Everyone needs to relax sometimes. There are so many daily doings and dealings that it’s hard for you to find time to relax. If you’re having trouble relaxing, then it’s probably time for a massage. This article is packed with useful tips that will help you to find the perfect massage.
One of the most important things to consider when you are giving your massage to someone is to make sure that the environment is up to par. Try to keep things comfortable and use towels to soften the area that the person you are massaging will be lying on top of.
It isn’t a good idea to eat immediately prior to a massage. If you feel bloated after a meal, lying down can feel very uncomfortable. Allow your food to fully digest. This will let you feel more comfortable in whatever position you are asked to adopt while getting massaged.
You should try different techniques when giving a massage. Use your hands and fingers to rub, apply pressure or even give gentle taps. Use the tip of your fingers if you need precision, for instance to relax a tense muscle. You could also try covering as much surface as possible by using the palm of your hands to apply pressure.
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.
Consult with your masseuse before the massage. Knowing what will happen during the session will help you to relax. This is also an opportunity for you to discuss any allergies or concerns you may have with products used during the massage. Ask for music if you like, or anything else that will increase your comfort level.
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.
Sports massage is a tool many athletes use today. People who like exercising in an amateur sort of way can also benefit. Sports massages do not relax you, but their intention is to build up your body, promote healing and to prevent new injuries.
Communicate with your massage therapist. Your masseuse is most likely not a mind reader, so let them know if an area of your body needs a little extra attention. Whether your shoulders are a mess from being hunched over a desk or your legs are sore from a marathon workout, speak up.
There are a few secrets to giving a fantastic massage and they involve things you don’t do. Always be careful to not pull their hair. Body hair is included in this. Be careful of pressure on their bones. Learn to be gentle when you need to be and hard when required.
Use mint scented creams when you are getting a massage. This will help create a soothing aroma, which can reduce stress and tension. Look for good quality products that feature a moisturizer.
Warm the massage oil you use your hands prior to putting it on their back. No one likes the feel of cold oil, especially if it’s at the beginning of a massage. You don’t want to rub too hard to the point where the oil is absorbed into your skin. Just rub gently until warm. This friction helps warm the oil up.
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.
Don’t lie on a spa intake form! It is important that you list any medical issues or injuries you have experienced. This not only protects the spa from liability if you end up sick after the massage, but it allows them to determine exactly how the massage should be conducted for your health and safety.
When you decide to get a massage, make sure that you are relaxing your thoughts. It can be easy to feel nervous, especially if it’s your first time. Most professional spas usually have relaxing music playing. If you hear the music, channel your thoughts into paying attention to the individual notes. This can help you relax in your tense moments.
You may already know that it is customary to tip your masseuse. If you are new to this, tipping 15% to 20% is customary. The only time you shouldn’t think about tipping is if you are getting physical therapy treatments at a medical facility. Never hand your masseuse a wad of cash, leave it at the front desk with the clerk.
It is now time for you to find a massage therapist or try the techniques you just read about on yourself. The article you’ve just read has given you excellent advice on massage therapy. Use the information you learned from this article and enjoy your massage.
