The quality of a massage greatly depends on the receiver and the therapist. It doesn’t matter whether you are on the giving or receiving end of the massage; you can always use great tips. This article contains advice for helping you get a good start with massage therapy.
Consider going in for a massage once a week. Many find that their mood and sense of well-being improves when they get massages regularly. Massage is very relaxing, so it is understandable that it reduces stress. Where possible, try to arrange for a massage twice a week.
Hydrate yourself well for forty-eight hours before your massage. Many people know that heavy water intake after a massage is good for flushing the body of toxins and helping with sore muscles. Drinking plenty of water before the massage will greatly increase the impact of the massage and its purging abilities.
If your child suffers from asthma, consider massage. Massage has been proven to help breathing in asthmatic children due to the relaxing benefits it offers. A child’s massage should be done with a gentle touch and only for a limited period of time. Try this in the evening and help your child to also enjoy a good night’s rest.
Make sure your feet are clean prior to your massage; a foot bath can help with this. You don’t want the germs that are present on your feet to be spread all over your body. Do not hesitate to wash your feet in a sink if this is the only way you have of eliminating germs.
Different levels of pressure that you apply during a massage have different purposes. If your partner has a lot of knots, you want to use pressure on them moving slowly to release the tension. Even if you maintain constant pressure on your knots, the tension will ease. This is a key principle with deeper tissue massages.
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.
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.
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.
When you are giving a massage, one of the key points to focus on is constant movement. You should never stop abruptly, as this will ruin the flow of the massage. You can slow down and speed up while you rub your hands up and down the back and legs, but never come to a complete stop.
Make sure you tell your masseuse about any old injuries you may have, or if you have had major surgery in the past. Your massage should feel wonderful and not exacerbate any physical issues you might have! Keep your masseuse in the loop about any medications you are taking, as well.
The massage is supposed to reduce stress and a great way of doing this is by knocking the problems away beneath a well-placed elbow. Using your fists as well, you can thump the stress away in a relaxing manner before bed. This will help improve the quality of their sleep by calming the muscles and allows the patient to have a good night’s rest.
If you often experience back pain, you should consider investing in a vibrating massaging pad. Some pads even have an option that allows you to apply heat to your muscles. Compare different products before you purchase on and choose one with different speeds so you can easily adjust it in function of your needs.
You want to make sure that you go to a reputable place that has professional staff members who are trained in the art of massage. Ask your friends who have gotten massages before for their recommendations, and do some internet research to find reviews of good places in your area.
Consider deep tissue massage if you struggle with pain and discomfort in your muscles. These will get rid of soreness and tightness in the deeper layers of muscle in your body. During a deep tissue massage, the therapist will applies pressure to the affected muscles, squeezing to release toxins. Be sure to give your therapist feedback on technique, especially if you feel any pain.
For a top foot massage, massage it from the back heel area up to the toes. Use your hand’s heel to press firmly. Use your thumb and your fingers to massage between your toes. Then rub the foot’s top as well. After this first run through, keep doing the deep massage utilizing your thumb across your foot’s bottom.
If you are planning on giving your partner a massage, do not be too upset if they are not willing to return the favor immediately. If you do the job right, your partner should be so relaxed, they will not want to give a massage right after. Plan on trading off and taking turns in giving and receiving of massages.
If you are suffering from high blood pressure or other such illnesses, it is a good idea to talk to your doctor before receiving a massage. Sometimes, medical experts will suggest avoiding massage while on some medications or during some therapies. At other times, they might suggest a modified massage. Listening to the experts can help you to stay healthy and enjoy the benefits massage has to offer.
Massages are intended to be relaxing. Use the tips you just read to get an excellent massage. Keep current on evolving techniques, and you’ll always be an expert on massage.