The Fine Art of Massage And What You Need To Know
There are many types of massages available. There are hot stone massages, shiatsu, aromatherapy and Swedish. With so many options available, how can anyone keep track? By obtaining lots of knowledge on the art of massage, you can better enjoy and give massages.
Try a variety of oils and scents when you give a massage. This is crucial because oil has different effects on people, so you will need to find the one that is right. Oils play an important roll in massage because it enables the hands to slide over the body without causing too much friction.
Look at the person receiving the massage to determine if you are hitting all the areas that they need addressed. You must be sure that you’re paying attention to how they’re tensing up and what their face is showing you. As you progress in your technique, your ability to read the body through your hands will increase. If their body becomes tense, you are probably applying too much pressure.
If you are experiencing a lot of tension on your shoulders, try the bear hug technique. Just wrap your arms in front of your chest in an X configuration. Place your hands on your shoulders and rub. This can help give you a quick boost of energy and helps with anxiety.
If you feel you are not reaching your potential as a masseuse, slow down the process. When applying pressure with your fingers, provide support with your other fingers so that you avoid your thumbs from wearing out. Make use of your weight so as not to tire yourself out.
Shiatsu Massages are of Japanese origin and they are similar to acupuncture, but fingers are used rather than needles. Your massage therapist will apply expert pressure at specific pressure points. This will result in automatic relaxation. Shiatsu massages are meant to boost energy levels and improve overall health.
Tell your therapist where your problems lie. This will help your most vulnerable areas relax and potentially improve. The therapist can’t read minds, so you can help them by telling them prior to the massage about any problem areas.
If you just don’t know much about massages, start with a simple Swedish massage. You can also go with a deep tissue massage as well. There are many alternative treatments available, some which can leave you disappointed if you are expecting a more traditional massage. The types mentioned above are the most popular.
Use your hands to heat the massage oil before spreading it on the body. You can warm the oil up simply by rubbing your hands together. This creates a much more comfortable, soothing massage. Just rub your hands together with the oil on them. The heat generated by the friction warms the massage oil, making it the ideal temperature.
Rub your belly following a meal! Really! It’s the truth! This will help with digestion. With your palms placed on your abdomen, rub gently in a clockwise, circular motion. That is the way food travels, so you’ll stimulate digestion.
An excellent way to loosen your joints and relax your feet is performing ankle rotations. With one hand beneath your heel, grab your foot’s ball with your other hand. Then rotate your foot with your hands in both directions.
When you have arthritis or age-related pain, get a massage. Visit a massage therapist regularly for some lasting relief. They are great for boosting circulation and eliminating stress.
Warm hands prior to massages. We all know that cold hands are unpleasant on bare skin. They will make your subject more tense instead of more relaxed. Rub your hands with oil to help heat them up before a massage.
Drink a full glass of water after you have a massage. Because massage detoxifies the body, you need some water to help flush your system. Water is the best fluid for the after-massage period, so do not substitute any of your other favorite drinks. This gets the toxins out fully.
When doing an at-home massage, privacy is key. Regardless of whether you are receiving or giving the message, you need to do so at a time when no disruptions can occur. Turn off your phone or your TV to avoid distractions and forget about your problems for a while. In addition, choose a location in which others will not peer in or enter to distract you.
Try deep breathing to help your relax while getting a massage. Breathe into your nose, raising your stomach. Count how many seconds it takes you to breathe in and release it. This technique will put you in a relaxed state that will make the massage more pleasurable.
During certain massages, you may need to strip. However, only do what you are comfortable with; it is acceptable to keep on your underwear if you choose. At most spa facilities, the person receiving a massage is covered with a towel anyway.
Deep tissue massage can help rid you of muscle pain. This is the best way to alleviate serious tension. During a deep tissue massage, the therapist will applies pressure to the affected muscles, squeezing to release toxins. Never hesitate to speak up if you are feeling too much pressure.
A good massage consists of soft, slow movements in any direction needed. Complex techniques may be cool, but the point of a massage is usually to slow the body and relax the muscles. The massage strokes should be methodical, smooth and well thought out in order to give a person relaxation.
When you have been standing all day at work, you feet can be extremely sore by the day’s end. Treat your feet at the end of the work day by giving them a nice massage. You can do this from home! Use some moisturizing lotion to make the massage easier and to give the feet a treat.
By keeping these tips in mind, you will find that massage is even more enjoyable for you then it was before. This will give you confidence in your new endeavors. You’ll be a knowledgeable and educated massage pro by continuing to apply these tips and always learn more.
