Have you been thinking about giving massage to someone special but, are uncertain of how to do it? Do you want to learn more about the proper movements and supplies? If so, you are at the right place! This article contains several hints and tips to help you perform a great massage.
If you like massages, try getting some massage tools to use. The massages you give and receive will be more efficient if you use massage balls or other accessories. These affordable accessories are easily found in specialized stores or online. Try different accessories to find out which ones you enjoy the most.
Massage is great during pregnancy, but wait until after the first trimester. During the first trimester, your baby is in the earliest stages of development. Toxins released during a massage can harm the fetus or inhibit growth during this delicate period. Once you have reached 16 weeks, you should be all clear to enjoy a massage.
If you have lots of shoulder tension, use the bear hug technique. Put your arms around your body in the shape of an X. Place your hands on your shoulders and give yourself a good rub. This simple action can relieve tension and provide a quick massage whenever needed.
Consider massaging your body prior to exercising and immediately afterwards too. Massaging prior to working out helps raise blood flow into all of your muscles. And after a workout, a quick massage helps your muscles recover a lot quicker. It’s definitely worth the extra five minutes before and after exercise!
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.
Athletes around the world use a simple trick to massage their feet. Take a golf or tennis ball and roll your foot over it. Move feet over that ball heel to toe and side to side. Pay special attention to your arches, which are more sensitive than the rest of your feet.
Have you been having trouble sleeping at night? This is a common problem that a lot of people have in common. If you are leery about taking prescription or over the counter sleep aids, there is a solution. Having a massage relaxes you mind, body and spirit, which helps you to fall asleep easier each night.
The relaxing benefits of neck massages should not be underestimated. A lot of people have tension in the neck muscles. Thankfully, it’s simple to massage, too. Apply lotion to both hands during a neck massage, and try to include the muscles in the shoulders also.
Prior to getting a massage, inform your massage therapist of all the problem areas you have. If you don’t you may end up wasting half of your massage time on areas that need a lot less work to feel good! This communication will give your therapist a plan of action for the limited time there is available.
When massaging yourself, do you know where to rub? Where the pain is! Tender areas are a great starting point, and you should radiate outwards from there. If you locate even more spots that are giving you pain, rub those as well. Use your own judgement as to when you should end your massage.
If you are pregnant and getting a massage, avoid massage tables which have holes in them. This will ensure yours and the baby’s comfort and prevent the stress to your lower back. Also, make sure you use plenty of pillows as additional padding in order to feel more comfortable and secure.
Be on time for your massage appointment. Although massaging is about relaxation, this is not something you do when you feel like it. Masseurs have appoints they must keep and you should have respect for their time.
Sit for a few moments when the massage is over. Your body will need time to rest and recuperate. You may feel dizzy if you get right up. You may become nauseous. Before you stand upright, breathe deeply and readjust slowly.
Rub your belly following a meal! This can be very beneficial for your state of mind. Doing this correctly can help promote digestion. Do this by placing your palms on top of your abdomen as you gently rub it clockwise. That’s the way food flows through the gastrointestinal tract.
Avoid eating before a massage. You want at least 90 minutes between your last meal and your massage. However, more time is better. Allow your body to digest its meal so you can fully relax and get all the benefits of your massage. As a bonus you will be spared embarrassing stomach gurgling noises during your session.
If you have incurred an injury from participating in a sport, a deep tissue massage along with other techniques will probably benefit you. Other focused health therapies that may be beneficial include acupuncture or chiropractic care. Such activities are great in conjunction with one another, since they tackle problems of muscles, nerves and bones alike. They can even shorten the amount of time you spend healing, getting you back into your normal life faster.
Sports massages are perfect for athletes. They can actually help improve your training abilities because they remove strains and alleviate tension. A sports massage includes a lot more pressure than other forms of massage therapy and is designed to improve your circulation.
As promised at the beginning, you have now learned some fabulous ways to give a massage. Incorporate these tricks into your next massage experience. The person receiving it will be pleased at how effective your massages have become. Then, you can share your newly discovered skills with other people in your family.
