You have come here to learn more about how to give a good massage. There is plenty that goes into this, and you can even go to school for it. However, by the end of this article, you should have a good idea of how to improve your massage techniques and skills.
Massage is great during pregnancy, but wait until after the first trimester. During the first trimester, your baby is in the earliest stages of development. Toxins released during a massage can harm the fetus or inhibit growth during this delicate period. Once you have reached 16 weeks, you should be all clear to enjoy a massage.
Aim to receive great massages several times each week. Regular massages can help with both mood and health. This is more than likely attributed to the simple fact that massages are natural stress reducers by helping relax your mind and body. Where possible, try to arrange for a massage twice a week.
An easy way to give a relaxing massage is by using a technique called “raking”. In it, you just run your fingertips (spread hands) down the person’s back, gently moving back and forth. Really, you’re doing a raking motion up and down. For added effect, try alternating your hands – one rakes up while the other rakes down.
When you are giving a massage, try to have the person you are massaging in as few articles of clothing as possible. If they are uncomfortable, they can wear a towel to feel more secure at all times. Having areas of the body exposed is not only soothing, but it also facilitates your job.
When getting a massage, ask them to dim down their lights. A darker space will help you relax, and that’s the whole point of you being there! It’s not necessary for the room to be pitch black; however, the room shouldn’t be brighter than candles would provide.
A massage will be that much better if a relaxing scent is used. The scents should not be too strong. Stay away from scents that remind you of medicine and stick to floral or fruit-like scents. It can make it easier for the client to feel more relaxed and enter a dreamlike mindset as they enjoy their massage.
When you are giving a person a massage, be sure to always keep one hand on them at all times. This helps the client to feel secure and remain in a relaxed state. Move slowly and steadily with confidence, and the person being massaged will feel comfortable and be able to enjoy the experience.
Speak up about potential medical issues. If you suffer from an illness that could be aggravated by a massage or if you are pregnant, say something. Your masseuse will be able to adjust their technique to give you a great massage that works around your ailment and keeps you safe.
If you have any medical conditions, such as you are pregnant, make sure that you let your massage therapist know. Some techniques may not be appropriate for your condition, so it is best to let the therapist know before starting. This will give him or her enough time to adjust techniques.
There are a few secrets to giving a fantastic massage and they involve things you don’t do. Always be careful to not pull their hair. Body hair is included in this. Be careful of pressure on their bones. Learn to be gentle when you need to be and hard when required.
Massaging your own shoulders can be enjoyable if you do it right. Beginning at the top of your spine, using one hand or two, use your hand to stroke from skull to shoulders. Then work your way across the shoulder outwards. Go back towards the neck and repeat the process.
Prenatal massage can be terrific for expectant mothers. This will increase circulation so that your baby can stay healthy. Babies tend to grow quicker in mothers who have had prenatal massages.
Try not to go to a massage appointment with a full stomach. It is better to have eaten about half an hour before your appointment. A massage requires that you lay on your stomach for an extended period of time, and this can be very uncomfortable if your belly is too full.
Never get a massage if your doctor advises against it. This may seem obvious, but often, people will get a massage because they feel that it will help soothe them and make them feel better. If you have muscle tears, this could actually make them worse with constant pressure on your body.
A referral program is something that you can capitalize on if you like the massage therapist. You could obtain an incredible discount for massages by referring all your family and friends to visit your massage therapist. This can really help you out if you don’t have a lot of money or often need to get massages due to pain.
Use gentle massage to help relax a restless baby or child. Just like adults, children become very relaxed when they receive a massage and can even fall asleep. If you notice that nothing seems to calm your child give massage a try and see the wonders that it can do to make things easier for everyone.
How do you feel now? Do you think you could give a better massage? It’s time to put these tips and tricks to the test as you see what you can do. You are going to be pleasantly surprised at how much they work and how much the people you love will enjoy them.