Not everyone is comfortable with the idea of receiving a massage. If you have considered undergoing a massage sometime in the past, but have yet to do it, you may benefit from learning what the article below will teach you. This information may even benefit those who have enjoyed massages on a regular basis.
Have an open mind when you go for a massage. If it is your first time receiving a massage, you may find some of the techniques or approaches unusual. Don’t let this keep you from having a good time. Try to just let yourself relax and enjoy the massage that you are receiving.
Try giving yourself or someone a foot massage. Focusing on the soles first can really relax a person. Start stroking the soles of the foot going back and forth in straight lines. Do these motions starting from the heel to the bases of the toes. After the soles have been properly massaged, you can move on to the toes and the top and middle of the foot.
Make the most of your massage by drinking lots of water. Why? Because a good massage gets your circulation going, but water is needed to flush toxins out of your body. Hydrating before your massage makes your blood less sluggish, making it easier for the masseuse to rub excess lactic acid out of your muscles. Staying hydrated after aids your body in processing and eliminating these toxins.
Make sure the person you give a massage to is comfortably installed. Ideally, you should use a massage table or at least a comfortable mat. If you do not have this equipment, have the person lay down on a comfortable couch or a supportive mattress. Make sure their head is properly supported.
Prior to giving someone a massage, try out many kinds of oils. A body’s reaction to the oils is an individual thing, so it is important that you make sure to locate the best oil for the job. The massage will be better if you have lubrication, which is what the oils provide you with.
If you’re the person getting a massage, be sure you watch what you eat before it. Overeating may make you uncomfortable, which might lessen the benefits you experience. It is vital that you get healthy food inside your stomach in order to have a pleasant experience.
Ask all the questions you need to. Really, no question is silly, and your therapist will certainly be happy to give answers. You need to feel comfortable during your session, so get whatever information you need to make that happen.
Your massage therapist needs to be capable to get to your skin in order to do the massage, so you need to be prepared to disrobe. You will be able to do this in the room alone, and you can leave on your underwear. Once you are undressed and face down on the massage table under a sheet, then the therapist will return to the room.
Put your thinking on hold. One of the most difficult, yet essential elements of getting the most out of a massage is relaxing your mental state. Try to start doing some deep breathing while the therapist is setting up. Imagine that, with every inhale, you gather all the nagging and stressful thoughts in your head. On the exhale, envision blowing all of these thoughts out into space, gone forever. Keep repeating until you feel yourself relaxing.
Schedule your massages smartly. If you usually get sleepy after a massage, you should avoid getting one before you have to go to work. However, if massages help you get some energy, do not hesitate to schedule a massage before you have to go through a stressful day at work.
There’s a technique called “bear hug” that is great for tense shoulders. You can fold your arms in an x across your chest. Rub each shoulder with the opposite hand. This is an easy way to get rid of tension while quickly massaging yourself, no matter what time it is.
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.
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.
How long should you massage a spot for? Try to aim for about thirty seconds. If you have many places to rub, this will help to speed along the process. If you find that the spot still aches or is tight, return to it later for another 30 second session.
If you have dry hands or feet, find a good moisturizer and use it for massages. Apply a small dose of moisturizer on your dry skin and take the time to massage the area. Massaging allows the moisturizer to penetrate the skin to its deeper layers, which means you will get better results.
If you spend most of your day sitting in front of a computer, you should take frequent breaks so you can massage your neck. Place your fingers at the base of your skull and squeeze your muscles gently. Stretch your muscles by tilting your head to the side before massaging your muscles some more.
The information that you have just read should answer many of the questions that you may have had about massage. Consider your options and think about what you might like or dislike. Then, you will be ready to go for a quality massage and request what services you feel comfortable with.
