Few things in life can take you away to la-la land quicker than a great massage. We need them to relax, unwind and ease tension in our hard-worked muscles! Learn more about how incorporating massages into your busy schedule can benefit you in both mind and body. You won’t be the same after reading!
It is always best to stay with a licensed massage therapist when having a massage. A licensed massage therapist has been properly trained and is better suited to treat any of your needs. Hiring a professional allows you to be backed by their credentials within the industry.
Make sure the person you give a massage to is comfortably installed. Ideally, you should use a massage table or at least a comfortable mat. If you do not have this equipment, have the person lay down on a comfortable couch or a supportive mattress. Make sure their head is properly supported.
Consider massaging your body prior to exercising and immediately afterwards too. Massaging prior to working out helps raise blood flow into all of your muscles. And after a workout, a quick massage helps your muscles recover a lot quicker. It’s definitely worth the extra five minutes before and after exercise!
When massaging someone, open your fingers up so that you can be more precise with the area that you massage. This helps to loosen up the muscles and is also a great technique if you are planning on giving a deep tissue massage. After you massage this way, close your hands back up and use your palms.
Tell your masseuse where your body needs the most attention. Your therapist needs help to find the areas that need more attention. Letting your massage therapist know about problem areas will ensure that they can pay special attention to those areas.
As time passes, speed up. The beginning of a massage should be slow and easy to allow the person to become acquainted with your touch and loosen the muscles. After this goes on for some time, you can start to get more forceful and fast as well.
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.
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.
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.
Don’t make the mistake of thinking that you have to spend a lot of money to get a good massage. Meanwhile, it is human nature to choose well known spas, a smaller center or a massage school can offer the same services. Sometimes lesser known places offer better massages than their more expensive counterparts, for half the price.
Do not immediately engage in strenuous activity following a massage. Taking a short, calming walk or sitting and reading for a few minutes would be ideal. It is often reported that people feel dizzy following a massage, and this means that the body is not ready to jump into heavy lifting or heart racing activities. It is fine to enjoy these activities a little later in the day, about an hour or so after your massage.
The patient isn’t made of glass, so don’t be afraid to close your fists or use your elbows to thump along the body’s outline. This small exertion of force at the beginning of a massage helps waken the nerves and loosen the tired muscles. Apply a gentle amount of force and follow along the shoulders, ribcage, and lower neck for maximum efficiency.
Try getting a sports massage if you’re an athlete. They can actually help improve your training abilities because they remove strains and alleviate tension. These massages are rougher and provide better circulation.
When giving a massage to your dog, it is important you choose an area in your house that is free of distractions and noise. This can make it easier for your dog to relax. Make sure you provide a comfortable area for the dog to be massaged. This can be on a bed, sofa or soft towel.
Exercise increases the blood-flow within the muscles of your body and you should compliment this each day with a simple massage. Massaging these same areas will improve waste removal and decreases the recovery time for damaged tissue. Start a weekly routine of exercising and massaging target areas for best results.
Watch the temperature in the room carefully when giving a massage. Most massages are done with the recipient in the nude or only wearing underwear. If the room is too cold, this can become very uncomfortable, very fast. If the room is too warm, your hands might become sweaty, making it difficult to give a good massage.
You should now be completely convinced that massages can really do a lot for you, especially if you’re very busy and suffer with aches and pains. Seriously consider what a regular massage can help you with and spread the word to help others. Why not take full advantage of such a simple and easy remedy to so many problems?
