With the right know-how, even someone with no experience can give a really great massage. Anyone you give one to will love you for it. Study the information in this article and you can rival the masseuses in your neighborhood. Your house might soon be the most popular massage parlor around!
Ease your aching feet! Your feet are under pressure all day long and are often ignored when it comes to a healing massage. Massage your toes, gently stretching them out until they feel relaxed. Use your thumbs to put pressure on the sole of your foot, slowly moving from the toes to the heel. For feet that are particularly achy you can apply more pressure by kneading the sole with your knuckles. Finally, treat your tired feet with a rich moisturizer.
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.
Don’t allow yourself to worry too much when you’re getting yourself a massage. You need to have less clothing on so that your massage therapist can reach all parts of your body that need to be massaged. One skill that masseuses must know is sheet-draping. This allows you to maintain your modesty while receiving a complete massage. So, do not worry about how the therapist perceives your body, and just relax.
When you have a massage, it’s very important that you stay relaxed. You want tension to disappear, so as you’re getting massaged, try deep breathing exercises. Maintain your relaxed state throughout the massage by taking a few deep breaths as the session continues.
When you are giving a massage, try to have the person you are massaging in as few articles of clothing as possible. If they are uncomfortable, they can wear a towel to feel more secure at all times. Having areas of the body exposed is not only soothing, but it also facilitates your job.
If you have recently contracted the flu, a massage may help alleviate the pain and stiffness generally associated with the flu. For the best relief, gently rub warmed lotion over your entire body using a circular motion. This will not only alleviate aches, but it will also help re-hydrate your skin.
Once you decide on getting a massage, inform the massage therapist of your problem areas. The goal is to relax the muscles and address your issue areas. Therapists aren’t psychics, so you have to guide them.
Recover slowly after enjoying a massage. Hold off on immediately jumping up from the table as soon as the masseuse leaves the room. Take a moment to luxuriate in the warm, relaxed feel of your body. Open your eyes, take in your surroundings, and then slowly sit up on the edge of the table. Rest a moment before standing.
If you have a spot which hurts frequently, give it a massage once per day. This will help loosen it up and hopefully your pain will not return. Over time, you may find that it is already loose when you start to rub it, so you can reduce the frequency of massage.
One of the most enjoyable bonding activities between baby and parent, or other loved one, is a massage. Just grab a bottle of baby oil, take off your jewelry and make sure your hands are warm, and start at the top or bottom. Anything you do is likely to be enjoyable if you’re gentle.
Listen to your massage therapist and follow any professional directions they give you. They are the experts after all. As long as this person is being professional, trust that they know what is best. This includes any requests before and immediately following a massage. There may be things you need to do to make sure your muscles respond well.
Remember to breathe deeply when receiving a massage. You want to bring oxygen to every part of your body to enhance the healing effects of the massaging action. Breathe in and out of your nose to create a meditative type state, and make sure to breathe deep into your abdomen.
When getting up from a massage, do so slowly. Roll to your right side and sit up slowly. Ask your massage therapist for a hand if you need it. Do not stand too quickly or move around the room too suddenly. You might feel dizzy after a massage, and taking this approach can help you to avoid slips and falls.
Avoid harsh pulling or pushing when you give your dog a massage. You can cause pain or joint damage if you’re not careful. Stay away of the body language. You should stop the massage if you notice much resistance.
Massage your hands when you put lotion on. Start by rubbing the palms of your hands in a circular pattern. Use a circular motion to massage the area just below the thumb using the other thumb. The palms, fingers and wrists can be massaged further with the index fingers and thumbs.
Do not use harsh lighting in the room in which you will give a massage. The harsh lighting puts stress on the eyes, causing the body to become tense. Use lighting that is soft and dim so they feel comfortable to the eyes. The whole point of massage is relaxation, and soft lighting will help you achieve that.
With your particular clients in mind, modify the techniques you’ve learned here. Whether you’re a professional masseuse or a friend who cares, improving your massage technique is always a worthy investment. When you are the on receiving the massage, ask the therapist to give these ideas a try.
