If you have had a wonderful massage in the past, you know how great it feels. However, great massages are not had by everyone for a multitude of reasons. Sometimes it is just lack of information and knowledge that stops someone from learning about this art. Find out more about massage by paying attention to the following information.

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.

Ask you friends who they use for their massages. It can be hard to find a massage therapist that you are comfortable with, but knowing that someone you know uses and trusts them you will feel that much better about it. Ask as many people as you can before you decide on one to try.

The type of oil used in massage therapy is important, so look for ones with healing properties such as olive or almond oils. The benefits of using a massage oil instead of lotion or gel is its ability to absorb into the skin. Oil lubricates skin and hands to facilitate a smooth touch.

Try giving yourself a massage. Gently push your thumbs into the skin on your body. Begin on your legs, then your arms. This is a good massage technique to use right after you get up to get your blood flowing. If you do it before you fall asleep in the evenings, you can help prepare yourself for a restful night’s sleep.

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.

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.

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.

Interestingly enough, a certain type of massage can be very helpful after eating. It involves putting your hands on you belly and moving them around. This will help you to digest your food better because it’s the way that it travels in your body already.

Give a tip to your massage therapist. This is one service area where a tip is very important. Similar to a restaurant, a 15% tip will suffice. You might be more generous if your therapist was amazing. The next time you come back to him, you will be glad you tipped him. As you’ll help guarantee that you’ll get his or her best.

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.

You should think about the purpose of your massage. Have you been in a vehicle accident? Do you suffer from back pain? Or, is relaxation something you desperately need? It’s important you understand the reason for visiting a professional masseuse, so you pick the proper masseuse for you.

Go online for help in selecting a massage therapist. If that doesn’t work, talk to your primary care physician. You can also talk to a nurse or a chiropractor in the area whose work you respect. Professional recommendations are almost as good (if not better) than personal recommendations, particularly if you trust the individual.

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.

One of the biggest mistakes that you can make when giving your partner a massage is to have the room too cold. Your goal should be to make your partner feel as comfortable as possible. This is very hard to achieve if they are shivering from the cold air on their body.

Don’t forget to tip your masseuse. Because a masseuse is a service worker, gratuities comprise a large part of their income. A general rule is to offer between fifteen and twenty percent if you are happy with the service and less if you are not.

You must be gentle when massaging your pet. This could be uncomfortable for your dog, and it may even injure them. Pay close attention to the signals your dog is giving you during the massage. If your dog does not care for your massages try not to take it too personal.

Don’t forget that you are boss during a massage and if something isn’t to your liking, mention it. A lot of masseuses tend to talk too much or get carried away with the amount of pressure they apply. This scenario isn’t any different than a server getting your meal right in the restaurant! Always politely state your preferences.

Hopefully after reading this article, you have a better idea of different massage techniques that you can use. Use the information you’ve just learned and implement the tips mentioned earlier. Before long, you are going to be a pro at receiving and giving massages.