Learning how to give a massage is not so hard. Yes, you can enroll in massage therapy classes, but you could also continue to read this article and learn some great ways to improve your massage technique. Start right now!
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 open mind is key to a great massage. If you have never gone before, you may not understand all of the methods involved. Don’t let this stop you from enjoying the massage. Relax and allow the professional to work their magic.
If you are an athlete or have excessively hard workouts then having massages regularly is a good idea. Massages can loosen your muscles up before a game or exercise to help them from becoming injured. It can also help after strenuous exercise to help heal your muscles and keep them from stiffening up or becoming painful.
If you have stretch marks, you may be frustrated by your inability to get rid of them. Giving those areas a massage with coco butter everyday will help those stretch marks disappear. You should see a noticeable difference.
The raking method is a popular way to give a back massage. Spread your fingers out wide and use your fingertips to perform a raking motion down the back, from shoulders to hips. You can increase the pressure to the recipient’s liking. This is a simple way to relax your significant other and spend some quality time together.
The pressure used in massage should vary depending on the goal. When muscles are tense, more pressure is needed. Maintaining consistent pressure will help to decrease tension. This is one of the main principals of deep tissue massage.
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.
If you need help with stress or pain, you should get a massage from a professional. Asking someone you know to give you a massage can be helpful but keep in mind that a trained professional will be able to use technique your friend or relative does not know about.
If possible, have the person you are massaging shave a few days before the massage session. This will help you massage better because their body will be smooth. This allows your hands to freely flow, resulting in a better massage.
A Shiatsu massage gives a result that is somewhat like acupuncture, except that fingers are used, not needles. Applying pressure to your specific pressure points will help your body relax. The goal of a Shiatsu massage is to increase a person’s energy level and well being.
Did you know you have great self-massage tools around the house? Why not lie on a tennis ball for a sore spot on your back? A rolling pin is great for the bottom of your feet. Walk around your house and you may be surprised by all the great tools you find!
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.
Remain still immediately following the massage. Your body has gone through a lot while being massaged. Your body might not be ready to get up quickly. You might even feel dizzy. Relax for a few minutes before you get back to your daily activities.
If you are giving a deep tissue massage, incorporate your elbows into it. This may feel uncomfortable at first for the person you are massaging, but is a fantastic way of spreading out the muscle and causing a very pleasurable sensation. Never push too hard though, as this will then feel uncomfortable.
When getting up from a massage, do so slowly. Roll to your right side and sit up slowly. Ask your massage therapist for a hand if you need it. Do not stand too quickly or move around the room too suddenly. You might feel dizzy after a massage, and taking this approach can help you to avoid slips and falls.
If you are on the giving end of a very beneficial massage, make sure to read the signs the recipient is showing. During a deep-tissue massage, the body responds to pressure and muscles will actually contract under your finger-tips. Ease up on the pressure when you approach bones and joints and be guided by the response you get!
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.
Put the tips from this article to good use next time you decide to give a massage! It is always useful to learn as much as you can about massage so that you always have an edge on the competition. Now you are ready to put what you have learned into practice.
