Massage has long been something that millions of people have enjoyed and millions more have wanted to learn more about. Given the voluminous information available on the topic, it can be difficult to sort the good material from the bad. Fortunately, by reading the article that follows, you can gain a proper understanding of some of the most important elements of massage.
Massage therapy provides an excellent method of relieving pain as well as stress. If you have back pain or a lot of stress, regular massages can help. If you can not afford regular massages you might want to have a friend massage you regularly, and just see a professional massage therapist whenever you can afford to.
It’s imperative that the area you’re giving a massage in is free from all distractions, especially noise. If you’ve got a ton of traffic noise right outside or screaming families next door, then it will be tough for anyone to relax. A massage should be as relaxing as possible. If needed, move to an area that is quieter or change to a time when there will be less noise. This will help your overall state of mind during the massage.
Oils such as sweet almond and olive oil are known for their healing properties. These massage oils will absorb much better than a lotion or gel. Lotions are okay, but oil allows your hands to move effortlessly across the skin, too.
If you suffer from sinus pressure, use massage to help. A simple and quick massage under your brow line can help to clear your sinuses and make breathing much easier. Just use your fingers to massage gently over the eyes and across the bridge of your nose. This only takes minutes, and it can offer you a lot of relief.
Put your thinking on hold. One of the most difficult, yet essential elements of getting the most out of a massage is relaxing your mental state. Try to start doing some deep breathing while the therapist is setting up. Imagine that, with every inhale, you gather all the nagging and stressful thoughts in your head. On the exhale, envision blowing all of these thoughts out into space, gone forever. Keep repeating until you feel yourself relaxing.
If you suffer from PMS each month with excessive water retention and cramping, there just might be some help for you. The power of massage has been shown to help reduce that unsightly water retention so that your pants will fit a little easier. It also can help relieve the pain that comes with cramps.
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.
After you have had a massage, it is very important to drink plenty of water. You will be sore because of the toxins that have been released into your system by the massage. If you drink water right after the massage, you can flush these toxins out of your system more quickly.
Avoid holding your breath while your massage therapist is working. You may have knots that are extremely painful, yet the therapist cannot massage them out effectively if you hold your breath. Try to breathe through the muscle pain, and use a combination of deep breathing and visualization. In your mind, picture the area and imagine the knot is a lump of butter, melting in the warm sunshine.
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.
Massaging your stomach can help your digestion or get rid of your stomach ache. After eating a large meal, run your stomach clockwise. This simple technique can aid your stomach in the digestion of your food. Be gentle and keep pressure off the abdomen until digestion has finished.
Massage can help your marriage if you have a high stress job. When you come home after a hard day at work, as soothing massage by your mate can increase your love and appreciation for him or her. Instead of feeling too tired for romance, you will be more open to spending some quality time.
Believe it or not, there is a massage everyone should do after eating a meal. The technique involves using both hands, palm down on the abdomen, moving with a circular motion. Doing this aids in digestion because this is the path your food moves down your intestines.
Speak up when you are receiving a deep tissue or sports massage. There’s nothing wrong with zoning out, but you also need to speak if you have tightness or pain. The person massaging you has to know because he does not want to hurt you.
If you like gentle massages, request a Swedish massage. This type of massage uses long, gentle strokes. It has been described as the most relaxing type of massage available. This massage gently massages the superficial layers of muscle tissue resulting in relaxation and peace of mind. This type of massage is great for those who are new to massage therapy.
A mint scented massage cream is sometimes a nice alternative to oil. This will soothe the skin while making you feel relaxed and fresh. Use the highest quality products for all-day moisturization.
The art of massage is a complex topic, but also one of great interest to many. The key to acquiring a good understanding of what massage has the capacity to do for countless individuals is getting your hands on the right information. The article above should serve as a useful reference as you continue your quest for greater understanding of the subject of massage.
