Getting a massage in the near future? What do you need to know before you embark on this adventure? The truth is that a basic knowledge will go a long way to helping you enjoy your massage, so read this article in full before you head to the spa or clinic.
When you give someone a massage, use an oil like sweet almond oil or olive oil that has healing properties. Oil is better for the skin and scented oils may have other healing benefits as well. Oils will let your hands glide smoothly over the skin, unlike a lot of lotions.
A popular back massage you can try out on someone is called a “Raking Massage”. With this technique, you spread your fingers apart and use your tips to give the massage. Begin in the shoulder area and work your way down the back using a raking motion. Then, you move your fingers down the spine without actually touching it. Move one hand down as the other hand moves up.
If you have a difficult time riding in the car for a long period of time, consider purchasing a massaging cushion for your back. These cushions often plug right into your lighter, and they can provide a comfortable massage in various intensities while you drive. This can make the ride more enjoyable for anyone.
Don’t underestimate the power of a massage. Massages tend to alleviate pain and stress and increase energy levels. Regardless of your lifestyle, you should think about getting a professional massage.
Help the massage therapist by relaxing your body. Avoid trying to “help” by tensing certain muscles or areas. The massage therapist is well-educated in various ways to maneuver your body parts to achieve the best results from massage, but their work is hindered if you can’t relax. Try doing some deep breathing and practice just letting go and trusting the therapist to do a great job.
When you decide to get a massage, make sure you are communicating with your massage therapist. If you have any massage preferences, make sure you tell him or her when entering the room and before starting. If during the massage you are feeling pain or experiencing numbness, make sure you let your therapist know by speaking up.
Before you get your full body massage, make sure your feet are clean. Your feet harbor bacteria and fungus, which can be unknowingly spread by your masseuse to the rest of the body as they work. You can benefit tremendously by doing this.
Have you been having trouble sleeping at night? This is a common problem that a lot of people have in common. If you are leery about taking prescription or over the counter sleep aids, there is a solution. Having a massage relaxes you mind, body and spirit, which helps you to fall asleep easier each night.
When you have a client that you are giving a massage to, ask whether or not they are comfortable. The last thing that you will want is someone who does not feel secure when you are giving a massage. Additionally, they will be very tight and tough to massage if they are anxious.
Right after you eat is the best time for a self-massage. The technique involves using both hands, palm down on the abdomen, moving with a circular motion. This serves to help with digestion and push food through your intestines more easily.
If you enjoy working out, you should try massaging your muscles before and after exercising. You should pummel your muscles with your fists to improve your circulation before working out and massage your muscles more gently after working out to speed up the recovery process. Make sure you stretch after massaging.
Before beginning your massage, discuss pressure with your massage therapist. Some people like massages that are very deep with a hard intensity. Others prefer a lighter touch or even Reiki style massages where touch is not necessary. If you let your therapist know what works for you, they can adjust the massage to meet your individual needs.
A hot stone massage incorporates heated stones and a gentle touch. Smooth stones are heated and placed along the back and other parts of the body to relieve muscle tension. The massage therapist may also gently press the stones into your tense muscles and then gently rub them in a circular motion to help relieve tension.
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.
When it comes to lower back pain, massage therapy is very effective and can bring helpful relief to an individual that is suffering from this affliction. Almost fifty percent of health care providers recommend therapeutic massage for patients that are suffering from lower back pain. Combined with other medical treatments, massage therapy gives many people relief from debilitating back pains.
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.
If you notice that you are having a lot of pain in your head, opt for craniosacral therapy. This massage technique focuses primarily on the skull and down the middle of your back with minor pressure that relieves tension and helps trauma. This is a good massage to have if you are older and find yourself sore more often.
It is as important to know about giving a massage as getting one if you want to have the full experience. This will allow you to understand both points of view. Take what you’ve learned here and put it to use next time you receive a massage so you’ll enjoy it fully.