Perhaps due to the increasingly stressful and hectic nature of today’s fast-paced modern lifestyle, massage therapy is more popular than ever before. Learning to give the perfect massage takes time and effort, but if you are willing to study and work hard you can definitely become a great masseuse. This article is filled with massage tips and advice to help you on your way.
Everyone has individual preferences when it comes to massages and you will have to adjust to your different patients. If you’re noticing positive responses when massaging certain areas, give extra attention to those regions. One of most useful ways to learn how to give a good massage is by listening to feedback.
Make the most of your massage by drinking lots of water. Why? Because a good massage gets your circulation going, but water is needed to flush toxins out of your body. Hydrating before your massage makes your blood less sluggish, making it easier for the masseuse to rub excess lactic acid out of your muscles. Staying hydrated after aids your body in processing and eliminating these toxins.
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.
If your baby is having a difficult time sleeping, give massage a try. Massage is relaxing and easy for any parent to do. Just rest the baby on your lap and rub the back, arms, legs and neck gently. You can even use a little oil to make the massage more enjoyable.
If you notice knots in the back while you are giving a massage, you can kneed them out with some pressure from your fists. Simply get your fists into a ball and work them over the knotted spot for a few minutes. Apply more pressure if the knots are deeper, as long as the recipient remains comfortable.
If you’re getting massaged and you don’t get a foot bath at the spa, do one yourself. The germs from your feet will be spread to other areas of your body during the massage. You can always wash your feet in the sink at the spa if you need to.
Do you suffer from high blood pressure? Whether it is hereditary or caused by stress it can be dangerous. If you are looking for a way to lower your blood pressure a bit, try having a massage. Massages are a great way to relieve stress and tension. They have also been proven to lower peoples blood pressure significantly.
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.
The Japanese love to engage in a form of massage called shiatsu. This uses the pressure from the masseuse’s fingers pressed in a rhythm on your acupuncture meridians. The pressure is applied for a few to many seconds, boosting energy flow and returning the body to balance. It doesn’t leave you sore, either!
Speak up about potential medical issues. If you suffer from an illness that could be aggravated by a massage or if you are pregnant, say something. Your masseuse will be able to adjust their technique to give you a great massage that works around your ailment and keeps you safe.
One of the most enjoyable bonding activities between baby and parent, or other loved one, is a massage. Just grab a bottle of baby oil, take off your jewelry and make sure your hands are warm, and start at the top or bottom. Anything you do is likely to be enjoyable if you’re gentle.
Remember that massage therapists are professionals and that you must be open and honest with them. Tell them about past injuries or areas that need work. Don’t be shy about speaking up if something doesn’t feel right. Massages are supposed to relax you.
Massage your feet yourself by starting at the bottom of the foot and stroking from your heel to your toe. Use firm force with the base of your hand, on the heel. Work on the area between your toes. You should then massage the top of the foot, starting with the toes and going toward the ankle. After this first run through, keep doing the deep massage utilizing your thumb across your foot’s bottom.
Talk to your massage therapist if you so feel inclined. If their pressure is too strong, if their music is much too loud, if their room happens to be too cold, let the masseuse know. If you keep quiet, they will assume that you are feeling fine.
Talk to your massage therapist about what you can do at home to help your muscles remain relaxed. Sometimes a very simple exercise, when done regularly, can be very beneficial. Get into the habit of completing your therapist’s suggestions on a regular basis. You will feel better and your massages will go better as a result of your work.
As was mentioned at the top of this article, massage therapy is more popular than ever before. Soothing, relaxing massages offer individuals an ideal way to soothe their bodies and spirits. If you are interested in being a great masseuse, you should carefully apply all of the information you’ve learned from this article.
