If you know what you’re doing with your hands when it comes to massages, then you are going to be very popular. You can give massages for all types of different reasons. Perhaps you know someone you love who has a bad back, and you would like to help them out. Keep reading to learn more.
Have an open mind when you go for a massage. If you have never received a massage, then you will likely find some massage techniques strange. Refrain from allowing fear to take over, and just enjoy the process. Just let them do the work and relax.
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.
As someone who is an arthritis sufferer, you know full well how debilitating it is. Although medication can help alleviate some of the pain, many times they do not fully relieve your discomfort. If medicine is not alleviating your pain, try massage therapy. Massages encourage blood flow, circulation and flexibility which could help relieve the pain.
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.
If you have a wound that is beginning to heal, massaging around that area will help it to heal even faster. Massage increases the amount of blood that is flowing to that area of your body. So, by massaging that area you are providing it with new blood to promote healing. This can also help to reduce scars.
If your goal is to calm the massage recipient, use movements that are slow. If you move your hands too fast or generally attack the back, you’ll definitely not create a relaxing atmosphere! Instead focus on being calm yourself. Slow down your pace and move slowly but deliberately. Wait for cues from the massage recipient as to whether to speed up or slow down even more.
If you suffer from sinus pressure, use massage to help. A simple and quick massage under your brow line can help to clear your sinuses and make breathing much easier. Just use your fingers to massage gently over the eyes and across the bridge of your nose. This only takes minutes, and it can offer you a lot of relief.
When massaging someone, open your fingers up so that you can be more precise with the area that you massage. This helps to loosen up the muscles and is also a great technique if you are planning on giving a deep tissue massage. After you massage this way, close your hands back up and use your palms.
Speak up about potential medical issues. If you suffer from an illness that could be aggravated by a massage or if you are pregnant, say something. Your masseuse will be able to adjust their technique to give you a great massage that works around your ailment and keeps you safe.
Inform the massage therapist about current conditions or medical problems you have before getting a massage. This is especially important if you are carrying a child at the time. By letting them know what’s going on, they can plan how to give you an effective massage. If your massage therapist doesn’t know all there is to know about your current condition, you could cause yourself harm.
Use your hands to warm up the massage oil before using it. Cool oil feels unpleasant on the skin and it is not going to start off the massage correctly. Instead, put the oil in your hands and rub them together for a few minutes. The rubbing motion uses friction to create heat for the oil.
When you are giving a massage, one of the key points to focus on is constant movement. You should never stop abruptly, as this will ruin the flow of the massage. You can slow down and speed up while you rub your hands up and down the back and legs, but never come to a complete stop.
Don’t lie on a spa intake form! It is important that you list any medical issues or injuries you have experienced. This not only protects the spa from liability if you end up sick after the massage, but it allows them to determine exactly how the massage should be conducted for your health and safety.
Remember to breathe deeply when receiving a massage. You want to bring oxygen to every part of your body to enhance the healing effects of the massaging action. Breathe in and out of your nose to create a meditative type state, and make sure to breathe deep into your abdomen.
Those who like the practice of giving massages might want a license in massage therapy. It should take just a few months to get your license so you can earn a substantial living giving therapeutic massages. You can work at home or in a clinic.
You may already know that it is customary to tip your masseuse. If you are new to this, tipping 15% to 20% is customary. The only time you shouldn’t think about tipping is if you are getting physical therapy treatments at a medical facility. Never hand your masseuse a wad of cash, leave it at the front desk with the clerk.
If you want to give good massages, then you should now some some helpful information that is sure to see you using your hands. You’re now free to give massages the right way, but do continue to learn more techniques and strategies so that you can keep things fresh. The people you love will appreciate it!