A massage has been proven to provide all kinds of benefits, both physical and mental. Few people are aware of all the benefits of massage therapy. Read on to understand the many ways great massage can help you in body, mind and spirit.
Remember that there is no one-size-fits-all massage. Everyone is different, and it pays to give attention to each person’s preferences. If you’re noticing positive responses when massaging certain areas, give extra attention to those regions. Feedback is something that you should always keep your eye out for.
Consider going in for a massage once a week. When people take the time to have regular massages, they experience overall mood improvement and health. This is the case because massages relax you, reducing stress. If you can, shoot for getting a massage at least two times per week.
You should try different techniques when giving a massage. Use your hands and fingers to rub, apply pressure or even give gentle taps. Use the tip of your fingers if you need precision, for instance to relax a tense muscle. You could also try covering as much surface as possible by using the palm of your hands to apply pressure.
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.
If you want to give a quick massage, consider focusing just on the feet. The feet offer a small area to massage that contains a wealth of benefits. Feet have many nerves and pressure points, and they hold the weight of the entire body throughout the day. Spend fifteen minutes massaging the feet and feel the difference it offers.
If you have problems with tension headaches and medication is not doing the trick, consider massage. Massage helps to relax the body, and it can target specific pressure points that offer benefits. Enjoying a massage once a week might be all you need to get rid of your headaches and keep them away.
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.
A popular back massage you can try out on someone is called a “Raking Massage”. With this technique, you spread your fingers apart and use your tips to give the massage. Begin in the shoulder area and work your way down the back using a raking motion. Then, you move your fingers down the spine without actually touching it. Move one hand down as the other hand moves up.
It is important to check on references before booking with a massage therapist. A massage that is not done right can actually end up causing you more pain and discomfort. Read reviews from several sites to ensure they are accurate.
The legs are very important when giving a massage. Many of the largest muscles in the body are in the legs, and these are often the most used. Be responsive to your partner when massaging their legs and try to encompass the entire muscle group. Start up high around the butt and work your way down to the ankles.
Don’t keep it to yourself if you experience discomfort during a deep tissue massage. You can relax or shut your eyes, but if you feel discomfort, pain or even tightness, don’t be afraid to speak up. Your masseuse needs feedback so that they don’t hurt or injure you.
If you have dry hands or feet, find a good moisturizer and use it for massages. Apply a small dose of moisturizer on your dry skin and take the time to massage the area. Massaging allows the moisturizer to penetrate the skin to its deeper layers, which means you will get better results.
Let your masseuse know of your music preferences. Many people enjoy relaxing music playing during their massage, however some do not. If you prefer a quiet environment while you get your massage, speak up. You can also specify a particular type of music or even request ambient noise such as bird songs or ocean waves.
Prior to applying massage oil to the back, warm it in your hands. Cold oils do not feel good on the skin, and the massage will not get off to the best start. Instead, rub your hands with the oil together for just a few minutes. That friction will heat up the oil.
Aromatherapy massage uses scented therapeutic massage oils along with gentle kneading motions. These scented oils add another dimension to the standard massage by incorporating the sense of smell into the massage therapy. Aromatherapy often uses lavender, eucalyptus and chamomile. This type of massage is perfect for people suffering for stress related pain.
Massage allows you to relax and rejuvenate. One good way to grasp the power a massage has and how it’s adequately practiced is by studying the best available material on it. Hopefully, the information that has been given to you is a wonderful beginning point.
