What kind of massages do you give? If you find yourself sloppily moving your hands all over the place, then it’s time for a change. You want to know different strategies that you can use to help you focus on giving a much better massage. Keep reading to learn more.
If you have been feeling particularly stressed out, it just might be time to have a relaxing massage. Massages are not only helpful to relax you mentally but physically as well. It helps to promote circulation and loosens up your muscles. Let go of some of your stress with a massage.
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.
Giving a great massage is all about feeling out your partner. The best massage therapists will tell you that you need to let your hands read the body. Follow the bodies curves and lighten pressure as you go over bony areas. Modify the shape of your hand to fit in the curves of the body.
The powers of a healthy massage should not be underestimated. Messages can not only help you relax, they can help relieve pain and regenerate your depleted energy. In spite of whatever health issues you are affected by, you should consider a professional massage for help.
If the place where you get a body massage does not offer a foot bathing service prior to the massage, do it yourself. You do not want germs from your feet getting to the rest of your body parts. If you cannot give yourself a foot bath where you are, see if you can go to the restroom and wash your feet in the sink.
Whenever performing a message, try to use slower movements for a soother and calming affect. When you apply pressure with thumb or finger, make sure you avoid wearing out your thumbs by providing support with the other thumb and fingers. Use the force of your weight as well; this will help your arms to not get tired.
Your feet are a lot more sensitive than they look. You can find many nerve endings in this part of your body and massaging your feet could help you relieve the pain you experience in another part of your body. A foot massage is also a great way to relieve stress.
Healing of both new and old injuries can be accomplished via deep tissue massage. Friction-causing, slow movements against the grain of the muscle are used. This releases pain from tight muscles due to injuries.
Avoid holding your breath while your massage therapist is working. You may have knots that are extremely painful, yet the therapist cannot massage them out effectively if you hold your breath. Try to breathe through the muscle pain, and use a combination of deep breathing and visualization. In your mind, picture the area and imagine the knot is a lump of butter, melting in the warm sunshine.
Shiatsu Massages are of Japanese origin and they are similar to acupuncture, but fingers are used rather than needles. Your therapist will apply some pressure to pressure points, which will help your entire body relax at the same time. A Shiatsu massage is intended to raise the level of energy in your body and lead to an increased sense of well-being.
If you happen to be a massage novice, go for the deep tissue, or perhaps the Swedish massage. There are many alternatives, but some may leave you disappointed if you have some serious knots that must be worked out. These two cover both ends of the spectrum in massage therapy.
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.
Listen to your massage therapist and follow any professional directions they give you. They are the experts after all. As long as this person is being professional, trust that they know what is best. This includes any requests before and immediately following a massage. There may be things you need to do to make sure your muscles respond well.
Use massage to help fight poor circulation that can come with many illnesses. Massage will naturally increase the blood flow to problem areas, slowing the effects the poor circulation can have. The great thing is that it will likely be covered by your insurance as it is a treatment for a health condition.
If you often experience back pain, you should consider investing in a vibrating massaging pad. Some pads even have an option that allows you to apply heat to your muscles. Compare different products before you purchase on and choose one with different speeds so you can easily adjust it in function of your needs.
When you are getting a massage, try to be as punctual as possible. Arriving late will only cause you stress and will not put your body in an optimal position for a massage. Try to get there at least ten minutes early so you can scope out the area and reduce the chances of losing your appointment.
If you feel dizzy or odd in any way, make sure that you sit down and take a breather. Sometimes, the amount of blood flow and circulation after a massage is much higher than usual, which could cause your mind to blackout for a second. Take your time and relax until you feel like you are back to normal.
Now you are better equipped to give the right kind of massage. There are techniques to use specifically of course, and they aren’t that difficult. You just have to know what you’re doing, and now you do. Use what you have learned, and keep picking up new techniques as you get better and better.