The body needs to be pampered from time to time. If you want to enjoy a comfortable life without aches, massages will help you do that. Listed below are many great tips for doing massages that will keep your body in top form.
Pay attention to the cues given to you by whomever you’re giving a massage to, in order to give them an excellent massage. Pay close attention to facial expression and muscle tension. Doing this will take some practice, but eventually, you can use your hands to read their muscle movements. For example, if your subject feels tense, you may realize that you are applying too much pressure.
Make sure your massage therapists know any areas of discomfort you have before beginning the massage. If there is any particular area that is giving your pain, the therapist can focus on that and try to give you some relief. She can also be careful to avoid any areas that are especially sensitive.
When you are giving a massage, try to have the person you are massaging in as few articles of clothing as possible. If they are uncomfortable, they can wear a towel to feel more secure at all times. Having areas of the body exposed is not only soothing, but it also facilitates your job.
If you want to be a good massage therapist, you need to understand it takes some time to really become good. Begin with asking those that trust you if you can give them massages and allow them to give you feedback. Feel free to practice on friends and relatives.
You should do a belly massage following every meal. Using one or both palms, start rubbing your abdominal area using clockwise circular motions. The clockwise motion is the same direction that your food digests naturally in your intestines. This can help with digestion and prevent gas and intestinal discomfort.
Consider massaging your body prior to exercising and immediately afterwards too. Massaging prior to working out helps raise blood flow into all of your muscles. And after a workout, a quick massage helps your muscles recover a lot quicker. It’s definitely worth the extra five minutes before and after exercise!
Use candles to set the mood. Candles provide subtle lighting, while simultaneously creating a relaxing atmosphere. Scented candles are also a great idea. Place them evenly throughout the room, at varying elevations. It is also important to be safe when using candles. Keep them away from hanging fabric such as curtains.
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.
The legs are very important when giving a massage. Many of the largest muscles in the body are in the legs, and these are often the most used. Be responsive to your partner when massaging their legs and try to encompass the entire muscle group. Start up high around the butt and work your way down to the ankles.
Do not hesitate to talk to your doctor about massages. If you deal with back pains or muscle pains on a regular basis, ask your doctor if massages would be a good solution. Your doctor should be able to recommend a good massage clinic in your area and even write you a prescription.
If it seems as you are always sick with whatever everyone has, there is hope! There is evidence that a massage can stimulate the body’s white blood cells production. This is useful because white blood cells help your body fight off infection and viruses.
Finding the right therapist is very important when it comes to massages. You do not want to visit an inexperienced or inept therapist who may cause you more harm than good. Ask friends or family if they know of a good one in your area or look on the Internet for reviews.
Even though there are many wonderful benefits to having a massage, if you have a lot of health problems or an injury you should talk to your doctor first. What you might think is a harmless massage could end up causing a condition to worsen such as a blood clot.
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.
Those who suffer from diabetes can really benefit from having a massage. Diabetics tend to have a problem with circulation and blood flow in their feet, lower legs and hands. This is because they are the furthest away from the heart. Massaging the upper arms and legs can really help to get the blood flowing and circulating much better.
Your hands should be warmed prior to giving someone a massage. Your hands should be warm, as a cold touch will increase tension. Rubbing your hands, using massage oil or lotion before you start, is all that is needed to begin with pleasantly warm hands.
Use movements that are smooth and consistent. Your hands should never feel jerky or harsh to your massage partner. While oil can help your hands to glide over the flesh, you still need to practice gentle techniques that target specific muscle groups. Ask your partner for feedback to ensure that you are helping.
If you could reach far enough, you’d now know how to give yourself an absolutely perfect massage. Tell your masseuse these suggestions so you can benefit from them. Your back is something that you have to look out for during your life, so be sure that you look after it.
