Everyone loves a good massage. Are you interested in learning about the beneficial world of massage? If you need some tips from the best in the business, this article is filled with just the information you need to begin.
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.
When giving a massage, consider using a little bit of oil. Oil helps you to rub your hands over the skin more easily, and it also makes it easier to go deeper with pressure while giving the massage. Almond oil, olive oil and baby oil are all good choices. If you wish, add a little essential oil to make the massage fragrant.
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.
Have a massage done twice a week. Oftentimes, massages on a regular basis helps a person’s overall mental and physical health. This could be because of the reduced stress and relaxation that comes with a good massage. If possible, try and make an appointment to get a massage a minimum of twice weekly.
If you experience stress or other negative emotions, you should try massaging specific points of your body. Target your nerve endings to get your body to relax. Sensitive nerve endings are located along your spine, the top of your head and in different parts of your face. You should try gently tapping on the top of your head, your forehead, cheeks and chin before taking a deep breath.
When you are giving a massage, try to have the person you are massaging in as few articles of clothing as possible. If they are uncomfortable, they can wear a towel to feel more secure at all times. Having areas of the body exposed is not only soothing, but it also facilitates your job.
Help the massage therapist by relaxing your body. Avoid trying to “help” by tensing certain muscles or areas. The massage therapist is well-educated in various ways to maneuver your body parts to achieve the best results from massage, but their work is hindered if you can’t relax. Try doing some deep breathing and practice just letting go and trusting the therapist to do a great job.
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!
Be open with your therapist about all of your medical conditions before you start. Pregnancy is definitely one thing that should be noted. Background information like this will allow the therapist to better do his or her job. If information is omitted, complications could ensue.
Be on time, or a little early. Besides being good etiquette, being punctual can actually help your massage be effective. When you are running late, you are usually in a frenzied state, increasing stress levels and putting your body on edge. In a massage, this means it will take you longer to unwind and you may not get all of the benefits of a relaxing rub down.
Don’t keep it to yourself if you experience discomfort during a deep tissue massage. While there isn’t any harm done by relaxing comfortably, it is also important to speak up whenever you feel uncomfortable. They have to avoid hurting you worse.
You do not have to remove your clothing for a massage. Many people feel uncomfortable being completely undressed, so don’t be afraid to keep some clothing on if it makes you more relaxed. Your masseuse will not be offended. The goal of a massage is to relax, so stressing about clothing is counter-productive.
When giving a massage to your dog, it is important you choose an area in your house that is free of distractions and noise. This can make it easier for your dog to relax. Make sure you provide a comfortable area for the dog to be massaged. This can be on a bed, sofa or soft towel.
It is important to drink water after each massage you have. A massage will ease the tension in muscles, allowing toxins to escape. Your body will need extra water to flush these toxins out. Don’t use juice, pop or tea as water works best. Drinking liquids other than water will prevent you from experiencing the full detoxifying effect of the massage.
Wash your feet before massaging them. You will not have to worry about germs once your feet are clean and the massage will be a lot more enjoyable once the skin is made more sensitive by the warm water. If you experience pain, soak your feet in warm water again after the massage.
To maximize the benefits of a massage let your mind go. Do not think about things you have to do or should have done. Try to focus your mind as much as possible on your breathing in order to bring awareness back into your body. Focusing on your breath will also help clear your mind and get more relaxed.
Massages will be good from now on. From time to time, pick up this article again and review its contents. As long as you keep this information in your head, you can enjoy massages forever.
