Everyone should aim to relax on occasion. There are so many daily doings and dealings that it’s hard for you to find time to relax. If you deal with this in your life, a massage is in order. Keep reading to learn more about massage therapy, including techniques and what to look for in a massage therapist.
One great massage technique that you can do for your partner is called raking. Raking means that you spread your hands out, and using your fingertips, you rake up one side of the back right by the spine while you rake downward on the other side with your other hand.
As you progress in the massage, be sure to use your thumbs, as well as your palms and fingers. This area can elicit a great feeling on those you massage. Make sure not to push excessively, since that is often not liked by the person getting the massage.
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.
Make sure the massage therapist you hire is licensed. A licensed masseuse will have had rigorous training and will be able to cater to your specific needs. You’ll be working with a professional with experience in the industry by working with someone of high caliber.
The raking method is a popular way to give a back massage. Spread your fingers out wide and use your fingertips to perform a raking motion down the back, from shoulders to hips. You can increase the pressure to the recipient’s liking. This is a simple way to relax your significant other and spend some quality time together.
Lubrication is important when giving a massage. The best lubricants will allow your hands to glide across the body. Oils work well as do many lotions. Try out a few different kinds and see which works best. You want a lotion that will not require reapplication causing breaks during the massage.
If you suffer from PMS each month with excessive water retention and cramping, there just might be some help for you. The power of massage has been shown to help reduce that unsightly water retention so that your pants will fit a little easier. It also can help relieve the pain that comes with cramps.
When getting a full-body massage, make sure that you thoroughly clean your feet before starting. You do not want germs to be carried from your feet to the rest of your body during the massage. You’ll be glad you cleaned your feet once the massage is over.
If you are a woman, don’t swear off men massage therapists. Since most women are modest, they often feel uncomfortable in front of a male massage therapist. However, some women have reported that the best massage they have gotten in a long time is from a male massage therapist. Whatever your decision, don’t just base it on the sex of the massage therapist.
What should one use for a self-massage? Whatever you can use! If you’re massaging a knot out of your thigh, why not use your elbow? Is your neck sore? Fingers will do, but you can also buy a massaging neck roller. Try out different items and body parts and see what works for you.
You can give yourself a hand massage by using a pencil with an eraser. Use the pencil eraser to press into the fleshy areas of your hand, paying particular attention to the thumb pad. Move the eraser in a circular motion around your hand maximizing the pressure if it is necessary.
You will get faster at massage as you become more experienced. You want to start off slow to relax muscles. After some time, you may move your hands faster across the body while applying harder pressure.
If you are battling cancer it can really take a toll on your body. You are probably feeling a little depressed, some anxiety, fatigue and nausea from the treatments and the diagnosis in general. Having a massage has been proven to help fight off all of these symptoms, which can help you to fight even that much harder to beat it.
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.
When you are giving a massage, one of the key points to focus on is constant movement. You should never stop abruptly, as this will ruin the flow of the massage. You can slow down and speed up while you rub your hands up and down the back and legs, but never come to a complete stop.
If you are someone who exercises, give yourself a mini-massage both before and after you exercise so you encourage blood and oxygen into those muscles to speed up recovery. Before you exercise, pump with your fists to get the circulation moving along your arms and legs. When you’re finished with exercise, rub muscles with a fist or your palm, in a direction that goes toward the heart.
See if your massage therapist offers some kind of a referral program. When you refer your friends to your massage therapist, you may earn free or discounted sessions. If you’re living on a budget, then this can be extremely helpful.
You need a massage; now go out and get one! This article has gone over what you need to know when you’re trying to get a massage. Use the information you learned from this article and enjoy your massage.
