Perhaps due to the increasingly stressful and hectic nature of today’s fast-paced modern lifestyle, massage therapy is more popular than ever before. Learning to give the perfect massage takes time and effort, but if you are willing to study and work hard you can definitely become a great masseuse. This article is filled with massage tips and advice to help you on your way.
If you decide to get a massage in the comfort of your own home, take a hot shower first. The hot water will help relax your muscles through the penetrating heat. This will ensure that your massage is more comfortable and any aches or pains are eliminated before the start.
One great massage technique that you can do for your partner is called raking. Raking means that you spread your hands out, and using your fingertips, you rake up one side of the back right by the spine while you rake downward on the other side with your other hand.
Massages ease pain and stress. Particularly if you have ongoing stress problems or chronic pain, you will likely find some relief with regular massages. A friend or professional could give you the massages.
Make the most of your massage by drinking lots of water. Why? Because a good massage gets your circulation going, but water is needed to flush toxins out of your body. Hydrating before your massage makes your blood less sluggish, making it easier for the masseuse to rub excess lactic acid out of your muscles. Staying hydrated after aids your body in processing and eliminating these toxins.
You should use different oils when massaging a person. This is particularly important as each person reacts differently to various oils. Oils provide the lubrication you need to easily give a massage.
Giving a great massage is all about feeling out your partner. The best massage therapists will tell you that you need to let your hands read the body. Follow the bodies curves and lighten pressure as you go over bony areas. Modify the shape of your hand to fit in the curves of the body.
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.
Give your feet a personal massage, without the help of a therapist. Your foot can be rolled over a tennis ball or a golf ball. Go from toe to heel and sideways with the foot. Keep your massage concentrated on the area where your arches are because they are sensitive.
Do not hesitate to talk to your doctor about massages. If you deal with back pains or muscle pains on a regular basis, ask your doctor if massages would be a good solution. Your doctor should be able to recommend a good massage clinic in your area and even write you a prescription.
Before beginning your massage, discuss pressure with your massage therapist. Some people like massages that are very deep with a hard intensity. Others prefer a lighter touch or even Reiki style massages where touch is not necessary. If you let your therapist know what works for you, they can adjust the massage to meet your individual needs.
Engage in a dialogue when you are giving your massage. This is important as you not only want to know if you are doing things right, but if the person is comfortable or not. This is crucial to know if you are applying pressure, as you do not want to hurt them or have them feel nothing at all.
Massage can help you kick a pain killer habit. Regular massages are proven to be very beneficial to aching muscles and joints, and they also help you to relax. Find out if your insurance will cover massage visits if you have certain health issues.
If you are giving a deep tissue massage, incorporate your elbows into it. This may feel uncomfortable at first for the person you are massaging, but is a fantastic way of spreading out the muscle and causing a very pleasurable sensation. Never push too hard though, as this will then feel uncomfortable.
Drink plenty of water before and after your massage. Drinking before your massage session ensures that your muscles are well-hydrated and supple, making the massage more effective. Water after your massage will flush out the toxins that were released and can even help prevent soreness by hastening muscle recovery time.
If you do not have a lot of spare money, you can still get a massage. Find a local massage school, and ask when their clinic is. This is a great way to save.
When you are giving a massage, find out the tolerance of the person receiving the massage. Some people are quite sensitive to it. They become ticklish and rigid, which is not a desirable effect of a massage. Adjust your technique so the person does not tense up when you touch him.
If you are planning on giving your partner a massage, do not be too upset if they are not willing to return the favor immediately. If you do the job right, your partner should be so relaxed, they will not want to give a massage right after. Plan on trading off and taking turns in giving and receiving of massages.
It’s a good idea to add massage to any course of treatment. Massage is great therapy for relaxation and general improvement of health. It has been proven that regular massage can help children with asthma regulate and train their breathing patterns. Additionally, massage can help reduce cortisol (stress hormone) levels in the blood stream.
As was mentioned at the top of this article, massage therapy is more popular than ever before. Soothing, relaxing massages offer individuals an ideal way to soothe their bodies and spirits. If you are interested in being a great masseuse, you should carefully apply all of the information you’ve learned from this article.
