If you are interested in learning about the many wonderful benefits a massage can offer you, the following article will help. Massages can ease stress and alleviate many common ailments that slow us down and cause us discomfort. Read the following tips and advice that will convince you that you are overdue for a great massage!
When getting a massage, be open minded of the process. Particularly if it is new to you, there is a possibility that you may feel apprehension about the process of getting a massage. Do not allow this to discourage you from liking it. Just relax and allow the massage therapist to provide you with an incredible massage.
Don’t eat on your way to a massage. You may feel very uncomfortable during the massage due to bloat or general discomfort. Digest all of your food and have a light snack before the massage. As you may be put in different positions through the duration of the massage, this will maximize your comfort in all the positions you may wind up in.
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 you have arthritis, you know the pain it causes. Sometimes medication will work, but this is a more natural way to go about things. A massage can provide various benefits for your arthritis. Massages help with improving your circulation, getting your blood flowing and allow your joints to become more flexible.
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.
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.
Do not hesitate to talk to your doctor about massages. If you deal with back pains or muscle pains on a regular basis, ask your doctor if massages would be a good solution. Your doctor should be able to recommend a good massage clinic in your area and even write you a prescription.
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.
If you have dry hands or feet, find a good moisturizer and use it for massages. Apply a small dose of moisturizer on your dry skin and take the time to massage the area. Massaging allows the moisturizer to penetrate the skin to its deeper layers, which means you will get better results.
You should ask for feedback when giving a massage to someone. Remind the person that you have no way of knowing how efficient your massage is if they do not let you know how they feel. Encourage the person to guide you so you can find the area that is tense.
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.
Do not use harsh lighting in the room in which you will give a massage. The harsh lighting puts stress on the eyes, causing the body to become tense. Use lighting that is soft and dim so they feel comfortable to the eyes. The whole point of massage is relaxation, and soft lighting will help you achieve that.
Don’t forget that you are boss during a massage and if something isn’t to your liking, mention it. A lot of masseuses tend to talk too much or get carried away with the amount of pressure they apply. This scenario isn’t any different than a server getting your meal right in the restaurant! Always politely state your preferences.
If you have not gone to have a massage because you believe that it is too expensive, it’s really not. Prices of massages can be quite expensive, but there are many places that give great massages for an affordable price. Schools that have massage therapy programs also often offer deeply discounted massages preformed by the students.
Massages should be slow and steady. Fancy methods might be interesting, but massages are really meant to provide relaxation. Long, smooth, deliberate strokes will massage the entire back, releasing any tension and allowing you to relax and enjoy yourself.
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.
A massage can provide you with many benefits and anyone else you know who is over-worked and constantly aching. Use the tips from this article to put the power of massages to work for you and those you care about. They are fairly quick and inexpensive, but offer such a huge pay-off.
