Can you feel the tension in your muscles when you move or even when simply sitting still? If so, it may be time for you to go for a massage. Knowing what to look for in a quality massage therapist or center will help ensure that you get the relief you hope for.
Avoid eating right before you have a massage session. If you feel bloated after a meal, lying down can feel very uncomfortable. If you must eat, make sure to let your body digest your meal first. This helps you stay comfortable no matter the position you may need to get into during your massage.
When giving a massage, make sure that you use the right amount of pressure. It is a delicate balance between using too much pressure and not enough. Take some time to practice. Ask the person you are giving the massage to if you are using too much or too little. Their feedback should dictate the amount of pressure you use.
When you are giving a massage, try not to use the same stroke over and over. This can make the whole experience mundane, as you want to incorporate as much change during the session as possible. Alter your technique, the stroke and how hard you press on the back, neck and thighs.
Consult with your masseuse before the massage. Knowing what will happen during the session will help you to relax. This is also an opportunity for you to discuss any allergies or concerns you may have with products used during the massage. Ask for music if you like, or anything else that will increase your comfort level.
When your massage is complete, rest for a few minutes. Remember that your body has totally relaxed and you have been lying down with your face toward the ground. If you rise too quickly, you might become light-headed, so proceed with caution following a massage.
If you have recently contracted the flu, a massage may help alleviate the pain and stiffness generally associated with the flu. For the best relief, gently rub warmed lotion over your entire body using a circular motion. This will not only alleviate aches, but it will also help re-hydrate your skin.
When massaging someone, open your fingers up so that you can be more precise with the area that you massage. This helps to loosen up the muscles and is also a great technique if you are planning on giving a deep tissue massage. After you massage this way, close your hands back up and use your palms.
Discuss your problematic areas with your massage therapist. A massage’s goal is to relax your muscles and target your problem areas. Your therapist does not know you, which is why you need to tell him or her about your problems. They will be able to help you out best.
Any athlete who participates in hard workouts is very familiar with sports massage. You don’t need to be a professional to enjoy the benefits of a quality sports massage after exercising. These massages help increase stamina and strength, over time.
When you are finished giving or getting a massage, try to give your body at least 10 minutes to recuperate. Since this is not something that you do everyday, you will not want to walk right out after you are done. It is important to maintain regular blood flow before you engage in normal activities again through a short rest period.
There is a helpful massage that helps to relieve sinus pressure and congestion. To do this massage, begin by placing your fingers right above your nose and pressing down. Be sure you are rubbing outward. Next, put your fingers under your eyes, moving down and rubbing out. Massage the cheekbones with your thumbs and then put your thumbs on your temples, moving in small circles.
When you plan to book an appointment for a massage, call up a few local spas and ask them what they have to offer. You may find that they provide a massage style which you’d like to try out, or that they don’t offer the old standby you’d prefer to use.
Eat some food about 30 minutes prior to a massage, but don’t eat too much! You don’t want to feel bloated for the experience. You want just enough food that you feel relaxed. If you go in hungry, you’ll be that much more stressed for the entire time period of the massage.
Avoid eating before a massage. You want at least 90 minutes between your last meal and your massage. However, more time is better. Allow your body to digest its meal so you can fully relax and get all the benefits of your massage. As a bonus you will be spared embarrassing stomach gurgling noises during your session.
Now that you have read through this guide, you should be better prepared for your search for a massage therapist. Start looking today and soon you will find the one that will fit your needs. Then, just lie down and relax as they remove the tension from every muscles in your body.
