If you decide to give or better yet, get a massage, you know that there is a lot of thought and technique in the process. You can never know everything there is to know about massages. The following article will equip you with the tips you need for a massage experience you won’t regret.

Giving a great massage is all about feeling out your partner. The best massage therapists will tell you that you need to let your hands read the body. Follow the bodies curves and lighten pressure as you go over bony areas. Modify the shape of your hand to fit in the curves of the body.

A popular back massage you can try out on someone is called a “Raking Massage”. With this technique, you spread your fingers apart and use your tips to give the massage. Begin in the shoulder area and work your way down the back using a raking motion. Then, you move your fingers down the spine without actually touching it. Move one hand down as the other hand moves up.

Try to keep quiet when giving someone a massage. Massages are relaxing and if you speak it can break the mood. Play relaxing music or nature sounds while giving a massage. Besides that, things should be very quiet.

Your feet are a lot more sensitive than they look. You can find many nerve endings in this part of your body and massaging your feet could help you relieve the pain you experience in another part of your body. A foot massage is also a great way to relieve stress.

If you have a favorite fragrance of massage oil, bring it to your next massage. More than likely, the therapist will be willing to use it. Sometimes they may have a preference for oils of a certain type, but it is definitely worth asking to see if they are willing to use your favorite.

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.

Finding the right therapist is very important when it comes to massages. You do not want to visit an inexperienced or inept therapist who may cause you more harm than good. Ask friends or family if they know of a good one in your area or look on the Internet for reviews.

Don’t swear off using a massage therapist of the opposite sex. You may initially be weird about it, but get over it! Men may have the height and strength you need to work out the kinks from a really bad back, and women may have the relaxed touch you need to de-stress. Be open to whoever may best fit your current need.

Do not be afraid to try new massage techniques when visiting the spa. Some spas offer massages where hot stones are used, others couple massages with a chocolate wrap or seaweed. These techniques can enhance the entire experience, benefiting your muscles, skin and psyche. Consider them if you are looking for a real pampering experience.

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.

When you massage someone with oil, allow them to take a shower once complete. This not only removes residual oil from their body, it can soothe and enhance their relaxation. Removing the oil will prevent clogged pores and blemishes.

You should ask for feedback when giving a massage to someone. Remind the person that you have no way of knowing how efficient your massage is if they do not let you know how they feel. Encourage the person to guide you so you can find the area that is tense.

Shiatsu massage is used by gently applying firm pressure into affected meridians then quickly releasing it. This type of massage is perfect for those suffering from tired muscles that need immediate relief. Unlike other types of massage, this massage does not leave the person feeling sore afterwards; instead, they feel refreshed and renewed.

What do you want a massage? Did someone ram into your automobile? Do you suffer with chronic back pain? Do you just want to unsind? Regardless of your reason of wanting to see a massage therapist, you should spend time to find the right one.

Before and after you exercise, you should give your body a good massage. Before you exercise, use your fists in a pummeling motion to stimulate blood flow to your arms and legs. After you exercise, rub your muscles with your fist or palm. Move along your heart’s direction. This helps to speed up your recovery and aids in waste removal.

Look at online reviews before getting a massage. There are most likely reviews for the clinics and the therapists online. Reading these reviews will allow you to make an informed decision when choosing a therapist.

If your massage therapist moves your arms, legs, hands, feet or neck, try your best not to resist or assist. This is a part of the massage, and it can help to release tension in certain parts of your body. If you put effort into helping, you might make the tension worse, and you are also taking away from the relaxation you should be experiencing.

As you can see, there are plenty of ways to give and get a massage. However, the quality of your experience depends on you as well as the masseur. Instead of spending money and throwing it into the unknown, use the tips from this article that were developed with you in mind.