How good are your massages? Does your spouse complain when you give a massage, or are you really just not sure what you’re doing? If you learn a few simple strategies, you can transfer from novice to intermediate pretty fast. It’s time you learned how to give a good massage, so keep reading.
Massage tools are great for massages. Something like a massage ball can really enhance your experience. They can be found quite easily online and in specialty store. Try out the different tools and learn which ones work best for you.
Try giving yourself or someone a foot massage. Focusing on the soles first can really relax a person. Start stroking the soles of the foot going back and forth in straight lines. Do these motions starting from the heel to the bases of the toes. After the soles have been properly massaged, you can move on to the toes and the top and middle of the foot.
Ask you friends who they use for their massages. It can be hard to find a massage therapist that you are comfortable with, but knowing that someone you know uses and trusts them you will feel that much better about it. Ask as many people as you can before you decide on one to try.
An easy way to give a relaxing massage is by using a technique called “raking”. In it, you just run your fingertips (spread hands) down the person’s back, gently moving back and forth. Really, you’re doing a raking motion up and down. For added effect, try alternating your hands – one rakes up while the other rakes down.
Heated oils, such as olive or sweet almond, are perfect for a massage. The reason you use massage oils instead of gels or lotions is that the oils are absorbed into the body and can help soothe your muscles. Your hands are also much more able to glide over a person’s skin when you use massage oil.
One of the best things that you can do before and after your massage is to drink a lot of water. Water will help to eliminate some of the free radicals that are in your body, which may be causing your discomfort in the first place. This will optimize your overall experience.
You should give yourself massages to rid kinks. You can begin this process by thumping the outside parts of the body. Start at the top of your head and work your way down to your toes. This is a good massage technique to use right after you get up to get your blood flowing. If you do it before you fall asleep in the evenings, you can help prepare yourself for a restful night’s sleep.
A foot massage can be given to yourself with a simple technique that most athletes know of. If you have a spare tennis ball, roll your feet on the surface of it. You should move side to side with your feet and from front to back as well. Focus on the most sensitive part of your foot, the arch.
Do not forget to stretch before and after you receive a massage. A massage will be more efficient if your muscles are already warm and you will have more energy after your massage if you take a few minutes to stretch your muscles. Besides, stretching is an efficient way to relieve muscle pain.
Use candles to set the mood. Candles provide subtle lighting, while simultaneously creating a relaxing atmosphere. Scented candles are also a great idea. Place them evenly throughout the room, at varying elevations. It is also important to be safe when using candles. Keep them away from hanging fabric such as curtains.
If you are planning on a massage of your entire body, make sure your feet are thoroughly cleaned ahead of time. Your feet are covered in bacteria, and your massage therapist might help bacteria spread to other parts of your body since the full body massage usually begins with the feet. Just wash them like you would in the shower.
Have you been having trouble sleeping at night? This is a common problem that a lot of people have in common. If you are leery about taking prescription or over the counter sleep aids, there is a solution. Having a massage relaxes you mind, body and spirit, which helps you to fall asleep easier each night.
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.
The goal of any massage is to make your partner feel good and relaxed. The massage will help with this, but the environment will also play a part in it as well. Set the mood and have some nice scents like candles or potpourri fill the air. Furthermore, a good massage table to make your partner comfortable will help tremendously.
Doing eye massages can relieve tired and sore eyes. The main benefit of this massage is using warmth to relieve pain and strain. Begin this massage by rubbing your hands together vigorously. Do this until your hands start to feel warm. When hands are warm, cover each eye with a palm until the warmth goes away.
It’s time that you put everything together that you’ve just learned to see what you can do. Test out your techniques on someone you love, and their reaction will tell you how well you’re doing. As you continue to learn more, realize that it’s the little things that help make the difference.
