It is easier than you might think to give a really good massage. Why go to an expensive school when there is a wealth of knowledge online about both how to give and get a massage? It is now time to get started today!
Look into massage tools if your are into massage. Whether you give or receive the massage, you will find it is more efficient with the use of massage balls and other accessories. Stores catering to massage therapists are the primary source of these tools. Try different accessories to find out which ones you enjoy the most.
Pregnancy can be especially hard on your body over the course of nine months. Carrying the extra weight from the baby can lead to aches and pains in places that you never knew existed. Treating yourself to full body prenatal massages can be just the thing to get you feeling more like yourself again.
The type of oil used in massage therapy is important, so look for ones with healing properties such as olive or almond oils. Oil absorbs beautifully and has healing benefits. Using oil is also beneficial in moving more smoothly across skin.
Don’t let your body image stop you from enjoying a massage. You want to wear less clothing so your massage therapist can easier work the tired and sore muscles. A professional massage therapist will skillfully keep you covered with a sheet during the massage. You shouldn’t ruin your massage by worrying unnecessarily about what your body looks like during your 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.
Once you decide on getting a massage, inform the massage therapist of your problem areas. The main goal of getting a massage is for muscles to relax, especially in the areas where they feel tightest. Understand that a massage therapist will not be able to see your problem areas. Massage therapists are not doctors; therefore, you need to inform them of your problem areas prior to getting the massage.
If you are a woman, don’t swear off men massage therapists. Since most women are modest, they often feel uncomfortable in front of a male massage therapist. However, some women have reported that the best massage they have gotten in a long time is from a male massage therapist. Whatever your decision, don’t just base it on the sex of the massage therapist.
Increase the benefits of your exercise regimen by massaging your body before and after exercising. Massages before exercising can boost blood flow to muscles. Use your fists to make pummeling motions on your arms and legs. Doing massages after exercising can help speed up muscle recovery and better waste removal. You can do these by rubbing along your muscles using your palms or fists moving towards your heart.
How long should you massage a spot for? Try to aim for about thirty seconds. If you have many places to rub, this will help to speed along the process. If you find that the spot still aches or is tight, return to it later for another 30 second session.
How much should you tip a masseuse? If you’re at a hotel or a local spa, 20% is pretty standard. If they work from home, each therapist will typically set their own policies, but 20% is fair. If they work in a massage clinic, ask them for their rules – some will include the tip in the price.
Do not forget to tip your massage therapist. Many therapists work mostly for tips and only receive a small percentage of the price you pay for the massage. They will appreciate a good tip, and it will be remembered the next time you return. A fair tip is typically fifteen to twenty percent.
If you spend most of your day sitting in front of a computer, you should take frequent breaks so you can massage your neck. Place your fingers at the base of your skull and squeeze your muscles gently. Stretch your muscles by tilting your head to the side before massaging your muscles some more.
When you massage someone with oil, allow them to take a shower once complete. This will get rid of the oil on their body and help them soothe their body too. Removing the oil will prevent clogged pores and blemishes.
When you plan to book an appointment for a massage, call up a few local spas and ask them what they have to offer. You may find that they provide a massage style which you’d like to try out, or that they don’t offer the old standby you’d prefer to use.
Prior to exercise, give your muscles a massage to increase blood flow and make recovery faster. Prior to exercising, pump your arms so as to increase blood flow to all your extremities. After your workout, rub the muscles you exercised with a fist in the direction of your heart.
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.
Water is very important to consume subsequent to your massage. Water helps to eliminate extra toxins that have build up, so make sure you drink some.
Be certain to massage in a calm environment. The ambiance of the room should be mellow and relaxing. A noise ridden environment can create excessive stress. The environment should be conducive to sleep. You can achieve a calming effect by dimming the lights and providing soft music.
You have to use what you’ve learned here when you give someone a massage. Continue building upon your foundational knowledge about massage, in order to expand your horizons and your skill set. Now that you have confidence in your technique, it’s time for a hands-on demonstration.
