Not everyone is comfortable with the idea of receiving a massage. If you have considered undergoing a massage sometime in the past, but have yet to do it, you may benefit from learning what the article below will teach you. This information may even benefit those who have enjoyed massages on a regular basis.
Change your mindset about massage. Instead of thinking of it as a luxury, think of massage as a therapeutic approach to health. Research shows that massage can lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol, as well as lessening asthma symptoms in children. Additionally, those tension headaches are no match for the hands of a skilled massage therapist.
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 giving a massage, make sure that you use the right amount of pressure. It is a delicate balance between using too much pressure and not enough. Take some time to practice. Ask the person you are giving the massage to if you are using too much or too little. Their feedback should dictate the amount of pressure you use.
If you have a wound that is beginning to heal, massaging around that area will help it to heal even faster. Massage increases the amount of blood that is flowing to that area of your body. So, by massaging that area you are providing it with new blood to promote healing. This can also help to reduce scars.
Schedule your massages smartly. If you usually get sleepy after a massage, you should avoid getting one before you have to go to work. However, if massages help you get some energy, do not hesitate to schedule a massage before you have to go through a stressful day at work.
A method called trigger-therapy, or neuromuscular therapy, works by applying pressure to certain targeted points. You can find trigger points in areas where the muscles have a lump-like feeling. These little areas hurt quite a bit, and the pain may radiate throughout the body. When you apply pressure correctly, the pain will be greatly reduced.
You should do a belly massage following every meal. Using one or both palms, start rubbing your abdominal area using clockwise circular motions. The clockwise motion is the same direction that your food digests naturally in your intestines. This can help with digestion and prevent gas and intestinal discomfort.
Deep tissue therapy is a great option if you have some injuries. Effective deep tissue massages go against the grain of the muscles. Deep tissue massages focus on tight muscles and help to loosen them up.
When you feel that you want a massage, tell the masseuse where your issues are. A massage is meant to help you to relax and get rid of any problems you’re having. Your masseuse cannot read your mind, so tell them where you are stiff and sore.
Which area do you need to focus on when giving a self-massage? The places where it hurts! Just begin on the pain points and move outward. Look for more painful spots as you continue with your massage. When the massage no longer feels good, you can simply stop if you want.
Don’t keep it to yourself if you experience discomfort during a deep tissue massage. Of course, you want to rest and relax, but you need to be ready to speak up if something is uncomfortable. This will help the masseuse know if they are causing an injury.
Massage is an important part of spending time at a luxury spa. Although most people cannot afford this type of indulgence on a regular basis, visiting a spa a few times during the year can provide the type of rejuvenation everyone needs from time to time. Enjoy the massage and every other part of your day to the fullest.
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.
Eat some food about 30 minutes prior to a massage, but don’t eat too much! You don’t want to feel bloated for the experience. You want just enough food that you feel relaxed. If you go in hungry, you’ll be that much more stressed for the entire time period of the massage.
If you are getting a massage and you do not feel comfortable or suddenly feel like you are in pain, do not be afraid to end it. You are the paying customer whose pleasure should be the number one concern, so if you feel discomfort at any time, you have the right to conclude your session.
If relaxing is hard to do when you’re getting a massage, focus on your breathing. Breathe into your nose, raising your stomach. Count all of the seconds you take to breathe in and how long it takes to release this breath. This will help you relax and enjoy your massage to its fullest potential.
Deep tissue massage is the right choice for severe muscle pain. Massage therapists use this method to eliminate tension in the muscles. Pressure is applied and your muscles will release toxins. Let your masseuse know if he or she is applying too much pressure.
The information that you have just read should answer many of the questions that you may have had about massage. Consider your options and think about what you might like or dislike. Then, you will be ready to go for a quality massage and request what services you feel comfortable with.
