Have you ever wondered how it feels to get a good massage? Or have you wondered about giving someone a massage? If you have ever thought about either or both, you have come to the right article for help. The following article will teach you all you need to know about getting and giving massages.
When giving a massage, do not forget to focus some attention on the neck and shoulders. While much attention is paid to the back during a massage, the neck and shoulders can hold tension and stress too. Spending some time massaging them offers a lot of relief and can improve the massage experience.
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.
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.
Arthritis is a very painful condition. While medication can relieve some pain, it’s only temporary. If you feel like your medication is not doing enough, consider getting a massage. Massages help stimulate blood circulation throughout your bones, which can help ease arthritis pain.
When giving a massage, it is very important that you use oil or lotion. Massage oils can increase the movements of the soft tissue. Using oil will minimize the pinching and tugging feel on the skin. Massage oils come in all different varieties. They include aromatherapy and provide lubrication and nutrients.
Swedish massage therapy is the most frequently offered type available. Some people consider this to just be a basic massage. The strokes are long and smooth, done in a kneading motion, typically in circles. The masseuse will normally use oil during the process. It is not too rigorous and quite enjoyable.
You must make sure you slowly get up after getting a massage. You’ve just spend 30-60 minutes relaxing and laying face down. This can leave you feeling dizzy or lightheaded when you get up, so make sure to do it slowly.
If you’ve got any full body massage coming, get those feet washed before you begin. Your feet will have fungus and bacteria that can be spread all over your body. You’ll be glad you cleaned your feet once the massage is over.
Do not hesitate to talk to your doctor about massages. If you deal with back pains or muscle pains on a regular basis, ask your doctor if massages would be a good solution. Your doctor should be able to recommend a good massage clinic in your area and even write you a prescription.
If you are not sure what kind of massage you should get, choose a deep tissue massage or a Swedish one. There are all sorts of alternatives out there, some of which may leave you very disappointed if you’ve got serious knots that need to be worked out. These two forms of massage therapy should cover all your needs if you are not ready to explore other therapies yet.
If you are getting a full body massage, always ask to take a shower or at least wash your feet prior to beginning the massage. You can hold a lot of dirt and bacteria on places like your feet and hands, and you do not want your massage therapist massaging those areas first and then placing their hands on your face for further massage.
Consider getting a massage in either just your underwear or naked. Skin to skin contact is important during any massage, and this can only be accomplished if you remove your clothes. You can always use a blanket to cover up if you are concerned about modesty or staying warm during the process.
Try using your fists to give a good massage. Gently thump on the area that is painful or tense after warming the muscles with a more gentler techniques. Thumping is excellent for circulation and will cause the entire muscle to relax almost instantly. Avoid using this technique on someone who has to take blood thinners to prevent bruising.
Aromatherapy massage uses scented therapeutic massage oils along with gentle kneading motions. These scented oils add another dimension to the standard massage by incorporating the sense of smell into the massage therapy. Aromatherapy often uses lavender, eucalyptus and chamomile. This type of massage is perfect for people suffering for stress related pain.
You should ask for feedback when giving a massage to someone. Remind the person that you have no way of knowing how efficient your massage is if they do not let you know how they feel. Encourage the person to guide you so you can find the area that is tense.
Though it may seem funny, an important thing to do is to massage your stomach right after you eat. It can actually be a great help to you. This will help with digestion. With your palms placed on your abdomen, rub gently in a clockwise, circular motion. This will stimulate your digestive tract in the proper direction.
Whether you are giving or getting a massage, it is in your best interest to learn all that you can on the topic. By all means, your learning experience is not limited to this one article. Keep researching and keep in mind all you’ve learned from this great piece for optimal success.
