Do you really want to get a massage? Perhaps you don’t know where to go for one or what kind to get? Many newcomers to massage often have problems in this area. Read this article to learn about the different types of massage and how to find the right therapist for you.
Giving a great massage is all about feeling out your partner. The best massage therapists will tell you that you need to let your hands read the body. Follow the bodies curves and lighten pressure as you go over bony areas. Modify the shape of your hand to fit in the curves of the body.
A foot massage can be used for more than tired, achy feet. You can search online and find foot maps that show which area of the foot can be massaged to experience relief from a myriad of symptoms throughout your body. For example, pressing on the big toe is known to relieve sinus pain and pressure.
When you are giving a massage, try not to use the same stroke over and over. This can make the whole experience mundane, as you want to incorporate as much change during the session as possible. Alter your technique, the stroke and how hard you press on the back, neck and thighs.
Help the massage therapist by relaxing your body. Avoid trying to “help” by tensing certain muscles or areas. The massage therapist is well-educated in various ways to maneuver your body parts to achieve the best results from massage, but their work is hindered if you can’t relax. Try doing some deep breathing and practice just letting go and trusting the therapist to do a great job.
Be vocal with your massage therapist.Talking may be the last thing you really want to do during a massage, but it can be the difference between an ok experience and a great one. You need to let the therapist know what areas need work and what techniques work best.
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 find that you are constantly coming down with whatever is going around do not fret. Studies show that white blood cell production is increased by massage therapy. White blood cells work with your immune system, so massages can mean that you spend less days sick.
Try not to exceed 45 minutes when you are giving a massage. Remember that you are pressing down on someone’s body for a long period of time when you are massaging. Therefore, if you do it for too long you can actually cause bruising and pain, which you will want to avoid.
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.
Communicate with your massage therapist. Your masseuse is most likely not a mind reader, so let them know if an area of your body needs a little extra attention. Whether your shoulders are a mess from being hunched over a desk or your legs are sore from a marathon workout, speak up.
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.
Hydrate, hydrate. A massage loosens lymph fluid, lactic acid and other toxins from your soft tissues. This is part of what makes your muscles feel so nice afterward. However, if you are dehydrated, there is no way for these toxins to leave your system. This could leave you feeling sore and slightly nauseated after your massage, which defeats the whole effort and wastes money. So, make sure you drink up!
Do not neglect hands and feet when giving a massage. These are among the two most sensitive parts of the body and can cause great feelings through the entire massage. Be firm when massaging hands and feet in order to relax muscles.
If you spend most of your day sitting in front of a computer, you should take frequent breaks so you can massage your neck. Place your fingers at the base of your skull and squeeze your muscles gently. Stretch your muscles by tilting your head to the side before massaging your muscles some more.
You can massage your eyes to make your headaches go away. If you have tired eyes, you should rub your hands together until your palms get warm. Place your warm hands over your eyes and let your palms warm up your eyes. The warmth will relax the muscles located in your eyes.
Get a massage both before you exercise and after, so that blood flows more freely into your muscles and helps them recover more quickly. Prior to exercising, pump your arms so as to increase blood flow to all your extremities. Massaging your muscles in an upward motion towards your heart after a workout can really help to heal your body faster.
Now that you read this article, you know what it takes to get the best massage. If you have a lot of stress in your life, this can relax you. Heed the words of this article and achieve total relaxation through massage.
