Massage for stress relief is a universally beloved experience. However, everyone does not know how to give a good massage. With a few basic techniques, you can give your friends a message they will remember. Read on for more information.
When giving a massage, consider using a little bit of oil. Oil helps you to rub your hands over the skin more easily, and it also makes it easier to go deeper with pressure while giving the massage. Almond oil, olive oil and baby oil are all good choices. If you wish, add a little essential oil to make the massage fragrant.
Feeling a little blue? Go get a massage! The health benefits of massage are numerous, and studies have shown that one of the benefits of massage is elevated serotonin. Serotonin is a neurochemical that makes us feel happy, yet lack of sleep, hormone fluctuations, gloomy weather and poor diets can lower your body’s natural serotonin stores.
Hydrate yourself well for forty-eight hours before your massage. Many people know that heavy water intake after a massage is good for flushing the body of toxins and helping with sore muscles. Drinking plenty of water before the massage will greatly increase the impact of the massage and its purging abilities.
In addition to being a major source of relaxation, a good massage can serve as source of therapy. Massage can help children with asthma, relieve tension headaches and relieve stress. In order to obtain the maximum enjoyment from a massage, make sure you are completely relaxed when getting one.
It is important to check on references before booking with a massage therapist. You need to see what others think about a given therapist before you give them a chance. Check a number of different sites to ensure that the reviews aren’t fake.
Find out if your spa provides a foot bath, and if they do not, wash your feet before your massage. This will help limit the contamination when you get your massage. If a foot bath is not a possibility, simply go to the bathroom and rinse them off.
If you are a massage therapist, take your cues from the patient when it comes to how much you are talking. It may be hard for them to relax if you keep up a constant stream of chatter. The only sounds you should be hearing are quiet and relaxing music. You, however, should not make noise unless asked a question.
Do not forget to stretch before and after you receive a massage. A massage will be more efficient if your muscles are already warm and you will have more energy after your massage if you take a few minutes to stretch your muscles. Besides, stretching is an efficient way to relieve muscle pain.
Be vocal with your massage therapist.Talking may be the last thing you really want to do during a massage, but it can be the difference between an ok experience and a great one. You need to let the therapist know what areas need work and what techniques work best.
Increase the benefits of your exercise regimen by massaging your body before and after exercising. Massages before exercising can boost blood flow to muscles. Use your fists to make pummeling motions on your arms and legs. Doing massages after exercising can help speed up muscle recovery and better waste removal. You can do these by rubbing along your muscles using your palms or fists moving towards your heart.
If you have any medical conditions, such as you are pregnant, make sure that you let your massage therapist know. Some techniques may not be appropriate for your condition, so it is best to let the therapist know before starting. This will give him or her enough time to adjust techniques.
Don’t swear off using a massage therapist of the opposite sex. You may initially be weird about it, but get over it! Men may have the height and strength you need to work out the kinks from a really bad back, and women may have the relaxed touch you need to de-stress. Be open to whoever may best fit your current need.
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.
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.
Try getting a sports massage if you’re an athlete. These kinds of sports massages can contribute to enhanced performance due to less tension and therefore fewer strained muscles. It is a forceful massage and also improves blood circulation.
When you are getting a massage, try to be as punctual as possible. Arriving late will only cause you stress and will not put your body in an optimal position for a massage. Try to get there at least ten minutes early so you can scope out the area and reduce the chances of losing your appointment.
Anyone can learn how to give great massages if they are properly motivated. With these massage tips, you can even help your friends relax. You may even want to go into the massage therapy business. Regardless of what you choose to do, this is a wonderful skill to possess.