The world of massage therapy is quite a vast one. Whether you have decided to give your partner a massage or decided to get a massage at a spa, you could use some advice. The following article will provide you with some great insightful tips that can help you make the most out of your next massage therapy experience.
If you suffer from frequent tension headaches, you may benefit from a professional deep tissue neck massage. To perform a deep tissue massage, the massage therapist uses a stretching technique along with pressure to pull and stretch your muscles. This allows the muscles to relax; thus, relieving your headache and tension.
If you’re going to get a massage, be sure to eat an extremely light meal before it. Eating a heavy meal before your massage could make you uncomfortable and prevent you from enjoying your experience. Eat as healthy as possible, mixing in fruit and vegetables.
One of the best things that you can do before and after your massage is to drink a lot of water. Water will help to eliminate some of the free radicals that are in your body, which may be causing your discomfort in the first place. This will optimize your overall experience.
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.
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 getting a full-body massage, make sure that you thoroughly clean your feet before starting. The feet are capable of transmitting lots of germs which can be spread over the entire body during a massage. Just clean them before, and you will be much safer.
There is no real dress code when you decide to go out and get a massage. If you are concerned about dressing appropriate, speak with the spa or your message therapist beforehand. By addressing clothing concerns, you can ensure that you won’t feel embarrassed or uncomfortable during your massage. If there is an area you also don’t want massaged like your behind, tell the therapist before starting.
Newcomers to massages should go for either a Swedish massage or deep tissue massage. There are many different techniques but Swedish and deep tissue massages are the best treatments if you have tense muscles. These two cover your most essential needs until you know more about the other types.
If you have a spot which hurts frequently, give it a massage once per day. This will help loosen it up and hopefully your pain will not return. Over time, you may find that it is already loose when you start to rub it, so you can reduce the frequency of massage.
To perform a pregnancy massage, have the expectant mother lie on her side and gently rub her back using a circular motion. A pregnancy massage is especially beneficial during the third trimester when the weight of the baby creates pressure points in the expectant mother’s lower back and buttock areas.
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.
When you give a massage, try to ensure that your hands follow the body’s contours closely. Use the fingers as well as the palms liberally. If you reach bony areas, use the palm of your hand with limited pressure to keep pain at bay. For the curvier areas, use fingers for digging in and getting rid of kinks.
You do not have to remove your clothing for a massage. Many people feel uncomfortable being completely undressed, so don’t be afraid to keep some clothing on if it makes you more relaxed. Your masseuse will not be offended. The goal of a massage is to relax, so stressing about clothing is counter-productive.
Sit for a while after the massage. In a short time, your body has gone through quite a bit in the massage process. Your body might not be able to handle sudden movements so quickly. You may feel faint or somewhat sick. Allow yourself some time to sit up and gather yourself before standing.
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 are on the giving end of a very beneficial massage, make sure to read the signs the recipient is showing. During a deep-tissue massage, the body responds to pressure and muscles will actually contract under your finger-tips. Ease up on the pressure when you approach bones and joints and be guided by the response you get!
Getting a massage can be fun, but if you are giving one, you need to be all the more careful. This article has discussed some of the things you need to watch out for in terms of massage therapy. Use some or all of the tips you have just read for optimal success.
