It’s about time you learned what you’re doing with your hands when it comes to giving massages. You will be proud, and those you love will benefit as well. There are many different types of massages and techniques, but just learning a few of them as you continue reading will be very helpful.
If you decide to get a massage in the comfort of your own home, take a hot shower first. The hot water will help relax your muscles through the penetrating heat. This will ensure that your massage is more comfortable and any aches or pains are eliminated before the start.
Feeling a little blue? Go get a massage! The health benefits of massage are numerous, and studies have shown that one of the benefits of massage is elevated serotonin. Serotonin is a neurochemical that makes us feel happy, yet lack of sleep, hormone fluctuations, gloomy weather and poor diets can lower your body’s natural serotonin stores.
Massages once or twice per week are a great idea. Regular massages can help with both mood and health. Massages allow you to relax and let go of the stress and tension you have been carrying around with you. If possible, try having a massage no less than twice a week.
When giving a massage, do not forget to focus some attention on the neck and shoulders. While much attention is paid to the back during a massage, the neck and shoulders can hold tension and stress too. Spending some time massaging them offers a lot of relief and can improve the massage experience.
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 using massage oil, before putting it on a person’s back, place it into your hands first. If you place the oil directly onto your partner, the oil may be surprisingly cold and startle the person. That’s not the kind of reaction you want from a massage. Instead place the oil first in your hands and warm the oil up by rubbing your hands together. This will make the oil the perfect temperature to use.
Ask for the lights to be turned down. This helps create a relaxing environment. The room doesn’t need to be pitch black, but it shouldn’t be brighter than candle light.
Neuromuscular therapy, often referred to as trigger-point therapy, uses various trigger points on the body to help relax and relieve stress. Trigger points are irritated areas of muscle that feel like knots or lumps. These areas hurt considerably and can make pain spread elsewhere in the body. Muscles will relax when they have pressure applied to them, meaning the pain will diminish.
Be vocal with your massage therapist.Talking may be the last thing you really want to do during a massage, but it can be the difference between an ok experience and a great one. You need to let the therapist know what areas need work and what techniques work best.
When you have a client that you are giving a massage to, ask whether or not they are comfortable. The last thing that you will want is someone who does not feel secure when you are giving a massage. Additionally, they will be very tight and tough to massage if they are anxious.
Massaging your own stomach can help with digestion and any stomach pains. When eating a big meal, put your hands on your stomach and begin to rub clockwise circular motions. You should notice an improvement in your comfort level. Be gentle and keep pressure off the abdomen until digestion has finished.
When you are finished giving or getting a massage, try to give your body at least 10 minutes to recuperate. Since this is not something that you do everyday, you will not want to walk right out after you are done. It is important to maintain regular blood flow before you engage in normal activities again through a short rest period.
Extend the benefits of your massage by taking things easy for the rest of the day. Allow your mind and body to stay in the relaxed zone by practicing deep breathing throughout the day whenever you feel the tension returning. Plan a low-key, relaxing dinner followed by a warm bath, then get into bed early and curl up for a nice, restorative night of sleep
When you are finished eating, rub your tummy! This can be very beneficial for your state of mind. If done in a proper way, this can aid in digestion. Simply rub your stomach in clockwise circles. This will help your digestion by guiding your food along the way through your intestines.
An excellent way to loosen your joints and relax your feet is performing ankle rotations. Put a hand under the heel and grab the ball of the foot using the other hand. Then, turn your foot five times in each direction.
Drink plenty of water before and after your massage. Drinking before your massage session ensures that your muscles are well-hydrated and supple, making the massage more effective. Water after your massage will flush out the toxins that were released and can even help prevent soreness by hastening muscle recovery time.
Well, you’re not a massage professional now, but you certainly know more of what to do with your hands. It’s time you put those tips to good use, so get started by practicing on someone. They will enjoy it, and you will be happy that you’re learning so much so quickly.