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.
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.
If you have problems with tension headaches and medication is not doing the trick, consider massage. Massage helps to relax the body, and it can target specific pressure points that offer benefits. Enjoying a massage once a week might be all you need to get rid of your headaches and keep them away.
After you give a massage to someone, make sure that they take a warm bath. This will help to further the effect of the massage and soothe the muscles even more. After this person takes the bath, they will feel more refreshed and looser then they ever had in their entire life.
When you get a massage, request that the lights be dimmed. A darker room is more calming and peaceful as it resembles night time. Candlelight is your best bet.
After a massage, take your time while getting up. You have been lying down for almost an hour. It is possible that you will feel faint when returning to an upright position, so move gradually.
If you are giving a romantic massage to your partner, consider lighting the room with candles. Candles provide just the right amount of light so you can see what you are doing, while still allowing your partner to relax. They are also very romantic, and they can lend to the feeling you are trying to create in the moment.
Many athletes know about a sports massage. Even if you are an amateur at exercise, sports massage can benefit you. These massages weren’t designed to get rid of stress or to cause relaxation; they were made to make the body stronger to fight off injuries.
As time passes, speed up. This will help build up a steady pace so that you can get maximum results. After some time, you may move your hands faster across the body while applying harder pressure.
Did you know you have great self-massage tools around the house? Why not lie on a tennis ball for a sore spot on your back? A rolling pin is great for the bottom of your feet. Walk around your house and you may be surprised by all the great tools you find!
Hydrate, hydrate. A massage loosens lymph fluid, lactic acid and other toxins from your soft tissues. This is part of what makes your muscles feel so nice afterward. However, if you are dehydrated, there is no way for these toxins to leave your system. This could leave you feeling sore and slightly nauseated after your massage, which defeats the whole effort and wastes money. So, make sure you drink up!
Have the person you are massaging lie on a flat surface while on their stomach. This is the most beneficial position when you are giving a massage, as it allows their back muscles to stay loose while there is nothing pressing against it. You will want their position to be loose and free at all times.
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.
Don’t lie on a spa intake form! It is important that you list any medical issues or injuries you have experienced. This not only protects the spa from liability if you end up sick after the massage, but it allows them to determine exactly how the massage should be conducted for your health and safety.
Massaging is a great way to relieve pain and stress but keep in mind that a massage might not be your best option if your joints or articulations are bothering you. You should go to a chiropractor for some adjustments instead of massaging or trying to adjust your joints yourself.
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.
Before giving a massage, make sure you warm your hands. Cold hands don’t feel great on the body, and they may cause the person getting the massage to start tensing up. An excellent way to warm your hands is rubbing them together using a massage lotion prior to your massage.
Look into getting massages from students if you are on a slim budget. Massages can be very expensive, but students are always looking for people to practice on and they are usually very good. Additionally, their teacher is on hand for advice, so you are usually in really good hands.
You should try getting a Vichy shower if you are dealing with more stress than you can handle. Some massage clinics have a shallow wet bed under a series of shower nozzles that can be adjusted. This type of massage is very soothing, and the water can be more gentle than a deep tissue massage.
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.
