If you have never gotten a massage, you probably think it is a rather simple process of someone merely rubbing your body. However, the process is much more complicated than you would think, due to all the numerous styles there are. Continue reading to learn more about massages and how they can benefit you.
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.
Keep the room at a good temperature throughout the entire massage. If you are giving a massage during the winter, try to have the heat on so that things are not uncomfortable. On the other hand, if it is very hot outside, keep the air conditioning on at a reasonable level.
If you want to give a quick massage, consider focusing just on the feet. The feet offer a small area to massage that contains a wealth of benefits. Feet have many nerves and pressure points, and they hold the weight of the entire body throughout the day. Spend fifteen minutes massaging the feet and feel the difference it offers.
If you are suffering from arthritis, then you know how painful it could be. Medication helps, but it may not always take away the pain from aching bones. If you’re not getting relief from medication, a massage can help. This will improve the circulation of the blood in your body.
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.
You can make massages even better by using some massaging oils. There are plenty of different essential oils to choose from. Choose an oil with an enjoyable smell and you will find that massages are even more relaxing thanks to the smell of the essential oils and the properties of the oil you chose.
One of the best things that you can do before and after your massage is to drink a lot of water. Water will help to eliminate some of the free radicals that are in your body, which may be causing your discomfort in the first place. This will optimize your overall experience.
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.
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!
If you are new to getting a massage, you may be riddled with questions. Do you keep your eyes closed? Do you chit chat during the massage? Should you keep your eyes open when lying on your back? The best way to deal with all of these things is to do what feels right to you. The point of your massage is to relax and to feel relaxed.
Hydrate, hydrate. A massage loosens lymph fluid, lactic acid and other toxins from your soft tissues. This is part of what makes your muscles feel so nice afterward. However, if you are dehydrated, there is no way for these toxins to leave your system. This could leave you feeling sore and slightly nauseated after your massage, which defeats the whole effort and wastes money. So, make sure you drink up!
Before beginning your massage, discuss pressure with your massage therapist. Some people like massages that are very deep with a hard intensity. Others prefer a lighter touch or even Reiki style massages where touch is not necessary. If you let your therapist know what works for you, they can adjust the massage to meet your individual needs.
You need to be sure you’re using your hands to read the definition of the body as you’re giving a massage. Both your fingers and the palms of your hands should be working. Bony areas should be rubbed using your palm and with soft pressure to avoid pain. You can use the tip of your fingers to massage your muscles and penetrate the deeper layers of your skin.
Try using your own visualization while getting a massage. Close your eyes and picture yourself in a favorite spot, surrounded by people you love. Take in all you love about the setting and transfer that to the feeling in your body. This can enhance your massage experience and help you to feel well rested.
When getting a massage, you need to fully relax as the therapist moves your body and joints. You do not need to try to help the therapist move your limbs and body. Think of it as being a puppet, with the therapist moving your body as they want and you just along for the ride.
You are now aware of just how complex the process of a massage can be. It involves much more than a person just rubbing you. There are all kinds of methods and techniques that can be utilized, which can all very beneficial for your body. With this new knowledge, go and get the best massage of your life.
