What kind of massages do you give? If you find yourself sloppily moving your hands all over the place, then it’s time for a change. You want to know different strategies that you can use to help you focus on giving a much better massage. Keep reading to learn more.
If you are an athlete or have excessively hard workouts then having massages regularly is a good idea. Massages can loosen your muscles up before a game or exercise to help them from becoming injured. It can also help after strenuous exercise to help heal your muscles and keep them from stiffening up or becoming painful.
Pregnancy can be especially hard on your body over the course of nine months. Carrying the extra weight from the baby can lead to aches and pains in places that you never knew existed. Treating yourself to full body prenatal massages can be just the thing to get you feeling more like yourself again.
Make the most of your massage by drinking lots of water. Why? Because a good massage gets your circulation going, but water is needed to flush toxins out of your body. Hydrating before your massage makes your blood less sluggish, making it easier for the masseuse to rub excess lactic acid out of your muscles. Staying hydrated after aids your body in processing and eliminating these toxins.
Asian massages are known to help relax the body. One not-so-common, but very relaxing Asian massage is called the Indonesian-Javanese massage. With this method, the therapist will use both their hands and knuckles to get so deep into the skin. This will help your muscles relax if they were tense.
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.
Massaging your own shoulders can be enjoyable if you do it right. Beginning at the top of your spine, using one hand or two, use your hand to stroke from skull to shoulders. Then work your way across the shoulder outwards. Go back towards the neck and repeat the process.
When you go for your massage, you are paying good money for a relaxing experience. Do not ruin your massage by not using the restroom before you begin. The best massages are continuous from 45 minutes to an hour. If you have to take a break in the middle of the massage for a restroom break, you are not going to be fully relaxed at the end of your session.
Consider a hot shower after a massage. A hot shower can further relax your muscles, and it gives you an opportunity to stand still and enjoy all the benefits of the massage. The hot water is also very relaxing, lending to the stress free atmosphere you have probably hoped to create.
If you are on the giving end of a very beneficial massage, make sure to read the signs the recipient is showing. During a deep-tissue massage, the body responds to pressure and muscles will actually contract under your finger-tips. Ease up on the pressure when you approach bones and joints and be guided by the response you get!
The patient isn’t made of glass, so don’t be afraid to close your fists or use your elbows to thump along the body’s outline. This small exertion of force at the beginning of a massage helps waken the nerves and loosen the tired muscles. Apply a gentle amount of force and follow along the shoulders, ribcage, and lower neck for maximum efficiency.
Many of us have old injuries from playing sports, accidents, or just normal wear and tear on our bodies. If this is the case with you, it is very important that you let your masseuse know about any injuries you’ve sustained or areas of your body that are particularly sensitive.
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.
Massages are a great way to heal your body. People that have arthritis, fibromyalgia, migraines, and sports-related injuries can benefit from massage combined with prescription or over-the-counter medication. Massage is also quite a bit more healthy than taking drugs to cure pain.
Many people believe that massage therapists only focus on your back, but this is not the truth. When you are considering getting a massage, ask the person you speak with about the different types that are available. They may cost more, but more of your body will end up being relaxed.
If you find that you receive a lot of benefit from getting massages, consider setting up a regular schedule. Doing so allows you to understand more of what you need from your therapist. You will also be better able to determine if someone is doing a good job with you or not. Each therapist is different. Some are good and some simply can’t give you what you need. Don’t be afraid to speak up for yourself.
If you have not gone to have a massage because you believe that it is too expensive, it’s really not. Prices of massages can be quite expensive, but there are many places that give great massages for an affordable price. Schools that have massage therapy programs also often offer deeply discounted massages preformed by the students.
Now you are better equipped to give the right kind of massage. There are techniques to use specifically of course, and they aren’t that difficult. You just have to know what you’re doing, and now you do. Use what you have learned, and keep picking up new techniques as you get better and better.
