If you are feeling stressed out and anxious, there is nothing better for your state of mind than getting a massage. However, it can be hard to find a masseuse who can really help you relax. For some tips on finding the right place for your next massage, keep reading.
If you are an athlete or have excessively hard workouts then having massages regularly is a good idea. Massages can loosen your muscles up before a game or exercise to help them from becoming injured. It can also help after strenuous exercise to help heal your muscles and keep them from stiffening up or becoming painful.
Keep the room at a good temperature throughout the entire massage. If you are giving a massage during the winter, try to have the heat on so that things are not uncomfortable. On the other hand, if it is very hot outside, keep the air conditioning on at a reasonable level.
Start your massage at the top of the back. This is important as there are a lot of muscles and knots tied up in this area. This technique will help you to soothe the person you are massaging and serves as a great bridge to the other areas of the body.
Have a light meal prior to getting a massage. Overeating causes discomfort and will put a damper on your massage. Be sure to eat something healthy and light to ensure that you can have the best experience possible.
A popular back massage you can try out on someone is called a “Raking Massage”. With this technique, you spread your fingers apart and use your tips to give the massage. Begin in the shoulder area and work your way down the back using a raking motion. Then, you move your fingers down the spine without actually touching it. Move one hand down as the other hand moves up.
Request that your patients shave prior to the massage. That helps, so you have a smooth surface with which to work, especially if you’re using oil. This will let your hands move freely, making the massage feel better.
If you have a favorite fragrance of massage oil, bring it to your next massage. More than likely, the therapist will be willing to use it. Sometimes they may have a preference for oils of a certain type, but it is definitely worth asking to see if they are willing to use your favorite.
Hydrate, hydrate. A massage loosens lymph fluid, lactic acid and other toxins from your soft tissues. This is part of what makes your muscles feel so nice afterward. However, if you are dehydrated, there is no way for these toxins to leave your system. This could leave you feeling sore and slightly nauseated after your massage, which defeats the whole effort and wastes money. So, make sure you drink up!
Let your masseuse know of your music preferences. Many people enjoy relaxing music playing during their massage, however some do not. If you prefer a quiet environment while you get your massage, speak up. You can also specify a particular type of music or even request ambient noise such as bird songs or ocean waves.
It is always nice to tip your massage therapist after a good massage. This is one service area where a tip is very important. Similar to a restaurant, a 15% tip will suffice. Give even more if the therapist did a stellar job. Your therapist will remember for the next time you return and will treat you that much better. You will be sure that you will get the best massage from him.
If you are on the giving end of a very beneficial massage, make sure to read the signs the recipient is showing. During a deep-tissue massage, the body responds to pressure and muscles will actually contract under your finger-tips. Ease up on the pressure when you approach bones and joints and be guided by the response you get!
When it comes to lower back pain, massage therapy is very effective and can bring helpful relief to an individual that is suffering from this affliction. Almost fifty percent of health care providers recommend therapeutic massage for patients that are suffering from lower back pain. Combined with other medical treatments, massage therapy gives many people relief from debilitating back pains.
If you are thinking about finding a massage therapist, ask your doctor for a recommendation. Often, your doctor will be able to refer you to an excellent professional from their years of experience in dealing with health problems. You might also ask a trainer at your gym to refer you to an excellent massage therapist.
A deep tissue massage in combination with therapy might be effective for treating sports injuries. Options include both acupuncture and a variety of chiropractic methods. The combination of these therapies can be very beneficial to different parts of the body. They work to reduce healing time, returning you to your pastimes faster.
Use a massage oil to reduce friction. While baby oil is a popular choice, you may find that a light natural oil is preferable. Apricot seed and sunflower oils are great choices that will benefit skin health as well. Warm the oil between your hands before applying it to your partner.
When giving a massage to your dog, it is important you choose an area in your house that is free of distractions and noise. This can make it easier for your dog to relax. Make sure you provide a comfortable area for the dog to be massaged. This can be on a bed, sofa or soft towel.
Now that you have read this article, you should have a good idea of what to look for in a masseuse. Keep this information in mind the next time you need a massage. These tips will really come in handy. Before long, you will be feeling relaxed and free from anxiety again.