Do you want to learn more about how you can give a nice massage? Of course you do, and you’re searching for the right tips and tricks that can definitely make that a reality. You’re going to be surprised as you continue reading how the small things are what matters.
Do you suffer from extreme muscle aches and pains? If so, visit a massage therapist or read a book about trigger points so that you can learn how to treat these pains. Trigger points are tiny knots that appear in tight muscles. These trigger points can refer pain and other symptoms to various parts of your body. A book on the subject or a trained massage therapist can educate you about how to use massage to rid yourself of these points.
Every massage patient is unique. Figure out what the person needs and try to give them that. If you notice that person seems to be enjoying a specific area massaged, concentrate on that area during their massage. Understanding people’s tendencies is very important when massaging.
Regulate your breathing during a massage. It is not uncommon to feel apprehension or anxiety during a massage, particularly if you are new to receiving them. Remember that you are in a safe environment and dealing with a professional. You will not be able to relax if your breathing is not normal.
If you tend to have a lot of tension in your muscles, but you don’t like a rigorous massage, hot stone massage might be your best choice. The stones, which are smooth, are made warm and then placed onto specific areas of the body. This warms the muscles and tissues, releasing tension and pent-up energy.
Let your massage therapist know if anything begins to hurt too much. Some massage techniques can cause some discomfort, so you need to be aware of that. Ask the therapist to ease up in certain areas if you find that you are beginning to tense up because something is too painful.
After you have had a massage, it is very important to drink plenty of water. You will be sore because of the toxins that have been released into your system by the massage. If you drink water right after the massage, you can flush these toxins out of your system more quickly.
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.
If you are a woman, don’t swear off men massage therapists. Since most women are modest, they often feel uncomfortable in front of a male massage therapist. However, some women have reported that the best massage they have gotten in a long time is from a male massage therapist. Whatever your decision, don’t just base it on the sex of the massage therapist.
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.
When giving a massage, remember to massage the hands and feet. These parts of the body are most sensitive and may be where the person gets the best feelings. Massage hands and feet firmly to reach tired, overworked muscles.
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.
If you enjoy working out, you should try massaging your muscles before and after exercising. You should pummel your muscles with your fists to improve your circulation before working out and massage your muscles more gently after working out to speed up the recovery process. Make sure you stretch after massaging.
When you give a massage, be sure your hands read body contours well. Use your fingers and your palm equally. On bony areas, you should make use of your palms to prevent excessive pressure and to avoid causing pain. Whenever you are rubbing curvier areas, you can really dig in with your fingers and get rid of all the knots.
If your partner needs a deep massage, use your body weight to help. Massaging strictly with your hands can get exhausting very fast, making the massage less enjoyable for the both of you. When you put some weight into it, it is easier to go deeper and provide a longer massage experience.
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 getting a massage, your actions will help you enjoy the massage more and receive maximum benefits from it. Practice deep breathing exercises while you are getting your massage. Breathe out when pressure is applied and breathe in when pressure is released. This will have an immeasurable impact on the relaxation of your massage.
Now it’s time to put what you’ve learned into action. Start out small, and work at perfecting the techniques. You are going to be surprised at just how much they work and how people will love your new found talent. Keep learning more, and you will continue to amaze them.
