Have you ever wondered how it feels to get a good massage? Or have you wondered about giving someone a massage? If you have ever thought about either or both, you have come to the right article for help. The following article will teach you all you need to know about getting and giving massages.
Always be gentle when giving someone else a message. Even if the person you are massaging complains, you should avoid applying too much pressure to their muscles and joints. Unless you have been trained in message therapy, you are more likely to hurt them than to relieve their pain by being more forceful.
When giving a massage, do not forget to focus some attention on the neck and shoulders. While much attention is paid to the back during a massage, the neck and shoulders can hold tension and stress too. Spending some time massaging them offers a lot of relief and can improve the massage experience.
Start your massage at the top of the back. This is important as there are a lot of muscles and knots tied up in this area. This technique will help you to soothe the person you are massaging and serves as a great bridge to the other areas of the body.
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.
Try to limit all background noise when you are giving your massage, as the environment should be as quiet and calm as possible at all times. You will want the person you are massaging to relax their muscles so that your massage technique will work, as a quiet atmosphere helps to facilitate this.
If you’re getting a full body massage, make sure the masseuse uses a massage oil. These oils are a must if they plan on digging deep into your ligaments and muscles without causing discomfort. These oils make their hands slippery, which helps reduce friction and lowers the chances of getting skin burns.
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.
Keep the massage area free of loud noises. Reduce external noise to create a peaceful, serene environment. The purpose of massage is complete relaxation. If needed, move to an area that is quieter or change to a time when there will be less noise. A major relaxation benefit will occur when peace reigns supreme.
If you want to develop into a great massage therapist, you must be patient. Begin massaging people you’re comfortable working with. Ask them for their feedback on your performance. Feel free to practice on friends and relatives.
If you are giving a romantic massage to your partner, consider lighting the room with candles. Candles provide just the right amount of light so you can see what you are doing, while still allowing your partner to relax. They are also very romantic, and they can lend to the feeling you are trying to create in the moment.
Migraines can be disabling. If you suffer from migraines regularly, then you are aware at just how painful they can be. Happily, a good massage can do a lot to relieve the pain and stress of migraines.
If you are going to be giving a massage, make sure that you are using lubricant. Lubricant can be any form of lotion or even therapeutic oils. Whichever you choose, make sure that it is appropriate for the recipient of the massage. Lubricants can help you glide across the body without disturbing the rhythmic movements.
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.
Make sure that your hands are following the body’s curves, when you are massaging someone. Use both your palms and your fingers to do the work. If your hands feel bones just under the surface of skin, use a light touch so that you don’t cause pain to your massage recipient. For soft tissue, use your thumbs.
If you use oil for massages, offer your customer an opportunity to shower after the massage. This will help remove the excess oil as well as soothing their body. It is also beneficial for the skin; it will help the pores stay clear.
If you are giving a deep tissue massage, incorporate your elbows into it. This may feel uncomfortable at first for the person you are massaging, but is a fantastic way of spreading out the muscle and causing a very pleasurable sensation. Never push too hard though, as this will then feel uncomfortable.
If you are unsure of which massage therapist to see in your area, ask your family members and coworkers. Referrals are crucial. While they don’t ensure that you will get a great therapist, they do increase your odds tremendously. After you get a few names, do your own research to see which person you think best fits your needs.
Whether you are giving or getting a massage, it is in your best interest to learn all that you can on the topic. By all means, your learning experience is not limited to this one article. Keep researching and keep in mind all you’ve learned from this great piece for optimal success.
