A serious accident or life with poor posture will result in serious back-pains that may seem impossible to overcome. When modern medicine isn’t enough to remove the suffering, classic massage therapy can do the trick. The important thing to remember is that you must find a professional masseuse that upholds certain qualities which will be covered in the tips below.
Experiment with different types of oils on the person before you massage them. This is important as everyone’s body will react differently to oils, as it is your job to find the best one. The oil plays as a lubricant that allows you to perform the best possible massage.
Olive oil is a great ingredient to use when you are massaging. The massage oil is able to get absorbed in the skin. A massage oil also helps your hands glide gently over the body of the person receiving the massage.
One of the keys to giving an excellent massage is to always watch your partner. Their face may express some of their feelings, as will the muscles themselves. Doing this will take some practice, but eventually, you can use your hands to read their muscle movements. If you notice their muscles getting tense, then you need to ease up because you are likely being too forceful.
Make sure your massage therapists know any areas of discomfort you have before beginning the massage. If there is any particular area that is giving your pain, the therapist can focus on that and try to give you some relief. She can also be careful to avoid any areas that are especially sensitive.
If you suffer from sinus pressure, use massage to help. A simple and quick massage under your brow line can help to clear your sinuses and make breathing much easier. Just use your fingers to massage gently over the eyes and across the bridge of your nose. This only takes minutes, and it can offer you a lot of relief.
Trigger point therapy, known also as neuromuscular therapy, is applying concentrated pressure to particular trigger points. Lumps or knots that pinpoint irritated muscles are trigger points. These lumps are usually painful and can cause the feeling of pain in different parts of the body. The applied pressure will help relieve the tense muscles giving you relief from the pain.
Let your massage therapist know if anything begins to hurt too much. Some massage techniques can cause some discomfort, so you need to be aware of that. Ask the therapist to ease up in certain areas if you find that you are beginning to tense up because something is too painful.
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.
Speak up. Ask the therapist to focus on a particular area if needed. When the pressure is too low to do any good, ask her to turn it up a notch.
Extend the benefits of your massage by taking things easy for the rest of the day. Allow your mind and body to stay in the relaxed zone by practicing deep breathing throughout the day whenever you feel the tension returning. Plan a low-key, relaxing dinner followed by a warm bath, then get into bed early and curl up for a nice, restorative night of sleep
Do not be afraid to try new massage techniques when visiting the spa. Some spas offer massages where hot stones are used, others couple massages with a chocolate wrap or seaweed. These techniques can enhance the entire experience, benefiting your muscles, skin and psyche. Consider them if you are looking for a real pampering experience.
Never smoke or drink before you get a massage. Engaging in these acts not only puts your health at risk, but will cause you to be more anxious and tense during your massage. Also, the effects of these actions will reduce your feeling and sensitivity to the massage, which are two factors that you want when you get one.
An excellent way to give a great back massage is using the “raking” technique. This involves using the tips of your fingers. Make sure that you spread your fingers apart. Begin your massage at the shoulders and slowly move your hands down the other person’s back. Your fingers should move alongside the person’s spine; however, you should not actually touch the spine. While one hand is going down one side, have your other hand go up in an alternating motion.
If you are pregnant and getting a massage, avoid massage tables which have holes in them. This will ensure yours and the baby’s comfort and prevent the stress to your lower back. Also, make sure you use plenty of pillows as additional padding in order to feel more comfortable and secure.
Try not to go to a massage appointment with a full stomach. It is better to have eaten about half an hour before your appointment. A massage requires that you lay on your stomach for an extended period of time, and this can be very uncomfortable if your belly is too full.
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.
Your masseuse is the answer to all of your back problems, but if you choose the wrong massage parlor then you will get the wrong answer. The above guidelines should provide a set of standards that any quality, preferred masseuse will have no problem surpassing. At the end of the day, schedule an appointment if you are uncertain and let the experience speak for itself.
