If you’ve never had a massage, you don’t know what you’re missing. Massage is an art form that eludes many people due to the mystery that surrounds the topic. A good massage can take place in a professional setting or in the comfort of your own home. Find out more below.
Massages are great for decreasing stress and eliminating aches and pains. If you experience lots of aches and pains, then you should obtain a massage on a regular basis. Seek out a loved one or a professional to give you a proper massage.
Try a variety of oils and scents when you give a massage. Each person reacts differently to different oils, and you must find the right ones to use. It’s important to use them as they offer lubrication and allow for a better massage.
In addition to being a major source of relaxation, a good massage can serve as source of therapy. There are so many benefits to massage, including asthma relief, stress and tension inhibitors and a guard against headaches. For the best results, you should always try to relax while you are getting a massage.
Put your thinking on hold. One of the most difficult, yet essential elements of getting the most out of a massage is relaxing your mental state. Try to start doing some deep breathing while the therapist is setting up. Imagine that, with every inhale, you gather all the nagging and stressful thoughts in your head. On the exhale, envision blowing all of these thoughts out into space, gone forever. Keep repeating until you feel yourself relaxing.
If you have any kinks, try performing a massage on yourself. Start with your thumbs and massage your extremities. The arms and legs are two areas that could have a lot of tension. A simple self-massage in the morning can increase your circulation, improve your mood and help you prepare for your day. Doing this before bed lets your body reduce stress and calm down for a better night’s sleep.
If you cannot find anyone to give you a massage, you should try using massage tools such as head massagers or canes designed to massage your back. These tools are not as efficient as receiving a massage from a professional but they are a good solution if you cannot afford to go get a massage on a daily basis.
The Japanese love to engage in a form of massage called shiatsu. This uses the pressure from the masseuse’s fingers pressed in a rhythm on your acupuncture meridians. The pressure is applied for a few to many seconds, boosting energy flow and returning the body to balance. It doesn’t leave you sore, either!
Try to save conversation for after the massage. You may love chatting with your massage therapist, but talking during the massage prevents you from ever relaxing fully. In fact, it may actually cause some muscles to tense up, making your therapist’s job even more difficult. Do speak up about your needs, however — if the room’s too cold, the music is too loud, or any other factor that prevents you from sinking deep into relaxation.
If you’re pregnant, you can still enjoy a massage if it is given by a license therapist. This is a great way to deal with morning sickness, stress, back pain, sore breasts and swollen ankles. You can continue it after birth to deal with postpartum depression, weight loss and baby-carrying pains, too.
If you like gentle massages, request a Swedish massage. This type of massage uses long, gentle strokes. It has been described as the most relaxing type of massage available. This massage gently massages the superficial layers of muscle tissue resulting in relaxation and peace of mind. This type of massage is great for those who are new to massage therapy.
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 you are going for a massage session, it is important to have open communication with the therapist. You should inform them about certain areas you wish them to focus on or avoid. Make yourself heard if you feel uncomfortable. Your goal is to relax, so don’t keep quiet about discomfort.
When you are going for a massage, make sure that you communicate with your therapist. Going to a massage therapist is similar to going to a doctor. Have any questions or concerns ready when you go to the appointment. Tell the therapist about any areas that need work, the type of massage you would like or ask any questions about different kinds of massages you may have heard about.
Do not immediately engage in strenuous activity following a massage. Taking a short, calming walk or sitting and reading for a few minutes would be ideal. It is often reported that people feel dizzy following a massage, and this means that the body is not ready to jump into heavy lifting or heart racing activities. It is fine to enjoy these activities a little later in the day, about an hour or so after your massage.
Look into getting massages from students if you are on a slim budget. Massages can be very expensive, but students are always looking for people to practice on and they are usually very good. Additionally, their teacher is on hand for advice, so you are usually in really good hands.
Now that you’ve read this entire article, you know some things about massage. You are ready to put into practice what you’ve just learned and take advantage of the wonderful things massage has to offer. Whether you partake outside the home or never leave it, massage is sure to enhance your life.
