Would you like to improve your massage techniques? Feeling like you are not doing it correctly? If you would like to learn more, read this article. You may be amazed at how various simple massage techniques can improve how you deliver massages.
Have some water when your massage is over. When the massages stimulate your muscle tissues, toxins get into your body. Drinking fluid helps minimize any side effects and flushes out the toxins. For the first hour, try to drink two to three glasses of water and the following twenty-three hours, drink up to eight glasses.
Feeling a little blue? Go get a massage! The health benefits of massage are numerous, and studies have shown that one of the benefits of massage is elevated serotonin. Serotonin is a neurochemical that makes us feel happy, yet lack of sleep, hormone fluctuations, gloomy weather and poor diets can lower your body’s natural serotonin stores.
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.
When giving a massage, make sure that you use the right amount of pressure. It is a delicate balance between using too much pressure and not enough. Take some time to practice. Ask the person you are giving the massage to if you are using too much or too little. Their feedback should dictate the amount of pressure you use.
If you’re getting a full body massage, make sure the masseuse uses a massage oil. These oils are a must if they plan on digging deep into your ligaments and muscles without causing discomfort. These oils make their hands slippery, which helps reduce friction and lowers the chances of getting skin burns.
Before starting your massage, make sure that the masseuse washes your feet, or that you do it yourself. You don’t want germs to spread from your feet elsewhere. If a foot bath is not a possibility, simply go to the bathroom and rinse them off.
Swedish massage therapy is the most frequently offered type available. Some people consider this to just be a basic massage. The strokes are long and smooth, done in a kneading motion, typically in circles. The masseuse will normally use oil during the process. It is not too rigorous and quite enjoyable.
Do not forget to stretch before and after you receive a massage. A massage will be more efficient if your muscles are already warm and you will have more energy after your massage if you take a few minutes to stretch your muscles. Besides, stretching is an efficient way to relieve muscle pain.
There is no real dress code when you decide to go out and get a massage. If you are concerned about dressing appropriate, speak with the spa or your message therapist beforehand. By addressing clothing concerns, you can ensure that you won’t feel embarrassed or uncomfortable during your massage. If there is an area you also don’t want massaged like your behind, tell the therapist before starting.
If you are new to getting a massage, you may be riddled with questions. Do you keep your eyes closed? Do you chit chat during the massage? Should you keep your eyes open when lying on your back? The best way to deal with all of these things is to do what feels right to you. The point of your massage is to relax and to feel relaxed.
Increase the benefits of your exercise regimen by massaging your body before and after exercising. Massages before exercising can boost blood flow to muscles. Use your fists to make pummeling motions on your arms and legs. Doing massages after exercising can help speed up muscle recovery and better waste removal. You can do these by rubbing along your muscles using your palms or fists moving towards your heart.
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.
Make sure you speak up if your massage is too hard or too soft for your liking. This is a service that you are paying quite a bit for, so if your masseuse is applying too much or too little pressure, let them know so they can adjust their pressure accordingly.
A proper environment is essential to a successful therapeutic back massage at home. The ideal location is in a quiet, warm and relaxed environment. If you’re not doing the massage in an area like that, the person you’re massaging may not be able to relax or reap all of the benefits of a therapeutic massage.
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.
When setting the stage for a massage, put on some gently music and play it softly. The person getting massaged will feel more at ease. In addition, this kind of mental preparation aids in the release of tension from the person’s muscles. Your massages will be much more effective using this method.
Do you now feel as if you’ve got the knowledge you need to give an excellent massage? Incorporate the previous techniques to improve the quality of your massages. Do a little each time to make the most use of your hands when doing a massage.