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.
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.
Start your massage at the top of the back. This is important as there are a lot of muscles and knots tied up in this area. This technique will help you to soothe the person you are massaging and serves as a great bridge to the other areas of the body.
Be sure to get to your massage appointment early. If you schedule a massage, going to your appointment should be a priority. You won’t be able to properly relax if you are late. You really must strive to be relaxed from the outset.
Get rid of the worries about your body when you go to get a massage. Undressing helps a therapist get access to your tight muscles. A massage therapist is experienced with keeping you covered well with sheets. Obsessing over your physical appearance through the whole massage can keep you from getting the most out of it.
After receiving a great deep tissue massage, remember to drink a lot of water. Deep tissue massages release toxins from the muscles, and water helps to clear those toxins from your body. By drinking several glasses, you will keep your body hydrated and avoid feeling lethargic after your massage.
When you have a client that you are giving a massage to, ask whether or not they are comfortable. The last thing that you will want is someone who does not feel secure when you are giving a massage. Additionally, they will be very tight and tough to massage if they are anxious.
Prior to getting a massage, inform your massage therapist of all the problem areas you have. If you don’t you may end up wasting half of your massage time on areas that need a lot less work to feel good! This communication will give your therapist a plan of action for the limited time there is available.
If you have any medical conditions, such as you are pregnant, make sure that you let your massage therapist know. Some techniques may not be appropriate for your condition, so it is best to let the therapist know before starting. This will give him or her enough time to adjust techniques.
To perform a pregnancy massage, have the expectant mother lie on her side and gently rub her back using a circular motion. A pregnancy massage is especially beneficial during the third trimester when the weight of the baby creates pressure points in the expectant mother’s lower back and buttock areas.
When providing a massage, be sure that your hands are doing a good job of following body contours. Both your fingers and the palms of your hands should be working. You can keep the pain at a minimum in the bonier regions by only working the palm of a single hand with slight pressure. For soft tissue, use your thumbs.
If your partner needs a deep massage, use your body weight to help. Massaging strictly with your hands can get exhausting very fast, making the massage less enjoyable for the both of you. When you put some weight into it, it is easier to go deeper and provide a longer massage experience.
Aromatherapy massage uses scented therapeutic massage oils along with gentle kneading motions. These scented oils add another dimension to the standard massage by incorporating the sense of smell into the massage therapy. Aromatherapy often uses lavender, eucalyptus and chamomile. This type of massage is perfect for people suffering for stress related pain.
Try using your own visualization while getting a massage. Close your eyes and picture yourself in a favorite spot, surrounded by people you love. Take in all you love about the setting and transfer that to the feeling in your body. This can enhance your massage experience and help you to feel well rested.
When it comes to lower back pain, massage therapy is very effective and can bring helpful relief to an individual that is suffering from this affliction. Almost fifty percent of health care providers recommend therapeutic massage for patients that are suffering from lower back pain. Combined with other medical treatments, massage therapy gives many people relief from debilitating back pains.
Use a massage oil to reduce friction. While baby oil is a popular choice, you may find that a light natural oil is preferable. Apricot seed and sunflower oils are great choices that will benefit skin health as well. Warm the oil between your hands before applying it to your partner.
Make sure you aren’t holding your breath during your massage session. Pressure massage is important to work out the kinks and pains in your muscles. The stored up pension cannot be eliminated if you are holding your breath the whole time. If you are feeling nervous, try some deep and slow breathing exercises before starting your session.
If you don’t have tons of money, you may still receive a massage. Go to a nearby massage therapy school to find out when they hold their clinic. On these days, the cost of a massage is discounted.
Massages are a great way to heal your body. Different conditions can be alleviated with a simple massage once a week. Massage can be much healthier than pain-relieving medications.
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.
