If you are reading this, it is likely that you are a massage enthusiast already. Many people do, but they don’t enjoy the prices of massages. A really good massage often requires a visit to a high priced spa. After reading this article, you know how to make the most of your experience getting a massage, and you may have even learned how to give one, too.
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.
Pregnancy can be especially hard on your body over the course of nine months. Carrying the extra weight from the baby can lead to aches and pains in places that you never knew existed. Treating yourself to full body prenatal massages can be just the thing to get you feeling more like yourself again.
Always pick a message therapist who has the proper training and credentials. A therapist who is licensed can understand better what exactly you need. Using a licensed masseuse means that you are working with a professional that is well thought of in the industry.
One simple way to give a massage is to use a “raking” technique. This is done by spreading your fingers and using your fingertips. Start in the shoulder area then move your fingers in a raking motion down the back. Make sure the fingers move along the spine not on top of the spine. While one hand moves up move the other one down in alternating motion.
Make sure that your massage therapist is registered in your state. If your massage therapist is not properly registered and insured, then you are at risk of being left to fend for yourself if they were to cause injury to you during their work. Do not worry about being rude, ask for proof so that you can be confident that you are in responsible hands.
Think about using a massage therapist who makes house and office calls. A lot of people that do massages save some money because they don’t need office space and can travel around to different places. This also makes it easier on you, as it is more convenient and often time costs less as well.
Pressure levels are key to massages. If someone’s muscles are knotted, use slow-moving pressure to ease the tension. Don’t overdo it though. Deep tissue massage is guided by this basic principle.
If you tend to have a lot of tension in your muscles, but you don’t like a rigorous massage, hot stone massage might be your best choice. The stones, which are smooth, are made warm and then placed onto specific areas of the body. This warms the muscles and tissues, releasing tension and pent-up energy.
Deep tissue massages are a great way to treat injuries, both old and new. Effective deep tissue massages go against the grain of the muscles. In the case of repetitive use injury and ongoing pain, this type of massage is very helpful.
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.
If you want a massage that gets your energy in balance while staying in motion instead of lying on a table, try Thai massage. Your therapist will move you all over the place, running through postures much like yoga. It really gets your energy up and reduces stress while increasing range of motion.
When your feet are aching after a long day, consider having some reflexology. This therapy uses pressure on specific areas of the foot which are connected to your organs, just like in acupuncture. It causes not only your feet to feel amazing, but also helps balance your systems and gives you a great deal of relaxation.
You don’t want to underestimate the power of a good neck massage. It is very common for people to carry significant tension in the muscles supporting the neck. The neck can be easily massaged and provide a lot of comfort. Be sure to utilize both hands when kneading the neck muscles, and don’t forget to pay attention to the shoulders too.
Consider getting a massage in either just your underwear or naked. Skin to skin contact is important during any massage, and this can only be accomplished if you remove your clothes. You can always use a blanket to cover up if you are concerned about modesty or staying warm during the process.
It may be hard to believe, but everybody should do a certain massage following a meal. It involves putting both of your palms on the abdomen and moving them in a circular motion. This helps you with proper digestion.
An excellent way to give a great back massage is using the “raking” technique. This involves using the tips of your fingers. Make sure that you spread your fingers apart. Begin your massage at the shoulders and slowly move your hands down the other person’s back. Your fingers should move alongside the person’s spine; however, you should not actually touch the spine. While one hand is going down one side, have your other hand go up in an alternating motion.
Massages are fun to get once in a while, but you should certainly be able to afford them without cutting into your budget. You can afford a massage with the right tips. This article can help you save a ton on massage.
