Massage is a topic of great interest to people of all walks of life. However, in order to thoroughly understand the art of massage, a good deal of education and information is needed. Keep reading to learn some key facts about massage and the many benefits it can offer virtually everyone.
One great massage technique that you can do for your partner is called raking. Raking means that you spread your hands out, and using your fingertips, you rake up one side of the back right by the spine while you rake downward on the other side with your other hand.
Hydrate yourself after receiving a massage. Your muscles will release a lot of toxins while they are massaged, and you might experience stress if you do not purify your body from these toxins. Drink a lot of water before and after your massage and be very careful about your hydration if you get massages regularly.
Massage tools are great for massages. Use massage balls and other assistive devices to give a more efficient massage. Check the Internet to see what you can find, in a price range that you can afford. Try different accessories to find out which ones you enjoy the most.
Don’t eat on your way to a massage. Eating, especially large meals, can cause a feeling of fullness and can make you bloated, which in turn can make your massage a bit uncomfortable. Make sure that any food you have eaten has been digested. You’ll feel much better and more relaxed during the massage.
Tailor your massage techniques to each individual. If you notice that one area elicits a positive response, work in it a bit more. Feedback is important to look for when you’re giving someone a massage.
If you have a wound that is beginning to heal, massaging around that area will help it to heal even faster. Massage increases the amount of blood that is flowing to that area of your body. So, by massaging that area you are providing it with new blood to promote healing. This can also help to reduce scars.
Schedule your massages smartly. If you usually get sleepy after a massage, you should avoid getting one before you have to go to work. However, if massages help you get some energy, do not hesitate to schedule a massage before you have to go through a stressful day at work.
Asian massages are known to help relax the body. One not-so-common, but very relaxing Asian massage is called the Indonesian-Javanese massage. With this method, the therapist will use both their hands and knuckles to get so deep into the skin. This will help your muscles relax if they were tense.
Your massage can be significantly enhanced with a good scent. Make sure that the scents you use are mild. They shouldn’t be extremely strong. Fruity and floral smells are good, but make sure don’t create any medicinal smells. This gets everyone into the mood.
If you are getting a full body massage, always ask to take a shower or at least wash your feet prior to beginning the massage. You can hold a lot of dirt and bacteria on places like your feet and hands, and you do not want your massage therapist massaging those areas first and then placing their hands on your face for further massage.
Be realistic and admit that your feet may not be particularly appealing to a therapist after you have been working all day. Do them a favor and bathe before you show up for your appointment. Not only will the masseuse be thankful, but you will also avoid your aroma while you’re being massaged.
Take advantage of the non-human massages that you can get. Instead of going to a person for your massage, there are different whirlpools that you can use, which have jets that can massage your back and body. This can be a great form of not only relief, but exercise as well.
Drink plenty of water before and after your massage. Drinking before your massage session ensures that your muscles are well-hydrated and supple, making the massage more effective. Water after your massage will flush out the toxins that were released and can even help prevent soreness by hastening muscle recovery time.
If you want to put some spark back into your relationship, consider giving your partner a romantic massage. They are more intimate than a standard massage and can really relax your partner for some couple focused bonding time. It will enhance your relationship through touch and make your partner feel special.
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.
Keep in mind when getting a massage that you don’t have to be in pain for your muscles to relax. If your massage is starting to hurt, make sure you let the therapist know. Some discomfort is okay, but if you are in full blown pain, don’t be embarrassed to speak up.
When enjoying a massage, leave the outside world behind. Visit your massage therapist on your own, without children or other individuals to distract you. Also make sure to turn off your cell phone or pager, and leave the laptop or tablet in the off position as well. This is the best way to relax and enjoy your experience.
There is no doubt that countless individuals find massage to be a subject of immense interest. The fact remains, though, that without sufficient knowledge, it can be hard to determine what type of massage offers the right sorts of benefits for a given individual. Hopefully, this article has provided you with the foundation you needed.
