Getting or giving the perfect massage is one of life’s great pleasures. It helps let the daily stresses melt away and can bring couples closer together. There are a number of helpful tips to help improve a person’s massage skills. Read on to learn all about massages, both giving and getting one.
If you decide to get a massage in the comfort of your own home, take a hot shower first. The hot water will help relax your muscles through the penetrating heat. This will ensure that your massage is more comfortable and any aches or pains are eliminated before the start.
If you have been feeling particularly stressed out, it just might be time to have a relaxing massage. Massages are not only helpful to relax you mentally but physically as well. It helps to promote circulation and loosens up your muscles. Let go of some of your stress with a massage.
Try not to eat if you are about to receive a massage. After you eat, you may feel uncomfortable or bloated, making lying down during a massage difficult. Put enough time between your meal and your massage so that your food has time to digest. This will enable you to lie down comfortably in any position during your session.
Massage is great during pregnancy, but wait until after the first trimester. During the first trimester, your baby is in the earliest stages of development. Toxins released during a massage can harm the fetus or inhibit growth during this delicate period. Once you have reached 16 weeks, you should be all clear to enjoy a massage.
Regulate your breathing during a massage. It is not uncommon to feel apprehension or anxiety during a massage, particularly if you are new to receiving them. Remember that you are in a safe environment and dealing with a professional. You will not be able to relax if your breathing is not normal.
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.
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.
A traveling massage therapist can come to your home to give you a great massage. Many freelance message therapists are able to save money by traveling to their clients instead of renting out an office space. These therapists are sometimes more affordable, and you won’t have the hassle of making of traveling to your appointments.
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 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.
Prior to getting a massage, inform your massage therapist of all the problem areas you have. If you don’t you may end up wasting half of your massage time on areas that need a lot less work to feel good! This communication will give your therapist a plan of action for the limited time there is available.
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.
If you are battling cancer it can really take a toll on your body. You are probably feeling a little depressed, some anxiety, fatigue and nausea from the treatments and the diagnosis in general. Having a massage has been proven to help fight off all of these symptoms, which can help you to fight even that much harder to beat it.
If you are thinking about finding a massage therapist, ask your doctor for a recommendation. Often, your doctor will be able to refer you to an excellent professional from their years of experience in dealing with health problems. You might also ask a trainer at your gym to refer you to an excellent massage therapist.
Many people believe that massage therapists only focus on your back, but this is not the truth. When you are considering getting a massage, ask the person you speak with about the different types that are available. They may cost more, but more of your body will end up being relaxed.
If you can’t relax while you’re getting a massage, make an effort to focus on your breath. Breathe through the nose, then all the way into the abdomen. Breathe deeply. Count the seconds it takes to take a breath in and to release it. You can find a comfortable zone this way, and help you on your way to relaxing.
These tips should help you find the perfect massage, teach your partner what to do or even improve your own massage skills. Whether you and a partner do it yourself or you find a professional to do it, a good massage is one of the most pleasurable things you can enjoy. Good luck.