If you want to find out how to give great massages, it’s easier than you may think. Whether you are a professional or just want to learn for fun, this article will give you some great techniques you can use. It is now time to get started today!
Make sure not to eat before a massage. The last thing that you want to feel during a massage is uncomfortable. Make sure your food is fully digested before the massage. This will maximize your comfort level so you can focus on the actual massage.
Stretch before you go to get a message. This will help to loosen you up just a little bit before hand so that your massage therapist can quickly locate any problem areas that you might have. If you have extreme pain you may not want to do this, otherwise it is a good idea.
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.
Try to limit all background noise when you are giving your massage, as the environment should be as quiet and calm as possible at all times. You will want the person you are massaging to relax their muscles so that your massage technique will work, as a quiet atmosphere helps to facilitate this.
If your baby is having a difficult time sleeping, give massage a try. Massage is relaxing and easy for any parent to do. Just rest the baby on your lap and rub the back, arms, legs and neck gently. You can even use a little oil to make the massage more enjoyable.
Deep tissue therapy is a great option if you have some injuries. Slow, deep movements are used against the grain of the muscle. This loosens up muscles that are constantly tight, usually due to injury or poor posture.
The feet are an often overlooked area that needs to be massaged. There are many pressure points in the feet that can relax the body as a whole and give the entire body a sense of well being. Focus on one foot at a time and use as much pressure as your partner will allow.
Once you decide that you want regular massages, try to build an easy rapport with the massage therapist. The more comfortable you are with the therapist, the more you will relax and enjoy the experience. Before jumping right in, get to know your therapist, at least on a casual basis, so that you can relax and feel safe.
Try not to exceed 45 minutes when you are giving a massage. Remember that you are pressing down on someone’s body for a long period of time when you are massaging. Therefore, if you do it for too long you can actually cause bruising and pain, which you will want to avoid.
Speak up. Alert her to any specific area you would like to focus on. If she is not providing enough intensity to get out those deep knots, you will never get the relief you are seeking without saying something.
This may be something you already know, but make sure you tip your massage therapist generously. It is not only the kind thing to do, but also earns the respect of your therapist if you plan on returning. Always show up on time for your massage because it not only shows you are serious, but you won’t cut into someone else’s massage time.
Using massage techniques on your stomach can help alleviate discomfort that results from eating. After you have eaten, put your hands on your stomach and rub it in a clockwise motion. By doing this, you are loosening up your stomach muscles while moving things around gently, thus helping you with your digestion. Do this gently, and avoid too much pressure on the belly area until you have fully digested.
If you enjoy working out, you should try massaging your muscles before and after exercising. You should pummel your muscles with your fists to improve your circulation before working out and massage your muscles more gently after working out to speed up the recovery process. Make sure you stretch after massaging.
One of the most enjoyable bonding activities between baby and parent, or other loved one, is a massage. Just grab a bottle of baby oil, take off your jewelry and make sure your hands are warm, and start at the top or bottom. Anything you do is likely to be enjoyable if you’re gentle.
See if the massage therapist has a referral program. Your massages could be low priced or free if you can refer others. Particularly if you don’t have a lot of money to spend on massages, this is a great way to get what you need at a low cost.
If you have a less than pleasant experience having a massage, try not to write them off completely. Everyone has their own style and techniques and no two massage therapists are the same. Ask for a recommendation from a friend for someone new, and explain your experience to them so they can do their best to make your massage with them as pleasant as possible.
It’s time to put the tips you’ve read to good use as you plan out the next massage you’re going to give. Keep on improving your technique and continue to build up your skills. Now you are ready to put what you have learned into practice.