Don’t you want to know how to give a better massage? You’re going to be surprised that it’s not major adjustments that are needed in order to make this happen. Instead, you are going to find out that gentle techniques and short tips are what get you to the point where you’re giving people great massages.
Change your mindset about massage. Instead of thinking of it as a luxury, think of massage as a therapeutic approach to health. Research shows that massage can lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol, as well as lessening asthma symptoms in children. Additionally, those tension headaches are no match for the hands of a skilled massage therapist.
One of the most important things to consider when you are giving your massage to someone is to make sure that the environment is up to par. Try to keep things comfortable and use towels to soften the area that the person you are massaging will be lying on top of.
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.
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.
Keep the noise levels down. If someone wants to relax while getting a massage, having someone talking the whole time can make it difficult to do so. Play quiet music or even some sounds of nature. Or, keep the room as quiet as possible.
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.
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.
When you give someone a massage, don’t neglect the hands and feet. These parts of the body are most sensitive and may be where the person gets the best feelings. Whenever you massage these parts, make sure you are firm so that the muscles are loosened up.
When your massage therapist tells you to drink water, listen! It is easy to become dehydrated quickly after a massage because toxins and fluids are released from your body. Drinking lots of water will help to replenish the fluids you are losing. If you choose to drink caffeine filled sodas or alcohol instead, you will suffer the consequences.
Be on time for your massage appointment. The day may be about relaxation, but the timing is still important. The therapist typically has a packed schedule, so it is important that you are mindful of that.
Before massaging the back, make sure that the massage oil is warm. Oil that is cold can be surprising and uncomfortable to the person receiving the massage. Put some oil on the palm of your hands, then rub them together to warm it up. Friction heats the surface of your palms and the oil along with it for a perfect body temperature.
Rub your belly following a meal! Really! It’s the truth! Doing this the right way will help you with your digestion. The right way to do this is to put your hands on your stomach and rub in a clockwise motion. This direction will simulate how your food is digested.
Take advantage of the non-human massages that you can get. Instead of going to a person for your massage, there are different whirlpools that you can use, which have jets that can massage your back and body. This can be a great form of not only relief, but exercise as well.
When you are giving a massage, the atmosphere you provide will do wonders for your partner. Try using soft music in the background to relax your partner. Diffuser oils and candles will relax your partners senses and make them feel at ease. Also using low or soft lighting will help your partner relax and get into the mood for a great massage.
If you are unsure of which massage therapist to see in your area, ask your family members and coworkers. Referrals are crucial. While they don’t ensure that you will get a great therapist, they do increase your odds tremendously. After you get a few names, do your own research to see which person you think best fits your needs.
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.
Getting a massage can positively impact your health. It may be worth your while to check if your insurance covers massages. If this is the case, you could save a lot of money and be able to schedule massages more often.
Do you now feel like it’s time to give the person you love the best massage? Take what you’ve learned with you so that you can use it and continue to expand upon your knowledge. You now know how to give a much better massage, so make it happen!
