Getting a massage can be a fun experience, whether it is from your significant other or at a professional salon. There are some things that you should keep in mind for a great experience. The following article can help you learn all there is to know about massages and giving you a successful time!
Use a warm oil when giving someone a massage. The oil will make it easier for your to move your hands across the other person’s skin and the warmth of the oil will be soothing for the person who is receiving the message. Be careful, however, to not overheat the oil, as you can cause burns.
Change your mindset about massage. Instead of thinking of it as a luxury, think of massage as a therapeutic approach to health. Research shows that massage can lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol, as well as lessening asthma symptoms in children. Additionally, those tension headaches are no match for the hands of a skilled massage therapist.
If you suffer from back pain, especially in your lower back, having regular massages could be very beneficial. Having a professional relax your muscles can really work wonders and prevent you from further back injuries. It can also help with back spasms, which can be very painful and sometimes debilitating.
Don’t eat a lot prior to getting a massage. It is easy to feel bloated or uncomfortable after eating, which can make lying down for a full massage session difficult. Wait until you have digested your dinner. This will let you feel more comfortable in whatever position you are asked to adopt while getting massaged.
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.
Keep the room at a good temperature throughout the entire massage. If you are giving a massage during the winter, try to have the heat on so that things are not uncomfortable. On the other hand, if it is very hot outside, keep the air conditioning on at a reasonable level.
Petrissage is the best way to relieve stress and make pain disappear. This method requires you to use your fingertips and your thumb. Grab hold of a muscle and squeeze it for a few seconds before moving on to a different area. Go over the same areas several times until the pain disappears.
Ask your massage therapist questions if you are new to massage therapy. Your therapist won’t see your questions as stupid and would probably love to answer them. Your complete comfort is the goal, so ask any questions that come to mind and obtain the necessary information.
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.
When getting a massage, make sure the therapist is aware of any health issues you have. Specify if pregnant, as this helps your therapist to decide what is right for you. This information will help your massage therapist choose the best techniques adapted to your situation. If information is omitted, complications could ensue.
After every meal, you should give yourself a massage. It involves putting both of your palms on the abdomen and moving them in a circular motion. This gets your digestion moving along.
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.
If you are pregnant and getting a massage, avoid massage tables which have holes in them. This will ensure yours and the baby’s comfort and prevent the stress to your lower back. Also, make sure you use plenty of pillows as additional padding in order to feel more comfortable and secure.
If you like gentle massages, request a Swedish massage. This type of massage uses long, gentle strokes. It has been described as the most relaxing type of massage available. This massage gently massages the superficial layers of muscle tissue resulting in relaxation and peace of mind. This type of massage is great for those who are new to massage therapy.
It is possible that massage therapy could be a good alternative to prescription medications for you. Getting massages often will help your body and mind feel better. Talk to your insurance company because getting a regular massage may actually be covered on your plan if it relates to any health problems you have.
When giving a massage, remember to relax yourself. If you are holding a lot of tension, it will be more difficult to maneuver your hands in a way that provides a great massage. The tension will also show through in your attention to each area of the body and the overall feel of the room.
As you have just read, there are many ways that a massage can give you a healthier mind and body. Just by applying the simple tips from the above article, you can ensure that your next massage will be a great one. Never settle for an okay massage, settle for an epic one.
