You really want to give those massages that people ask for, but you just don’t know what you’re doing. It’s okay because all it takes is a few simple strategies to get the ball rolling. You will learn so much by continuing to read this article, and the people you love will thank you.
Feeling a little blue? Go get a massage! The health benefits of massage are numerous, and studies have shown that one of the benefits of massage is elevated serotonin. Serotonin is a neurochemical that makes us feel happy, yet lack of sleep, hormone fluctuations, gloomy weather and poor diets can lower your body’s natural serotonin stores.
Ask you friends who they use for their massages. It can be hard to find a massage therapist that you are comfortable with, but knowing that someone you know uses and trusts them you will feel that much better about it. Ask as many people as you can before you decide on one to try.
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.
If you have a wound that is beginning to heal, massaging around that area will help it to heal even faster. Massage increases the amount of blood that is flowing to that area of your body. So, by massaging that area you are providing it with new blood to promote healing. This can also help to reduce scars.
Massage yourself when your muscles feel stiff. Start by gently thumbing the outside areas of your body. Start from the bottom and work your way up the arms and legs. If you massage this way after you awake in the morning, your body can be re-energized for the day’s challenges. Do it before you go to sleep for a great night of rest.
If you are suffering from back pain and traditional back massages are not alleviating the pain, try a hand massage. Firmly press into the meaty area between your thumb and index finger and gently massage. This type of massage is especially effective for muscle spasms and pulled back muscles.
In terms of injuries, regardless of their age, deep tissue massage can be very effective. This method massages against the muscle and is slow. This loosens up muscles that are constantly tight, usually due to injury or poor posture.
The Japanese love to engage in a form of massage called shiatsu. This uses the pressure from the masseuse’s fingers pressed in a rhythm on your acupuncture meridians. The pressure is applied for a few to many seconds, boosting energy flow and returning the body to balance. It doesn’t leave you sore, either!
If you are giving a romantic massage to your partner, consider lighting the room with candles. Candles provide just the right amount of light so you can see what you are doing, while still allowing your partner to relax. They are also very romantic, and they can lend to the feeling you are trying to create in the moment.
Surprising, a certain massage should be used by all people when done eating. Rub your stomach in a clockwise motion to stimulate blood flow. This helps to promote digestion because this is how food moves though the intestines.
When receiving any type of massage, you should not hesitate to speak up. If anything feels painful or uncomfortable, do not hesitate to speak up and let the therapist know about it. You don’t want to be injured, so keep your massage therapist informed.
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.
Massaging your own shoulders can be enjoyable if you do it right. Beginning at the top of your spine, using one hand or two, use your hand to stroke from skull to shoulders. Then work your way across the shoulder outwards. Go back towards the neck and repeat the process.
If you have dry hands or feet, find a good moisturizer and use it for massages. Apply a small dose of moisturizer on your dry skin and take the time to massage the area. Massaging allows the moisturizer to penetrate the skin to its deeper layers, which means you will get better results.
When getting a massage, your actions will help you enjoy the massage more and receive maximum benefits from it. Practice deep breathing exercises while you are getting your massage. Breathe out when pressure is applied and breathe in when pressure is released. This will have an immeasurable impact on the relaxation of your massage.
Ask your therapist about referral programs. The cost of your next massage can be drastically reduced by convincing your friends and loved ones to visit your preferred therapist. If you are running low on money, this will greatly reduce the amount of money that you have to pay.
Make sure you speak up if your massage is too hard or too soft for your liking. This is a service that you are paying quite a bit for, so if your masseuse is applying too much or too little pressure, let them know so they can adjust their pressure accordingly.
Now it’s time to get ready to go give a massage. Surely you’re excited to test the information you’ve just read. See what you can do, and give it your best shot. You are going to be amazed at how your new strategies will make all the difference in the world.
