If you have ever been stressed out and gotten a massage, you know about the healing power of touch. If you get massages regularly, it can be a wonderful way for you to start really feeling good about yourself. Here are some massage tips to open this world a little bit more to you.
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.
Make sure not to eat before a massage. Otherwise, you might feel stuffed or bloated, which can make lying down during the massage unpleasant. Digest fully before you arrive. This can make you sure that you’re comfortable all of the positions that you’re in while getting a massage.
Consider going in for a massage once a week. Many people find that getting regular massages helps to improve their mood and overall health. This could be because of the reduced stress and relaxation that comes with a good massage. It is probably a good idea to try to get a massage two times a week.
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.
If you’re getting massaged and you don’t get a foot bath at the spa, do one yourself. It’s essential that any germs living on your feet not contaminate anything else. If there is no option for a foot bath, rush to the bathroom before getting your massage and wash them in the sink.
Trigger-point therapy, or neuromuscular therapy is pressure that is applied to particular trigger points. These points are knots or lumps in the muscle that are irritated. Left untreated, these knots can lead to pain in around the area. Muscles will relax when they have pressure applied to them, meaning the pain will diminish.
If you are a massage therapist, take your cues from the patient when it comes to how much you are talking. There is nothing worse than trying to relax and unwind during a massage, only to find that the person doing the work is talking your ear off. Nature sounds or soft music is all that should be heard. You, however, should not make noise unless asked a question.
Your feet are a lot more sensitive than they look. You can find many nerve endings in this part of your body and massaging your feet could help you relieve the pain you experience in another part of your body. A foot massage is also a great way to relieve stress.
Avoid holding your breath while your massage therapist is working. You may have knots that are extremely painful, yet the therapist cannot massage them out effectively if you hold your breath. Try to breathe through the muscle pain, and use a combination of deep breathing and visualization. In your mind, picture the area and imagine the knot is a lump of butter, melting in the warm sunshine.
Talk to your massage therapist ahead of time and instruct them on any problem areas. You are paying for a massage to ease away your aches and pains. Your therapist does not know you, which is why you need to tell him or her about your problems. They will be able to help you out best.
Do not forget to stretch before and after you receive a massage. A massage will be more efficient if your muscles are already warm and you will have more energy after your massage if you take a few minutes to stretch your muscles. Besides, stretching is an efficient way to relieve muscle pain.
If you want a massage that gets your energy in balance while staying in motion instead of lying on a table, try Thai massage. Your therapist will move you all over the place, running through postures much like yoga. It really gets your energy up and reduces stress while increasing range of motion.
Don’t swear off using a massage therapist of the opposite sex. You may initially be weird about it, but get over it! Men may have the height and strength you need to work out the kinks from a really bad back, and women may have the relaxed touch you need to de-stress. Be open to whoever may best fit your current need.
An excellent way to give a great back massage is using the “raking” technique. This involves using the tips of your fingers. Make sure that you spread your fingers apart. Begin your massage at the shoulders and slowly move your hands down the other person’s back. Your fingers should move alongside the person’s spine; however, you should not actually touch the spine. While one hand is going down one side, have your other hand go up in an alternating motion.
If you like gentle massages, request a Swedish massage. This type of massage uses long, gentle strokes. It has been described as the most relaxing type of massage available. This massage gently massages the superficial layers of muscle tissue resulting in relaxation and peace of mind. This type of massage is great for those who are new to massage therapy.
Getting a massage in your deep tissue can be very helpful if you’re suffering from an injury related to sports. Couple this with other therapies. For example, try incorporating chiropractic care or acupuncture with deep tissue massage. Techniques such as these can be very beneficial in relieving pain in bones and muscles, as well in nerves. This can make things heal faster so that you can do what you love again.
Now that you have had a chance to learn more about massage, you can use this wonderful technique to your advantage. Whether you give massages or receive them, massage can be a great therapy for all of us. You just have to remember what you have learned here, and pass it on to others.
