It’s not always simple to give or receive a massage. There are different types of massage therapy, and each method has specific benefits. In this article, we will share tips to help both professionals and amateurs in the field of massage. With the tips listed below, you can learn about a few different techniques to use.
Change your mindset about massage. Instead of thinking of it as a luxury, think of massage as a therapeutic approach to health. Research shows that massage can lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol, as well as lessening asthma symptoms in children. Additionally, those tension headaches are no match for the hands of a skilled massage therapist.
Everyone is different, so make sure to switch up your techniques when giving massages. If you notice a certain area giving a positive response, concentrate on that area while doing the massage. Ask for feedback if your patient is not communicating about what they are enjoying or not.
Hydrate yourself well for forty-eight hours before your massage. Many people know that heavy water intake after a massage is good for flushing the body of toxins and helping with sore muscles. Drinking plenty of water before the massage will greatly increase the impact of the massage and its purging abilities.
One simple way to give a massage is to use a “raking” technique. This is done by spreading your fingers and using your fingertips. Start in the shoulder area then move your fingers in a raking motion down the back. Make sure the fingers move along the spine not on top of the spine. While one hand moves up move the other one down in alternating motion.
Always get to your massage appointments early. You can easily become unaware of how much time you have in the day. Rushing to a massage will leave you tense. Your goal is to be relaxed when you hit the table.
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 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.
If you are giving a massage, aim to use slower movements in order to give your subject a calming, soothing experience. When you’re applying pressure with your fingers or thumbs, eliminate tiring by using your other fingers for support. Do use the weight of your body, as opposed to the strength of your muscles, to apply pressure. This will help you prevent exhaustion.
Be sure to get up slowly after you have had a massage. You have been lying down for almost an hour. You may feel a little lightheaded because of this so be sure that you stand up slowly and watch your balance.
Do not forget to stretch before and after you receive a massage. A massage will be more efficient if your muscles are already warm and you will have more energy after your massage if you take a few minutes to stretch your muscles. Besides, stretching is an efficient way to relieve muscle pain.
Extend the benefits of your massage by taking things easy for the rest of the day. Allow your mind and body to stay in the relaxed zone by practicing deep breathing throughout the day whenever you feel the tension returning. Plan a low-key, relaxing dinner followed by a warm bath, then get into bed early and curl up for a nice, restorative night of sleep
Let your masseuse know of your music preferences. Many people enjoy relaxing music playing during their massage, however some do not. If you prefer a quiet environment while you get your massage, speak up. You can also specify a particular type of music or even request ambient noise such as bird songs or ocean waves.
Doing eye massages can relieve tired and sore eyes. The main benefit of this massage is using warmth to relieve pain and strain. Begin this massage by rubbing your hands together vigorously. Do this until your hands start to feel warm. When hands are warm, cover each eye with a palm until the warmth goes away.
As you now know, there are lots of things to learn about message therapy. Understanding the right way to give a massage is key to ensuring that the experience is enjoyed by all. Apply what you’ve just learned, and you’ll be approaching massage the right way.
