If you are interested in learning about the many wonderful benefits a massage can offer you, the following article will help. Massages can ease stress and alleviate many common ailments that slow us down and cause us discomfort. Read the following tips and advice that will convince you that you are overdue for a great massage!
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 suffer from back pain, especially in your lower back, having regular massages could be very beneficial. Having a professional relax your muscles can really work wonders and prevent you from further back injuries. It can also help with back spasms, which can be very painful and sometimes debilitating.
Try giving yourself or someone a foot massage. Focusing on the soles first can really relax a person. Start stroking the soles of the foot going back and forth in straight lines. Do these motions starting from the heel to the bases of the toes. After the soles have been properly massaged, you can move on to the toes and the top and middle of the foot.
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.
Don’t do massages in areas that are full of a lot of noise. Traffic sounds or loud neighbors are not sound tracks to a great message. And massage is nothing but relaxing to its fullest. Pick a different time of day, or find a location that is not so noisy. You will immediately notice the difference when you do this.
Make sure your massage therapists know any areas of discomfort you have before beginning the massage. If there is any particular area that is giving your pain, the therapist can focus on that and try to give you some relief. She can also be careful to avoid any areas that are especially sensitive.
If you are giving a massage, aim to use slower movements in order to give your subject a calming, soothing experience. Prevent straining your fingers and thumbs by using some sort of support. Take advantage of your body weight as well to fend off fatigue.
If you can, ask the person who you plan on massaging to shave before their massage. This helps provide a smooth surface, specifically if you’re using oil. That will help your hands flow freely and will feel better to the person.
Let your massage therapist know if anything begins to hurt too much. Some massage techniques can cause some discomfort, so you need to be aware of that. Ask the therapist to ease up in certain areas if you find that you are beginning to tense up because something is too painful.
If you have recently contracted the flu, a massage may help alleviate the pain and stiffness generally associated with the flu. For the best relief, gently rub warmed lotion over your entire body using a circular motion. This will not only alleviate aches, but it will also help re-hydrate your skin.
Try not to exceed 45 minutes when you are giving a massage. Remember that you are pressing down on someone’s body for a long period of time when you are massaging. Therefore, if you do it for too long you can actually cause bruising and pain, which you will want to avoid.
Massaging your tummy can aid in the digestion of your food. It can also help alleviate stomach pain. After eating a meal, you should rub your hands clockwise on your abdomen. You will find that you can digest your food much easier as a result. Just apply pressure gently until you feel better.
There is a helpful massage that helps to relieve sinus pressure and congestion. To do this massage, begin by placing your fingers right above your nose and pressing down. Be sure you are rubbing outward. Next, put your fingers under your eyes, moving down and rubbing out. Massage the cheekbones with your thumbs and then put your thumbs on your temples, moving in small circles.
You do not have to remove your clothing for a massage. Many people feel uncomfortable being completely undressed, so don’t be afraid to keep some clothing on if it makes you more relaxed. Your masseuse will not be offended. The goal of a massage is to relax, so stressing about clothing is counter-productive.
When getting a massage, your actions will help you enjoy the massage more and receive maximum benefits from it. Practice deep breathing exercises while you are getting your massage. Breathe out when pressure is applied and breathe in when pressure is released. This will have an immeasurable impact on the relaxation of your massage.
When giving a massage, do not be scared to apply light pressure to an area that is specifically tough. Be gentle initially and ask your patient for feedback to make sure you’re not causing pain. You can work out stress and pain when focusing on caring for the muscle. Pressure should be avoid near the spine.
A massage can provide you with many benefits and anyone else you know who is over-worked and constantly aching. Use the tips from this article to put the power of massages to work for you and those you care about. They are fairly quick and inexpensive, but offer such a huge pay-off.
