If you’ve always want to give and get massages, but know little about the subject, fret not. There are definitely a lot of things to be learned, but they are all within your reach. The article below has the information that you need to make informed decisions about the art of massage.
Tools are imperative to utilize during a massage. Use massage balls and other assistive devices to give a more efficient massage. They can be found inexpensively online and in specialty stores. Try several different kinds to see what works best for you.
Try not to eat if you are about to receive a massage. The last thing that you want to feel during a massage is uncomfortable. Make sure your food is fully digested before the massage. This helps you stay comfortable no matter the position you may need to get into during your massage.
Always get there early when you are scheduled for a massage. It’s not hard to forget what time it is when you’re busy. If this occurs, and you have to rush to make the appointment, you might not relax as much during the massage. You have to be relaxed once you begin.
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.
Use an absorbent massage oil. This will go on smooth and is also wonderful for the skin. Oils will let your hands glide smoothly over the skin, unlike a lot of lotions.
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.
Ask for the lights to be turned down. You want the entire experience to be enjoyable and relaxing, and dimming the lights will give you that mood. It doesn’t have to be a completely dark room, but no brighter than accent candles.
Immediately after a massage, ensure you get up very slowly. Remember that you have been prone and totally relaxed for 30 minutes or more. If you rise too quickly, you might become light-headed, so proceed with caution following a massage.
If you’re pregnant, you can still enjoy a massage if it is given by a license therapist. This is a great way to deal with morning sickness, stress, back pain, sore breasts and swollen ankles. You can continue it after birth to deal with postpartum depression, weight loss and baby-carrying pains, too.
You can give yourself a hand massage by using a pencil with an eraser. Use the pencil eraser to press into the fleshy areas of your hand, paying particular attention to the thumb pad. Move the eraser in a circular motion around your hand maximizing the pressure if it is necessary.
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.
Wondering where the best places are to massage on the body? The place where the discomfort is at! Begin in that area and work your way outward. Easing tension in one spot can lead you to feel pain in another area, so take your time working them all out. When you cease feeling pleasure, the massage can stop.
Speak up about potential medical issues. If you suffer from an illness that could be aggravated by a massage or if you are pregnant, say something. Your masseuse will be able to adjust their technique to give you a great massage that works around your ailment and keeps you safe.
You do not have to remove your clothing for a massage. Many people feel uncomfortable being completely undressed, so don’t be afraid to keep some clothing on if it makes you more relaxed. Your masseuse will not be offended. The goal of a massage is to relax, so stressing about clothing is counter-productive.
Many ailments can be alleviated with regular visits to a massage parlor. From debilitating conditions like Fibromyalgia to simple stress, a massage can do wonders for both mind and body. Consider this alternative to more medication or tolerating more pain and discomfort. Ask your doctor if a healthy massage can help you out!
Make sure you speak up if your massage is too hard or too soft for your liking. This is a service that you are paying quite a bit for, so if your masseuse is applying too much or too little pressure, let them know so they can adjust their pressure accordingly.
Do not immediately engage in strenuous activity following a massage. Taking a short, calming walk or sitting and reading for a few minutes would be ideal. It is often reported that people feel dizzy following a massage, and this means that the body is not ready to jump into heavy lifting or heart racing activities. It is fine to enjoy these activities a little later in the day, about an hour or so after your massage.
As you can now see, there are a lot of interesting variables that go into giving and getting great massages. Apply what you’ve learned here, and you will be an expert on the subject in no time. Going forward, enjoy the wonderful world of massage and what it can do for you.
