Massage has been known for its many benefits for a long time, both psychological and physiological. However, a lot of people do not realize how a massage has the potential to improve one’s life. Keep reading to glean knowledge about how you can use massage to enhance your life in both physical and mental ways.
Try not to eat immediately before getting a massage. After you eat, you can feel bloated and a little uncomfortable. Digest all of your food and have a light snack before the massage. By waiting an ample amount of time, you will be comfortable during your massage.
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.
One simple way to give a massage is to use a “raking” technique. This is done by spreading your fingers and using your fingertips. Start in the shoulder area then move your fingers in a raking motion down the back. Make sure the fingers move along the spine not on top of the spine. While one hand moves up move the other one down in alternating motion.
An easy way to give a relaxing massage is by using a technique called “raking”. In it, you just run your fingertips (spread hands) down the person’s back, gently moving back and forth. Really, you’re doing a raking motion up and down. For added effect, try alternating your hands – one rakes up while the other rakes down.
Use healing oils, such as sweet almond or olive oil, when you give a massage. These massage oils will absorb much better than a lotion or gel. In addition, oils are better because you can use them to easily glide across a person’s skin.
A great place to start with a massage is the back. When you start on your partner’s back, you will give their body an overall relaxation that is more conducive to massaging the rest of the body. The quicker you can get their entire body to relax, the more beneficial the entire massage will be.
Do not forget to stretch before and after you receive a massage. A massage will be more efficient if your muscles are already warm and you will have more energy after your massage if you take a few minutes to stretch your muscles. Besides, stretching is an efficient way to relieve muscle pain.
If you are going for a full body massage, clean your feet thoroughly prior to beginning. Your feet may carry lots of fungus and bacteria that your masseuse can easily spread during a complete body massage when working the body. A meticulous cleaning before starting can be very beneficial!
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.
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.
If your shoulders are bothering you, you should try hugging yourself and massaging the muscles you can reach while hugging yourself. This exercise will also help you stretch your entire back. You should try this technique if you have to sit on a chair during most of your work day.
Avoid eating before a massage. You want at least 90 minutes between your last meal and your massage. However, more time is better. Allow your body to digest its meal so you can fully relax and get all the benefits of your massage. As a bonus you will be spared embarrassing stomach gurgling noises during your session.
Go to the spa and ask for a Swedish massage. This massage incorporates five different stokes that use both friction and vibration to help relieve your stress and loosen up your muscles. This is also a very easy massage technique to learn if you are an up and coming masseuse looking to gain skills.
When giving a massage to your dog, it is important you choose an area in your house that is free of distractions and noise. This can make it easier for your dog to relax. Make sure you provide a comfortable area for the dog to be massaged. This can be on a bed, sofa or soft towel.
You want to make sure that you go to a reputable place that has professional staff members who are trained in the art of massage. Ask your friends who have gotten massages before for their recommendations, and do some internet research to find reviews of good places in your area.
Exercise increases the blood-flow within the muscles of your body and you should compliment this each day with a simple massage. Massaging these same areas will improve waste removal and decreases the recovery time for damaged tissue. Start a weekly routine of exercising and massaging target areas for best results.
Massages are known for relaxing and rejuvenating the mind and body. To understand massage’s power and how to best practice it, you should study the subject carefully. This article should have been a great place for you to start!
