages than their more expensive counterparts, for half the price.
As you can see, there is a lot that makes up a great massage. You need to know certain things to become a masseur, and massage recipients should also possess a bit of knowledge. Use these tips for massage mastery.
