There is something to be said about massage, the joy it brings to the recipient. Would you like to be a better masseuse? Would you like to receive a better massage? All it takes is a little knowledge about massage to truly make the activity more enjoyable for everyone involved.
Petrissage is the best way to relieve stress and make pain disappear. This method requires you to use your fingertips and your thumb. Grab hold of a muscle and squeeze it for a few seconds before moving on to a different area. Go over the same areas several times until the pain disappears.
Don’t allow loud sounds near the massage area. Having tons of noise nearby makes it difficult for a person to relax, which minimizes the effectiveness of the massage. In massage, relaxation is key. If it is louder than you can tolerate, consider finding a new location or time to have your massage. This will definitely help the relaxation levels.
Analyze how your partner is reacting to the massage as you do it. Check out how they are reacting to different motions and levels of pressure. Practice will make perfect as you explore their body. For example, if their face goes into a grimace, they likely are not happy.
If you have arthritis, you know just how painful it is. While medication offers some support, it doesn’t always stop the deep pain felt from within the body. Massage may be able to help this affliction. It increases circulation and awakens the muscles.
Schedule your massages smartly. If you usually get sleepy after a massage, you should avoid getting one before you have to go to work. However, if massages help you get some energy, do not hesitate to schedule a massage before you have to go through a stressful day at work.
When you’re giving a massage to someone, you should use slower movements so that they’re more calming. Use your fingers to support your thumbs. Also make sure to use your weight so you don’t get tired.
When you are giving someone a massage, avoid talking. The worst thing in the world is to try to unwind and relax, only to have your masseuse talk your ear off. Nature sounds or soft music is all that should be heard. Apart from that, maintain things as quiet as possible.
If you have a favorite fragrance of massage oil, bring it to your next massage. More than likely, the therapist will be willing to use it. Sometimes they may have a preference for oils of a certain type, but it is definitely worth asking to see if they are willing to use your favorite.
The feet are an often overlooked area that needs to be massaged. There are many pressure points in the feet that can relax the body as a whole and give the entire body a sense of well being. Focus on one foot at a time and use as much pressure as your partner will allow.
Try to save conversation for after the massage. You may love chatting with your massage therapist, but talking during the massage prevents you from ever relaxing fully. In fact, it may actually cause some muscles to tense up, making your therapist’s job even more difficult. Do speak up about your needs, however — if the room’s too cold, the music is too loud, or any other factor that prevents you from sinking deep into relaxation.
If you happen to be a massage novice, go for the deep tissue, or perhaps the Swedish massage. There are plenty of types to choose from, and some may not be as good as others. These are the basic types you should start out with.
If you are getting a full body massage, always ask to take a shower or at least wash your feet prior to beginning the massage. You can hold a lot of dirt and bacteria on places like your feet and hands, and you do not want your massage therapist massaging those areas first and then placing their hands on your face for further massage.
Did you know you have great self-massage tools around the house? Why not lie on a tennis ball for a sore spot on your back? A rolling pin is great for the bottom of your feet. Walk around your house and you may be surprised by all the great tools you find!
Massaging your own shoulders can be enjoyable if you do it right. Beginning at the top of your spine, using one hand or two, use your hand to stroke from skull to shoulders. Then work your way across the shoulder outwards. Go back towards the neck and repeat the process.
Do not be late if you make an appointment for a massage. Being late can disrupt a massage therapist’s entire schedule. Your therapist has other appointments to attend to, so be on time.
When you go for your massage, you are paying good money for a relaxing experience. Do not ruin your massage by not using the restroom before you begin. The best massages are continuous from 45 minutes to an hour. If you have to take a break in the middle of the massage for a restroom break, you are not going to be fully relaxed at the end of your session.
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.
These tips and tricks have been gathered here to ensure you can love the massages in your life. Anyone who gives or gets a massage needs this knowledge so that the massage itself can be much better. Thanks to reading this article, you’ve been equipped with the advice necessary for great massages.
