Massage for stress relief is a universally beloved experience. Be that as it may, many people don’t know the first thing about giving a good massage. But, with some useful advice, you’ll be able to receive or give massages loved ones will be jealous of. Read on to find out more.
If you suffer from back pain, especially in your lower back, having regular massages could be very beneficial. Having a professional relax your muscles can really work wonders and prevent you from further back injuries. It can also help with back spasms, which can be very painful and sometimes debilitating.
Have an open mind when you go for a massage. If this is your first massage, you might think that some approaches or techniques are unusual. But it can still be a wonderful experience. If you relax and trust the therapist you have chosen, you will be allowing him or her to do the best job possible to meet your needs.
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.
You should try different techniques when giving a massage. Use your hands and fingers to rub, apply pressure or even give gentle taps. Use the tip of your fingers if you need precision, for instance to relax a tense muscle. You could also try covering as much surface as possible by using the palm of your hands to apply pressure.
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.
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.
If you will be getting a massage to have some stress relieved, go with an aromatherapy massage. Along with a massage, the therapist will use essential oils on your capillaries in order to relax the body. Most of these oils come from flowers, roots, and herbs and are completely safe.
Try doing a simple self-massage to get rid of the kinks. Use your thumbs on different tight points on your body. Begin near your arms and legs and go from top to bottom. If you engage in this activity when you first get up, you will find that you have the energy for what lies ahead. You can also use this technique before you go to bed to relax and get ready for sleep.
Consider massaging your body prior to exercising and immediately afterwards too. Massaging prior to working out helps raise blood flow into all of your muscles. And after a workout, a quick massage helps your muscles recover a lot quicker. It’s definitely worth the extra five minutes before and after exercise!
Try to save conversation for after the massage. You may love chatting with your massage therapist, but talking during the massage prevents you from ever relaxing fully. In fact, it may actually cause some muscles to tense up, making your therapist’s job even more difficult. Do speak up about your needs, however — if the room’s too cold, the music is too loud, or any other factor that prevents you from sinking deep into relaxation.
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.
Let your masseuse know how you feel when getting a strenuous massage. You should sit back and relax, but if things don’t feel comfortable, you have to tell the masseuse. The massage therapist need to know to avoid injuring you.
Massage is an important part of spending time at a luxury spa. Although most people cannot afford this type of indulgence on a regular basis, visiting a spa a few times during the year can provide the type of rejuvenation everyone needs from time to time. Enjoy the massage and every other part of your day to the fullest.
When using oils or creams, use one that is scented with mint. This will soothe the skin while making you feel relaxed and fresh. Aim to purchase high-quality products that will properly moisturize your skin.
When booking a massage treatment, choose a time which is easy for you to attend. You need to get there early, and you shouldn’t be in a rush to leave. Talk to them about their policy on cancellations to ensure you don’t get even more stressed out if you have to reschedule.
When you are getting a massage, try to be as punctual as possible. Arriving late will only cause you stress and will not put your body in an optimal position for a massage. Try to get there at least ten minutes early so you can scope out the area and reduce the chances of losing your appointment.
You should now understand that a good massage isn’t too hard. When using these tips, you will easily relieve your family and friends of stress. Why not become a professional? Regardless of how you want to incorporate massage into your life, having knowledge about something you are interested in is important.
