Many people are choosing massage therapy as a career path today. When you are a masseuse, you help others relax minds and bodies so that they can recover from stressful days. It means learning all you can about massage, though. Check out these tips for some useful insight on massage therapy.
The use of massage oil really does help usher in the extra feeling and sensation. This helps reduce tension and stress in the muscles. Technique is one thing, and having the right massage oil really does do the extra trick. Massaging the oil into the skin as you deep tissue massage is just wonderful.
You have to make adjustments because everyone that you give a massage to will be different. If your subject enjoys a certain area, then keep massaging in that area. Watch for passive feedback and solicit active feedback.
If you want to give a great massage, then you need to keep your eyes on the person getting it. Check out how they are reacting to different motions and levels of pressure. If you practice for a time, you’ll eventually be able to use your hand to read the body. If they tense, you are applying too much pressure.
Request that your clients shave before their massage treatment so that your hands will glide over their skin more easily. This creates a smooth surface which will make your job a lot easier, particularly if oil is being used. This allows your hands to move about in a more free motion.
Consider massaging your body prior to exercising and immediately afterwards too. Massaging prior to working out helps raise blood flow into all of your muscles. And after a workout, a quick massage helps your muscles recover a lot quicker. It’s definitely worth the extra five minutes before and after exercise!
If you want a massage that gets your energy in balance while staying in motion instead of lying on a table, try Thai massage. Your therapist will move you all over the place, running through postures much like yoga. It really gets your energy up and reduces stress while increasing range of motion.
Pay attention to how your partner responds during a massage. If your partner tenses up, you are probably massaging him or her in a way that is too intense. If your partner seems to feel tickled, you might be going too light with your fingers. Paying attention can help you to find the right balance that will really please your partner.
You can give yourself a hand massage by using a pencil with an eraser. Use the pencil eraser to press into the fleshy areas of your hand, paying particular attention to the thumb pad. Move the eraser in a circular motion around your hand maximizing the pressure if it is necessary.
Eliminate stomach pain and improve your digestion by massaging your stomach. After a meal, use two hands and gently massage your abdomen in a clockwise motion. By doing this, you are loosening up your stomach muscles while moving things around gently, thus helping you with your digestion. Be gentle and keep pressure off the abdomen until digestion has finished.
If you are going to be giving a massage, make sure that you are using lubricant. Lubricant can be any form of lotion or even therapeutic oils. Whichever you choose, make sure that it is appropriate for the recipient of the massage. Lubricants can help you glide across the body without disturbing the rhythmic movements.
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.
After giving an oil massage, offer a shower. This is a soothing step that will remove the excess oil. It also ensures their pores don’t clog.
Avoid eating before a massage. You want at least 90 minutes between your last meal and your massage. However, more time is better. Allow your body to digest its meal so you can fully relax and get all the benefits of your massage. As a bonus you will be spared embarrassing stomach gurgling noises during your session.
Before and after you exercise, you should give your body a good massage. Before you exercise, use your fists in a pummeling motion to stimulate blood flow to your arms and legs. After you exercise, rub your muscles with your fist or palm. Move along your heart’s direction. This helps to speed up your recovery and aids in waste removal.
You may already know that it is customary to tip your masseuse. If you are new to this, tipping 15% to 20% is customary. The only time you shouldn’t think about tipping is if you are getting physical therapy treatments at a medical facility. Never hand your masseuse a wad of cash, leave it at the front desk with the clerk.
Wear loose fitting clothing to your massage. Your masseuse will ask you to disrobe down to the level of your comfort, and so the last thing you want to do is struggle with multiple layers or tight clothing as you get ready for your massage! Many people wear workout clothing when they get a massage.
Be sure to get a sports massage if you participate heavily in athletics. This type of massage helps you heal injuries and improve your strength for better sports performance. Additionally, it can help you avoid injuries in the future. This can help your blood circulate and is a rougher massage.
When you train to become a massage therapist, you’ll use all that you’ve learned through your training to help your customer relax and make their body feel better. If you want to be a great massage therapist, then you’re going to need to use everything this article has taught you. With lots of effort and hard work, you can become a great masseuse.
