If you have ever been stressed out and gotten a massage, you know about the healing power of touch. If you get massages regularly, it can be a wonderful way for you to start really feeling good about yourself. Here are some massage tips to open this world a little bit more to you.
Massage is great during pregnancy, but wait until after the first trimester. During the first trimester, your baby is in the earliest stages of development. Toxins released during a massage can harm the fetus or inhibit growth during this delicate period. Once you have reached 16 weeks, you should be all clear to enjoy a massage.
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.
Keep the room at a good temperature throughout the entire massage. If you are giving a massage during the winter, try to have the heat on so that things are not uncomfortable. On the other hand, if it is very hot outside, keep the air conditioning on at a reasonable level.
Ease your aching feet! Your feet are under pressure all day long and are often ignored when it comes to a healing massage. Massage your toes, gently stretching them out until they feel relaxed. Use your thumbs to put pressure on the sole of your foot, slowly moving from the toes to the heel. For feet that are particularly achy you can apply more pressure by kneading the sole with your knuckles. Finally, treat your tired feet with a rich moisturizer.
Pressure levels are key to massages. If you feel knots, apply pressure to loosen them up. Consistent pressure is helpful to relieving tension as well. This is the main idea behind deep tissue massage.
Swedish massage therapy is the most frequently offered type available. Some people consider this to just be a basic massage. The strokes are long and smooth, done in a kneading motion, typically in circles. The masseuse will normally use oil during the process. It is not too rigorous and quite enjoyable.
If you suffer from PMS each month with excessive water retention and cramping, there just might be some help for you. The power of massage has been shown to help reduce that unsightly water retention so that your pants will fit a little easier. It also can help relieve the pain that comes with cramps.
When you decide to get a massage, make sure you are communicating with your massage therapist. If you have any massage preferences, make sure you tell him or her when entering the room and before starting. If during the massage you are feeling pain or experiencing numbness, make sure you let your therapist know by speaking up.
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.
When your immune system is failing, there is an option to help boost it. Massages can actually help you feel better, as they increase the amount of WBCs (white blood cells) in your body. This results in less sickness for you because they boost your immune system and help fight viruses.
If you’re receiving a massage, you shouldn’t hesitate to talk to your massage therapist. If you have a spot you want focused on, just say so. Telling your therapist about problem areas will allow them to implement special techniques to help with the pain.
Do not be afraid to try new massage techniques when visiting the spa. Some spas offer massages where hot stones are used, others couple massages with a chocolate wrap or seaweed. These techniques can enhance the entire experience, benefiting your muscles, skin and psyche. Consider them if you are looking for a real pampering experience.
When booking a massage treatment, choose a time which is easy for you to attend. You need to get there early, and you shouldn’t be in a rush to leave. Talk to them about their policy on cancellations to ensure you don’t get even more stressed out if you have to reschedule.
Never get a massage if your doctor advises against it. This may seem obvious, but often, people will get a massage because they feel that it will help soothe them and make them feel better. If you have muscle tears, this could actually make them worse with constant pressure on your body.
When you decide to get a massage, make sure that you are relaxing your thoughts. It can be easy to feel nervous, especially if it’s your first time. Most professional spas usually have relaxing music playing. If you hear the music, channel your thoughts into paying attention to the individual notes. This can help you relax in your tense moments.
Drink plenty of water before and after your massage. Drinking before your massage session ensures that your muscles are well-hydrated and supple, making the massage more effective. Water after your massage will flush out the toxins that were released and can even help prevent soreness by hastening muscle recovery time.
Now that you have had a chance to learn more about massage, you can use this wonderful technique to your advantage. Whether you give massages or receive them, massage can be a great therapy for all of us. You just have to remember what you have learned here, and pass it on to others.
