Giving a good massage really isn’t complicated. Why go to an expensive school when there is a wealth of knowledge online about both how to give and get a massage? Begin today!
Have an open mind when you go for a massage. Try not to be alarmed by the different techniques your therapist uses if you are new to the whole massage experience. Don’t let this keep you from having a good time. Make sure you relax and allow the masseuse to give you the massage you desire.
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.
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.
When using massage oil, before putting it on a person’s back, place it into your hands first. If you place the oil directly onto your partner, the oil may be surprisingly cold and startle the person. That’s not the kind of reaction you want from a massage. Instead place the oil first in your hands and warm the oil up by rubbing your hands together. This will make the oil the perfect temperature to use.
You should use slow movements if you want to help someone calm down. When applying pressure with fingers or a thumb, use the other fingers and thumb to support them to avoid having your thumbs wear out. Use your weight to avoid fatigue, too.
Neuromuscular therapy, commonly referred to as trigger-point massage therapy targets trigger points in the body throughout the massage. Trigger points are irritated areas of muscle that feel like knots or lumps. These areas can be painful and also transfer the pain to other areas of your body. Pressure you put on these areas will relax the muscles, relieving the pain.
A great place to start with a massage is the back. When you start on your partner’s back, you will give their body an overall relaxation that is more conducive to massaging the rest of the body. The quicker you can get their entire body to relax, the more beneficial the entire massage will be.
The Japanese love to engage in a form of massage called shiatsu. This uses the pressure from the masseuse’s fingers pressed in a rhythm on your acupuncture meridians. The pressure is applied for a few to many seconds, boosting energy flow and returning the body to balance. It doesn’t leave you sore, either!
If you’re pregnant, you can still enjoy a massage if it is given by a license therapist. This is a great way to deal with morning sickness, stress, back pain, sore breasts and swollen ankles. You can continue it after birth to deal with postpartum depression, weight loss and baby-carrying pains, too.
Try not to exceed 45 minutes when you are giving a massage. Remember that you are pressing down on someone’s body for a long period of time when you are massaging. Therefore, if you do it for too long you can actually cause bruising and pain, which you will want to avoid.
How much should you tip a masseuse? If you’re at a hotel or a local spa, 20% is pretty standard. If they work from home, each therapist will typically set their own policies, but 20% is fair. If they work in a massage clinic, ask them for their rules – some will include the tip in the price.
Do not be afraid to try new massage techniques when visiting the spa. Some spas offer massages where hot stones are used, others couple massages with a chocolate wrap or seaweed. These techniques can enhance the entire experience, benefiting your muscles, skin and psyche. Consider them if you are looking for a real pampering experience.
When you are stumped for what to give as a Christmas or birthday present, consider buying a coupon for a healthy massage! Everybody loves the soothing and relaxing benefits of a deep tissue massage and who couldn’t use the extra pampering? Especially for the person who has everything, the gift of massage is perfect!
After getting a massage, the only thing on your mind is probably a snooze. You probably neglected drinking water. You really should be sure that you do so because it gets rid of the toxins that were released during your massage.
Shiatsu massage is used by gently applying firm pressure into affected meridians then quickly releasing it. This type of massage is perfect for those suffering from tired muscles that need immediate relief. Unlike other types of massage, this massage does not leave the person feeling sore afterwards; instead, they feel refreshed and renewed.
The massage is supposed to reduce stress and a great way of doing this is by knocking the problems away beneath a well-placed elbow. Using your fists as well, you can thump the stress away in a relaxing manner before bed. This will help improve the quality of their sleep by calming the muscles and allows the patient to have a good night’s rest.
If you often experience back pain, you should consider investing in a vibrating massaging pad. Some pads even have an option that allows you to apply heat to your muscles. Compare different products before you purchase on and choose one with different speeds so you can easily adjust it in function of your needs.
Now you have some helpful tips when it comes to massage. Keep on eye out for new techniques which can improve your skills. Now that you have confidence in your technique, it’s time for a hands-on demonstration.