If you’ve never had a massage, you don’t know what you’re missing. Massage is an art form that eludes many people due to the mystery that surrounds the topic. A good massage can take place in a professional setting or in the comfort of your own home. Find out more below.
Seek to have your massages done professionally. While it may be easier to ask for one from your spouse, you are certainly risking injury. If someone is not educated in how to properly give a massage. They can easily cause a muscle to be pulled or even something far worse.
If you have been feeling particularly stressed out, it just might be time to have a relaxing massage. Massages are not only helpful to relax you mentally but physically as well. It helps to promote circulation and loosens up your muscles. Let go of some of your stress with a massage.
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.
You should try and establish a certain rapport with your personal massage therapist in order to feel comfortable. When you’re comfortable with them, you’ll relax faster and more deeply. Talk to your massage therapist before the treatment begins to ensure that you feel comfortable and your masseuse knows where to find your problem areas.
Top athletes understand the importance of a good sports massage. This can be used for anyone who enjoys exercise. The purpose of sports massage is to condition the muscles to prevent injury rather than to relax and reduce stress.
What should one use for a self-massage? Whatever you can use! If you’re massaging a knot out of your thigh, why not use your elbow? Is your neck sore? Fingers will do, but you can also buy a massaging neck roller. Try out different items and body parts and see what works for you.
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.
Where must you rub when you are massaging yourself? First, you want to determine the source of any pain. Find the areas that are painful and slowly move your hands outward around these areas. If you realize that you have a new pain, give it a rub. If you begin to feel more pain, make sure to stop and talk to your doctor to ensure there is not an underlying problem.
Finding the right therapist is very important when it comes to massages. You do not want to visit an inexperienced or inept therapist who may cause you more harm than good. Ask friends or family if they know of a good one in your area or look on the Internet for reviews.
If you suffer from medical conditions such as high blood pressure or are pregnant, speak up before getting your massage. In most cases, a massage will still be safe, but the technique will probably need to be adjusted. A professional massage therapist can help you get the relaxation you are seeking while remaining safe if you are willing to speak up.
Many people forget hands and feet when they are messaging. A good hand and/or foot massage can be remarkably relaxing and rejuvenating. Be firm when massaging the feet and hands, as the muscles are tough.
It may be possible to reduce belly aches by massaging your stomach. If you just had a large meal, place both hands on your abdomen and rub it clockwise. This will aid your stomach digest the food. Avoid putting too much pressure on the abdomen until your food has fully digested.
If you have dry hands or feet, find a good moisturizer and use it for massages. Apply a small dose of moisturizer on your dry skin and take the time to massage the area. Massaging allows the moisturizer to penetrate the skin to its deeper layers, which means you will get better results.
If your partner needs a deep massage, use your body weight to help. Massaging strictly with your hands can get exhausting very fast, making the massage less enjoyable for the both of you. When you put some weight into it, it is easier to go deeper and provide a longer massage experience.
Even though there are many wonderful benefits to having a massage, if you have a lot of health problems or an injury you should talk to your doctor first. What you might think is a harmless massage could end up causing a condition to worsen such as a blood clot.
After eating a meal, rub your tummy. I know it sounds silly! Also, you can improve your ability to digest food properly. To do this, place your palms on your abdomen and gently rub it in a clockwise circle. This matches the same direction food digests in the intestines naturally to stimulate digestion.
Now that you’ve read this entire article, you know some things about massage. You are ready to put into practice what you’ve just learned and take advantage of the wonderful things massage has to offer. Whether you partake outside the home or never leave it, massage is sure to enhance your life.