If you have never gotten a massage, you probably think it is a rather simple process of someone merely rubbing your body. However, the process is much more complicated than you would think, due to all the numerous styles there are. Continue reading to learn more about massages and how they can benefit you.
It is crucial to drink a lot of water the day of your massage. When your tissues receive stimulation during the massage, your body’s toxins are released. Drinking a glass of water helps flush those toxins out and reduces the negative side effects. For the first hour, try to drink two to three glasses of water and the following twenty-three hours, drink up to eight glasses.
Make sure to go to your massage with an open mind. If it is your first time receiving a massage, you may find some of the techniques or approaches unusual. Refrain from allowing fear to take over, and just enjoy the process. If you relax and trust the therapist you have chosen, you will be allowing him or her to do the best job possible to meet your needs.
If you are an athlete or have excessively hard workouts then having massages regularly is a good idea. Massages can loosen your muscles up before a game or exercise to help them from becoming injured. It can also help after strenuous exercise to help heal your muscles and keep them from stiffening up or becoming painful.
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.
After a massage, drink plenty of water to remove toxins from your body. When you have a massage, toxins are released into your body and must be removed. By drinking at least two quarts of water right after a massage, the toxins will be removed. If you do not drink the required amounts of water, you may experience stiffness and pain from the massage.
The raking method is a popular way to give a back massage. Spread your fingers out wide and use your fingertips to perform a raking motion down the back, from shoulders to hips. You can increase the pressure to the recipient’s liking. This is a simple way to relax your significant other and spend some quality time together.
Arthritis sufferers can feel a lot of pain. Although medication can help alleviate some of the pain, many times they do not fully relieve your discomfort. If medication alone isn’t enough, consider a massage. Massage helps increase flexibility and circulation.
A foot massage can be used for more than tired, achy feet. You can search online and find foot maps that show which area of the foot can be massaged to experience relief from a myriad of symptoms throughout your body. For example, pressing on the big toe is known to relieve sinus pain and pressure.
If you have a difficult time riding in the car for a long period of time, consider purchasing a massaging cushion for your back. These cushions often plug right into your lighter, and they can provide a comfortable massage in various intensities while you drive. This can make the ride more enjoyable for anyone.
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.
When you make the decision to get massage regularly, form a rapport with the massage therapist. By being comfortable around your massage therapist, you are going to be much more comfortable and relaxed, which will result in a much better massage. Spend a bit of time and effort connecting with your massage therapist prior to making an appointment so that you’ll feel more secure.
Don’t be intimidated about speaking up when you get a massage. When you have pain in a certain area, let them know. If she is not providing enough intensity to get out those deep knots, you will never get the relief you are seeking without saying something.
When your massage therapist tells you to drink water, listen! It is easy to become dehydrated quickly after a massage because toxins and fluids are released from your body. Drinking lots of water will help to replenish the fluids you are losing. If you choose to drink caffeine filled sodas or alcohol instead, you will suffer the consequences.
Before beginning your massage, discuss pressure with your massage therapist. Some people like massages that are very deep with a hard intensity. Others prefer a lighter touch or even Reiki style massages where touch is not necessary. If you let your therapist know what works for you, they can adjust the massage to meet your individual needs.
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.
You are now aware of just how complex the process of a massage can be. It involves much more than a person just rubbing you. There are all kinds of methods and techniques that can be utilized, which can all very beneficial for your body. With this new knowledge, go and get the best massage of your life.