Have you previously had a massage? If you have, then you are already aware of how amazing one can feel. However, you might now know about certain things. This knowledge that you lack can often hinder your appreciation of a good massage. The following article has lots of great massage tips that you can use.
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.
Ask you friends who they use for their massages. It can be hard to find a massage therapist that you are comfortable with, but knowing that someone you know uses and trusts them you will feel that much better about it. Ask as many people as you can before you decide on one to try.
Make sure the person you give a massage to is comfortably installed. Ideally, you should use a massage table or at least a comfortable mat. If you do not have this equipment, have the person lay down on a comfortable couch or a supportive mattress. Make sure their head is properly supported.
Regulate your breathing during a massage. It is not uncommon to feel apprehension or anxiety during a massage, particularly if you are new to receiving them. Remember that you are in a safe environment and dealing with a professional. You will not be able to relax if your breathing is not normal.
If you are giving your partner a massage, watch their body language. Their face may express some of their feelings, as will the muscles themselves. By paying close attention, you will begin to learn all of their likes and dislikes. If the person feels tense, you are applying too much pressure.
When giving a massage, it is very important that you use oil or lotion. Massage oils can increase the movements of the soft tissue. Using oil will minimize the pinching and tugging feel on the skin. Massage oils come in all different varieties. They include aromatherapy and provide lubrication and nutrients.
If you notice knots in the back while you are giving a massage, you can kneed them out with some pressure from your fists. Simply get your fists into a ball and work them over the knotted spot for a few minutes. Apply more pressure if the knots are deeper, as long as the recipient remains comfortable.
When your spa doesn’t wash your feet before a massage, do it yourself. Germs that may be on your feet, can easily contaminate other body parts that may be more susceptible after the massage. If you cannot give yourself a foot bath where you are, see if you can go to the restroom and wash your feet in the sink.
Neuromuscular therapy is also known as trigger-point therapy and it works when concentrated pressure is applied to specific trigger points. You can find trigger points in areas where the muscles have a lump-like feeling. Pains in distant parts of the body are often the result of the tension in these painful areas. The pain is reduced or eliminated when the tension is released by the pressure on the target muscle.
If you are going to give something a massage, contact him ahead of time to remind him to shave. This will ensure that you’re massaging a smooth, working area and this is particularly important if massage oil is being utilized. That will help your hands flow freely and will feel better to the person.
Let your massage therapist know if anything begins to hurt too much. Some massage techniques can cause some discomfort, so you need to be aware of that. Ask the therapist to ease up in certain areas if you find that you are beginning to tense up because something is too painful.
If you want a massage that gets your energy in balance while staying in motion instead of lying on a table, try Thai massage. Your therapist will move you all over the place, running through postures much like yoga. It really gets your energy up and reduces stress while increasing range of motion.
If you are not sure what kind of massage you should get, choose a deep tissue massage or a Swedish one. Other therapies may not prove as beneficial. These will work until you learn about the other methods.
Do you have a cold? You can relieve sinus pressure by massaging your face gently. Massage your forehead and temples and apply gentle pressure around your nose and eyes. Repeat this process throughout the day until the pressure is gone. This technique is useful to relieve headaches and stress too.
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.
After eating, rub your belly. Yes, you did just read that correctly. This will aid your digestive system in its digestive processes. Do this by putting your palms on top of your belly and massaging gently in a circular, clockwise motion. This will help your digestion by guiding your food along the way through your intestines.
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.
You should now realize just how incredible giving and receiving a massage can be. Hopefully now you have a better understanding of what massage is all about. Use the above tips and you will soon have a truly enjoyable massage experience.
