Bodies require pampering every so often. A massage can increase the quality of your life by getting rid of common pains. Continue reading for some helpful tips concerning using massages to help improve the body overall.
Hydrate yourself after receiving a massage. Your muscles will release a lot of toxins while they are massaged, and you might experience stress if you do not purify your body from these toxins. Drink a lot of water before and after your massage and be very careful about your hydration if you get massages regularly.
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.
Discuss your needs with your therapist. Some people may feel a little uncomfortable at the prospect of getting a massage because they feel out of control. Tell the massage therapist about any sore areas, such as your back, knees or neck, so that they can avoid them or treat them accordingly. And don’t forget to let them know of your preferences for things like background music, room lighting and temperature. The whole point is for you to be able to relax, so make sure the conditions suit you.
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.
The best massage therapists will meet you at your home for the massage without adding any additional costs. A lot of people that do massages save some money because they don’t need office space and can travel around to different places. These therapists that perform house-calls are typically cheaper and the environment is much more suitable for a relaxing, comfortable session.
Do not get up immediately after your massage, especially when receiving a deep tissue massage. Most people will experience bouts of dizziness or feeling light-headed if the body has not had time to process the ministrations of the masseuse. Relax a bit more and let your body regulate itself before you get back to your day.
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.
If you suffer from sinus pressure, use massage to help. A simple and quick massage under your brow line can help to clear your sinuses and make breathing much easier. Just use your fingers to massage gently over the eyes and across the bridge of your nose. This only takes minutes, and it can offer you a lot of relief.
Deep tissue massages can heal old and new injuries. Deep tissue therapy includes slow motions that cause friction against the grain of the muscle. This ensures the muscles loosen and get enough blood.
Before you get your full body massage, make sure your feet are clean. Your feet harbor bacteria and fungus, which can be unknowingly spread by your masseuse to the rest of the body as they work. A meticulous cleaning before starting can be very beneficial!
Try to save conversation for after the massage. You may love chatting with your massage therapist, but talking during the massage prevents you from ever relaxing fully. In fact, it may actually cause some muscles to tense up, making your therapist’s job even more difficult. Do speak up about your needs, however — if the room’s too cold, the music is too loud, or any other factor that prevents you from sinking deep into relaxation.
The relaxing benefits of neck massages should not be underestimated. Many people retain lots of tension in the neck area. Fortunately this area is easy to massage effectively, and the results can be very rewarding. You should always use an oil or lotion when giving massages.
It is too bad that you can not give yourself a good back massage. Let your masseuse know about what you’ve learned. Your back is a delicate component of a comfortable lifestyle, so take care of it while it matters!
