Is it time for a massage? It doesn’t matter if you’re the recipient or the masseuse, you need to understand the art of massage fully for the best experience. This article will give you a ton of helpful hints to ensure that your next massage is the best ever given.
One of the most important things to consider when you are giving your massage to someone is to make sure that the environment is up to par. Try to keep things comfortable and use towels to soften the area that the person you are massaging will be lying on top of.
Try getting a good massage twice a week. Quite a few people have found that frequent massages boost mood and health. Since a massage can relax you, it can reduce your stress. If you are able to, a massage twice is a week is beneficial to your health.
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.
Keep the room at a good temperature throughout the entire massage. If you are giving a massage during the winter, try to have the heat on so that things are not uncomfortable. On the other hand, if it is very hot outside, keep the air conditioning on at a reasonable level.
If your child suffers from asthma, consider massage. Massage has been proven to help breathing in asthmatic children due to the relaxing benefits it offers. A child’s massage should be done with a gentle touch and only for a limited period of time. Try this in the evening and help your child to also enjoy a good night’s rest.
Make sure you ask questions when getting a massage. There are no stupid questions, and your massage therapist should be happy to answer them. You simply need to feel comfortable, and you should ask whatever questions you need in order to do so.
When you are giving a massage, try not to use the same stroke over and over. This can make the whole experience mundane, as you want to incorporate as much change during the session as possible. Alter your technique, the stroke and how hard you press on the back, neck and thighs.
Hydrate, hydrate. A massage loosens lymph fluid, lactic acid and other toxins from your soft tissues. This is part of what makes your muscles feel so nice afterward. However, if you are dehydrated, there is no way for these toxins to leave your system. This could leave you feeling sore and slightly nauseated after your massage, which defeats the whole effort and wastes money. So, make sure you drink up!
Extend the benefits of your massage by taking things easy for the rest of the day. Allow your mind and body to stay in the relaxed zone by practicing deep breathing throughout the day whenever you feel the tension returning. Plan a low-key, relaxing dinner followed by a warm bath, then get into bed early and curl up for a nice, restorative night of sleep
Let your masseuse know of your music preferences. Many people enjoy relaxing music playing during their massage, however some do not. If you prefer a quiet environment while you get your massage, speak up. You can also specify a particular type of music or even request ambient noise such as bird songs or ocean waves.
If you exercise, massage your body before and after exercising to increase blood flows into the muscles and speed the recovery of the muscles. Prior to exercising, pump your arms so as to increase blood flow to all your extremities. When you are done with your exercise, use your fist or palm and rub the muscles in the direction of your heart.
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!
When you are giving a massage, the atmosphere you provide will do wonders for your partner. Try using soft music in the background to relax your partner. Diffuser oils and candles will relax your partners senses and make them feel at ease. Also using low or soft lighting will help your partner relax and get into the mood for a great massage.
Ask yourself why it is you’d like a massage. Have you been in an accident? Does your back hurt? Or are you just looking for a method to provide relaxation? Whatever brings you in, you need to identify it in order to select someone well versed in your needs to massage you.
Go to the spa and ask for a Swedish massage. This massage incorporates five different stokes that use both friction and vibration to help relieve your stress and loosen up your muscles. This is also a very easy massage technique to learn if you are an up and coming masseuse looking to gain skills.
Are you ready to conquer that next massage? Are you going to take this advice to heart? If you do, you’ll find that every massage from now on is truly an exceptional experience. That means everyone will be happier, healthier and loving the art of massage all over again, too!
