Massages are very enjoyable when they are done correctly. If you enjoy receiving massages, you need to find out more about massage therapy so you can get better service. If you give massages to your friends and family to help them with stress and pains, learning more about massage therapy will help you do a better job. Keep reading to learn more about massage therapy and how it can benefit you.
If you have a massage scheduled, eat lightly beforehand. You will not enjoy your massage if your stomach is uncomfortably full. Eating a light, healthy meal is the best choice.
A popular back massage you can try out on someone is called a “Raking Massage”. With this technique, you spread your fingers apart and use your tips to give the massage. Begin in the shoulder area and work your way down the back using a raking motion. Then, you move your fingers down the spine without actually touching it. Move one hand down as the other hand moves up.
If you notice knots in the back while you are giving a massage, you can kneed them out with some pressure from your fists. Simply get your fists into a ball and work them over the knotted spot for a few minutes. Apply more pressure if the knots are deeper, as long as the recipient remains comfortable.
Don’t allow yourself to worry too much when you’re getting yourself a massage. Wear lightweight clothing so that your therapist has easy access to your muscles. They are trained in how to drape you in a sheet so you’re always covered. You won’t have to worry about the appearance of your body at all.
A foot massage can be used for more than tired, achy feet. You can search online and find foot maps that show which area of the foot can be massaged to experience relief from a myriad of symptoms throughout your body. For example, pressing on the big toe is known to relieve sinus pain and pressure.
If you have a wound that is beginning to heal, massaging around that area will help it to heal even faster. Massage increases the amount of blood that is flowing to that area of your body. So, by massaging that area you are providing it with new blood to promote healing. This can also help to reduce scars.
Do you suffer from high blood pressure? Whether it is hereditary or caused by stress it can be dangerous. If you are looking for a way to lower your blood pressure a bit, try having a massage. Massages are a great way to relieve stress and tension. They have also been proven to lower peoples blood pressure significantly.
The amount of pressure you use during your massage is important for different goals. If you feel knots, apply pressure to loosen them up. Even if you maintain constant pressure on your knots, the tension will ease. This is a key principle with deeper tissue massages.
Try doing the bear hug method if you have shoulder tension. Make an X across the front of yourself by wrapping both arms around your chest area. Rub each shoulder with your opposing hands. You can give yourself an easy and effective massage anytime using this simple method.
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.
Try using your fists to give a good massage. Gently thump on the area that is painful or tense after warming the muscles with a more gentler techniques. Thumping is excellent for circulation and will cause the entire muscle to relax almost instantly. Avoid using this technique on someone who has to take blood thinners to prevent bruising.
Massage therapy is a great alternative to pain medication. Frequent massages will help aching muscles and joints, in addition to relaxing you. Find out if your insurance will cover massage visits if you have certain health issues.
If you are giving a deep tissue massage, incorporate your elbows into it. This may feel uncomfortable at first for the person you are massaging, but is a fantastic way of spreading out the muscle and causing a very pleasurable sensation. Never push too hard though, as this will then feel uncomfortable.
Be aware of all your options before getting a massage. For instance, different therapist use different methods, and you should know what these are. These each produce unique responses from the body that you should be prepared for and do not conflict with your condition.
You should give yourself a belly rub after eating. Yeah, that’s right. When you do this correctly, you help promote healthy digestion. The proper method is to press down on the abdomen and massage it in a circular motion from right to left. This helps digestion go smoothly.
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.
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.
You are now equipped with all the information you need to enjoy a proper massage. These tips will help you, whether you are the one giving or the one getting the massage. Try to always learn more. This will make you better at massages, and both you and your clients will benefit.