A massage can be a wonderful way to soothe aching muscles and joints, as any doctor will tell you! If you are interested in learning more about the benefits of getting a massage or the possibilities in giving them, read on. This article is filled with expert tips and advice.
One great massage technique that you can do for your partner is called raking. Raking means that you spread your hands out, and using your fingertips, you rake up one side of the back right by the spine while you rake downward on the other side with your other hand.
When you are giving your massage, try to have music playing in the room. This music should be very soothing and calm, without many words. Music therapy can help soothe the muscles so that you can maximize the overall experience and help your overall technique during the massage that you give.
Massage is great during pregnancy, but wait until after the first trimester. During the first trimester, your baby is in the earliest stages of development. Toxins released during a massage can harm the fetus or inhibit growth during this delicate period. Once you have reached 16 weeks, you should be all clear to enjoy a massage.
Pregnancy can be especially hard on your body over the course of nine months. Carrying the extra weight from the baby can lead to aches and pains in places that you never knew existed. Treating yourself to full body prenatal massages can be just the thing to get you feeling more like yourself again.
Stretch before you go to get a message. This will help to loosen you up just a little bit before hand so that your massage therapist can quickly locate any problem areas that you might have. If you have extreme pain you may not want to do this, otherwise it is a good idea.
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.
Ease your aching feet! Your feet are under pressure all day long and are often ignored when it comes to a healing massage. Massage your toes, gently stretching them out until they feel relaxed. Use your thumbs to put pressure on the sole of your foot, slowly moving from the toes to the heel. For feet that are particularly achy you can apply more pressure by kneading the sole with your knuckles. Finally, treat your tired feet with a rich moisturizer.
Doing eye massages can relieve tired and sore eyes. The main benefit of this massage is using warmth to relieve pain and strain. Begin this massage by rubbing your hands together vigorously. Do this until your hands start to feel warm. When hands are warm, cover each eye with a palm until the warmth goes away.
If your partner needs a deep massage, use your body weight to help. Massaging strictly with your hands can get exhausting very fast, making the massage less enjoyable for the both of you. When you put some weight into it, it is easier to go deeper and provide a longer massage experience.
When you plan to book an appointment for a massage, call up a few local spas and ask them what they have to offer. You may find that they provide a massage style which you’d like to try out, or that they don’t offer the old standby you’d prefer to use.
Aromatherapy massage uses scented therapeutic massage oils along with gentle kneading motions. These scented oils add another dimension to the standard massage by incorporating the sense of smell into the massage therapy. Aromatherapy often uses lavender, eucalyptus and chamomile. This type of massage is perfect for people suffering for stress related pain.
When getting a massage, your actions will help you enjoy the massage more and receive maximum benefits from it. Practice deep breathing exercises while you are getting your massage. Breathe out when pressure is applied and breathe in when pressure is released. This will have an immeasurable impact on the relaxation of your massage.
Shiatsu massage is used by gently applying firm pressure into affected meridians then quickly releasing it. This type of massage is perfect for those suffering from tired muscles that need immediate relief. Unlike other types of massage, this massage does not leave the person feeling sore afterwards; instead, they feel refreshed and renewed.
If you have a less than pleasant experience having a massage, try not to write them off completely. Everyone has their own style and techniques and no two massage therapists are the same. Ask for a recommendation from a friend for someone new, and explain your experience to them so they can do their best to make your massage with them as pleasant as possible.
Go online for help in selecting a massage therapist. If that doesn’t work, talk to your primary care physician. You can also talk to a nurse or a chiropractor in the area whose work you respect. Professional recommendations are almost as good (if not better) than personal recommendations, particularly if you trust the individual.
Massages can be a very valuable asset to your well-being. Nearly everyone who gets one enjoys immediate relief from soreness, tension and stress. Hopefully this article has answered all the questions you have about giving or getting a massage. Why not use this information to improve your health and wellness, right away?