Getting a massage in the near future? What do you need to know before you embark on this adventure? The truth is that a basic knowledge will go a long way to helping you enjoy your massage, so read this article in full before you head to the spa or clinic.
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.
Petrissage is the best way to relieve stress and make pain disappear. This method requires you to use your fingertips and your thumb. Grab hold of a muscle and squeeze it for a few seconds before moving on to a different area. Go over the same areas several times until the pain disappears.
An easy way to give a relaxing massage is by using a technique called “raking”. In it, you just run your fingertips (spread hands) down the person’s back, gently moving back and forth. Really, you’re doing a raking motion up and down. For added effect, try alternating your hands – one rakes up while the other rakes down.
Make sure your massage therapists know any areas of discomfort you have before beginning the massage. If there is any particular area that is giving your pain, the therapist can focus on that and try to give you some relief. She can also be careful to avoid any areas that are especially sensitive.
Lubrication is important when giving a massage. The best lubricants will allow your hands to glide across the body. Oils work well as do many lotions. Try out a few different kinds and see which works best. You want a lotion that will not require reapplication causing breaks during the massage.
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.
If your goal is to calm the massage recipient, use movements that are slow. If you move your hands too fast or generally attack the back, you’ll definitely not create a relaxing atmosphere! Instead focus on being calm yourself. Slow down your pace and move slowly but deliberately. Wait for cues from the massage recipient as to whether to speed up or slow down even more.
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.
If your child is suffering from colic, a gentle massage may alleviate some of their suffering. Slightly warm some lavender baby lotion and gently massage your infants back, legs, hands and feet. This will help relax your child making them less fussy if they are suffering from stomach cramps caused by colic.
Pay attention to how your partner responds during a massage. If your partner tenses up, you are probably massaging him or her in a way that is too intense. If your partner seems to feel tickled, you might be going too light with your fingers. Paying attention can help you to find the right balance that will really please your partner.
When you have a client that you are giving a massage to, ask whether or not they are comfortable. The last thing that you will want is someone who does not feel secure when you are giving a massage. Additionally, they will be very tight and tough to massage if they are anxious.
You can give yourself a hand massage by using a pencil with an eraser. Use the pencil eraser to press into the fleshy areas of your hand, paying particular attention to the thumb pad. Move the eraser in a circular motion around your hand maximizing the pressure if it is necessary.
The goal of any massage is to make your partner feel good and relaxed. The massage will help with this, but the environment will also play a part in it as well. Set the mood and have some nice scents like candles or potpourri fill the air. Furthermore, a good massage table to make your partner comfortable will help tremendously.
Where should you rub when you’re giving yourself a massage? You should do it where you feel pain. Tender areas are a great starting point, and you should radiate outwards from there. If other painful spots are felt, massage that area as well. When the great feeling ends, end the massage too.
Exercise increases the blood-flow within the muscles of your body and you should compliment this each day with a simple massage. Massaging these same areas will improve waste removal and decreases the recovery time for damaged tissue. Start a weekly routine of exercising and massaging target areas for best results.
Breathing techniques are very important when getting a massage. Breathe deeply through the nose and deep into the abdomen. Keep track of how long it takes to breathe in and then out. This will increase your level of relaxation and remove trepidation.
It is as important to know about giving a massage as getting one if you want to have the full experience. This will allow you to understand both points of view. Take what you’ve learned here and put it to use next time you receive a massage so you’ll enjoy it fully.
