A serious accident or life with poor posture will result in serious back-pains that may seem impossible to overcome. When modern medicine isn’t enough to remove the suffering, classic massage therapy can do the trick. The important thing to remember is that you must find a professional masseuse that upholds certain qualities which will be covered in the tips below.
If you consistently get pain in your muscles, get a book that discusses the body’s trigger point or have your massage therapist teach you all about neuromuscular therapy. Trigger points are tiny knots which happen when muscles become knotted. These trigger points are known to make pain and other things occur in different areas of the body. Do some research to learn how to find and treat your trigger points.
You can make massages even better by using some massaging oils. There are plenty of different essential oils to choose from. Choose an oil with an enjoyable smell and you will find that massages are even more relaxing thanks to the smell of the essential oils and the properties of the oil you chose.
If you have a difficult time riding in the car for a long period of time, consider purchasing a massaging cushion for your back. These cushions often plug right into your lighter, and they can provide a comfortable massage in various intensities while you drive. This can make the ride more enjoyable for anyone.
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.
Asian massages are known to help relax the body. One not-so-common, but very relaxing Asian massage is called the Indonesian-Javanese massage. With this method, the therapist will use both their hands and knuckles to get so deep into the skin. This will help your muscles relax if they were tense.
Use the bear hug technique if you have a great deal of tension in your shoulders. Just wrap your arms in front of your chest in an X configuration. Rub each shoulder with your opposing hands. This is an easy way to relieve tension. It is also a way to get a fast massage anytime.
Use slow movements if you want your massage to be calm and soothing. Support your thumbs while applying pressure to ensure that they don’t wear out. Use the force of your weight as well; this will help your arms to not get tired.
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.
If you tend to have a lot of tension in your muscles, but you don’t like a rigorous massage, hot stone massage might be your best choice. The stones, which are smooth, are made warm and then placed onto specific areas of the body. This warms the muscles and tissues, releasing tension and pent-up energy.
After you have had a massage, it is very important to drink plenty of water. You will be sore because of the toxins that have been released into your system by the massage. If you drink water right after the massage, you can flush these toxins out of your system more quickly.
Get up slowly following a massage. You’ve been lying down, completely relaxed, for a long time. You are likely to feel lightheaded when you first stand up, so move with care at first to make sure you have your balance.
If you have recently contracted the flu, a massage may help alleviate the pain and stiffness generally associated with the flu. For the best relief, gently rub warmed lotion over your entire body using a circular motion. This will not only alleviate aches, but it will also help re-hydrate your skin.
Do not be afraid to try new massage techniques when visiting the spa. Some spas offer massages where hot stones are used, others couple massages with a chocolate wrap or seaweed. These techniques can enhance the entire experience, benefiting your muscles, skin and psyche. Consider them if you are looking for a real pampering experience.
Make sure that your hands are following the body’s curves, when you are massaging someone. Balance the massage work well between both the palms of your hands and your fingers. On rougher surfaces, you may want to use your palms to massage. For curvier areas, use your fingers to dig in and eliminate the kinks.
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.
Your masseuse is the answer to all of your back problems, but if you choose the wrong massage parlor then you will get the wrong answer. The above guidelines should provide a set of standards that any quality, preferred masseuse will have no problem surpassing. At the end of the day, schedule an appointment if you are uncertain and let the experience speak for itself.