If you know what you’re doing with your hands when it comes to massages, then you are going to be very popular. You can give massages for all types of different reasons. Perhaps you know someone you love who has a bad back, and you would like to help them out. Keep reading to learn more.
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.
Scented candles are a great addition to any massage. Calming smells will help the patient relax and feel safe during the massage. These combined factors will produce an environment that yields a great experience.
When giving a massage, make sure that you use the right amount of pressure. It is a delicate balance between using too much pressure and not enough. Take some time to practice. Ask the person you are giving the massage to if you are using too much or too little. Their feedback should dictate the amount of pressure you use.
When you are giving a massage, try to have the person you are massaging in as few articles of clothing as possible. If they are uncomfortable, they can wear a towel to feel more secure at all times. Having areas of the body exposed is not only soothing, but it also facilitates your job.
If you have lots of shoulder tension, use the bear hug technique. Hold your arms around your chest and rub to improve blood flow. Rest your hands on your shoulders; start to gently move them in a circular motion. This is a perfect massage for yourself whenever you want one.
A great place to start with a massage is the back. When you start on your partner’s back, you will give their body an overall relaxation that is more conducive to massaging the rest of the body. The quicker you can get their entire body to relax, the more beneficial the entire massage will be.
How much should you tip a masseuse? If you’re at a hotel or a local spa, 20% is pretty standard. If they work from home, each therapist will typically set their own policies, but 20% is fair. If they work in a massage clinic, ask them for their rules – some will include the tip in the price.
Speak up during a deep tissue or sports massage. Relaxing is fine, but if you feel discomfort you should tell the therapist. The masseuse should be informed about these things to ensure you’re not injured while they work.
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
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.
Let’s be real – your masseuse does not have any interest in rubbing you after a hard day at work. Prior to arriving, wash yourself thoroughly. Not only will this make the masseuse happy, it will keep you from having to smell yourself during the session.
A hot stone massage incorporates heated stones and a gentle touch. Smooth stones are heated and placed along the back and other parts of the body to relieve muscle tension. The massage therapist may also gently press the stones into your tense muscles and then gently rub them in a circular motion to help relieve tension.
When it comes to lower back pain, massage therapy is very effective and can bring helpful relief to an individual that is suffering from this affliction. Almost fifty percent of health care providers recommend therapeutic massage for patients that are suffering from lower back pain. Combined with other medical treatments, massage therapy gives many people relief from debilitating back pains.
Use gentle massage to help relax a restless baby or child. Just like adults, children become very relaxed when they receive a massage and can even fall asleep. If you notice that nothing seems to calm your child give massage a try and see the wonders that it can do to make things easier for everyone.
Sports massages are perfect for athletes. This massage can help you to train and perform at a higher capacity, as you will not feel strain or tension during your match. These massages are rougher and provide better circulation.
Tell the masseuse what you want. These professional may over-apply or under-apply pressure, so you should tell them if that is the case. You’re paying, so get what you want!
If you notice that you are having a lot of pain in your head, opt for craniosacral therapy. This massage technique focuses primarily on the skull and down the middle of your back with minor pressure that relieves tension and helps trauma. This is a good massage to have if you are older and find yourself sore more often.
If you want to give good massages, then you should now some some helpful information that is sure to see you using your hands. You’re now free to give massages the right way, but do continue to learn more techniques and strategies so that you can keep things fresh. The people you love will appreciate it!