A massage is a wonderful experience, no matter if it’s done by someone you know or by a professional. Letting go of your tension can improve your physical and emotional well-being. Keep reading for some useful tips on massage therapy.
When providing a massage, be sure to use the thumbs. Your thumbs are strong and should be used. Do not push with too much force, which can actually cause discomfort for the massage recipient.
One of the most important things to consider when you are giving your massage to someone is to make sure that the environment is up to par. Try to keep things comfortable and use towels to soften the area that the person you are massaging will be lying on top of.
One simple way to give a massage is to use a “raking” technique. This is done by spreading your fingers and using your fingertips. Start in the shoulder area then move your fingers in a raking motion down the back. Make sure the fingers move along the spine not on top of the spine. While one hand moves up move the other one down in alternating motion.
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.
The light and gentle massage technique is often referred to as Swedish. It helps increase circulation and relax your partner. This type of massage is also excellent for athletes who have muscle fatigue. You must be careful with this type of massage and listen to your partner. They could have injuries and if the massage is painful, you need to stop.
A massage can be dramatically improved with addition of an evocative scent. Do not overpower your clients with the scents you choose. Avoid anything that smells too much like medicine, instead focusing on scents that are floral or fruity. This will put the person getting the massage into a zone where he can relax and enjoy the massage.
Consider getting a massage in either just your underwear or naked. Skin to skin contact is important during any massage, and this can only be accomplished if you remove your clothes. You can always use a blanket to cover up if you are concerned about modesty or staying warm during the process.
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.
Use mint-scented massage creams. Mint not only soothes skin, it also has a fresh and relaxing scent, perfect for a massage. Make sure that the products you purchase are high-quality and very moisturizing.
When you plan to book an appointment for a massage, call up a few local spas and ask them what they have to offer. You may find that they provide a massage style which you’d like to try out, or that they don’t offer the old standby you’d prefer to use.
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.
When getting a massage, your actions will help you enjoy the massage more and receive maximum benefits from it. Practice deep breathing exercises while you are getting your massage. Breathe out when pressure is applied and breathe in when pressure is released. This will have an immeasurable impact on the relaxation of your massage.
You should think about the purpose of your massage. Did you get involved in an auto accident? Do you have back pain? Or is your goal relaxation? Tell your therapist your motivation so they can work with it.
Use scented massage lotion when you are giving a massage. The scent acts as aromatherapy and can enhance the feeling of relaxation. The lotion softens the friction between your hands and the person’s body, so the massage is easier on the skin. Find out what the scent preference is before you apply it.
One of the biggest mistakes that you can make when giving your partner a massage is to have the room too cold. Your goal should be to make your partner feel as comfortable as possible. This is very hard to achieve if they are shivering from the cold air on their body.
Consider deep tissue massage if you struggle with pain and discomfort in your muscles. This style of massage is effective at relieving tension. They’ll squeeze and knead to get the toxins out. If too much pressure is being applied, let your massage therapist know.
It is very important that you drink plenty of water before going to your massage session. The reason for this is that when you are getting a massage, the lactic acid is drawn out of your muscles and into your blood. Without water to flush out this toxin, your blood flow will be sluggish and you will not receive maximum benefits of your massage.
You should have more information to determine whether massage is what you want or need. Some folks do no feel comfortable with the thought of getting a massage. If you feel that it might be something you’d enjoy, make an appointment and you are sure to feel like a brand new person afterwards.
