A serious accident or life with poor posture will result in serious back-pains that may seem impossible to overcome. When modern medicine isn’t enough to remove the suffering, classic massage therapy can do the trick. The important thing to remember is that you must find a professional masseuse that upholds certain qualities which will be covered in the tips below.
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.
You should try different techniques when giving a massage. Use your hands and fingers to rub, apply pressure or even give gentle taps. Use the tip of your fingers if you need precision, for instance to relax a tense muscle. You could also try covering as much surface as possible by using the palm of your hands to apply pressure.
If your child suffers from asthma, consider massage. Massage has been proven to help breathing in asthmatic children due to the relaxing benefits it offers. A child’s massage should be done with a gentle touch and only for a limited period of time. Try this in the evening and help your child to also enjoy a good night’s rest.
If you have arthritis then you know it is painful. Medication helps, but it may not always take away the pain from aching bones. Massage may be able to help this affliction. Massages increase circulation, flexibility and blood flow, which may help with pain.
A foot massage can be used for more than tired, achy feet. You can search online and find foot maps that show which area of the foot can be massaged to experience relief from a myriad of symptoms throughout your body. For example, pressing on the big toe is known to relieve sinus pain and pressure.
Use slow movements if you want your massage to be calm and soothing. Provide support to the thumbs with the other fingers when you utilize your thumbs to create pressure. In addition, lean into your movements to avoid feeling tired.
Neuromuscular therapy, commonly referred to as trigger-point massage therapy targets trigger points in the body throughout the massage. Lumps or knots that pinpoint irritated muscles are trigger points. These areas can hurt a lot, and sometimes other parts of your body hurt from it. Pressure applied to these areas cause the muscles to relax so the pain is relieved.
A deep tissue massage can help heal injuries. The motions are slow and cause friction against muscle grain. This helps with muscles which are always too tight or hurt often, those which are often being injured or even posture issues.
Try not to exceed 45 minutes when you are giving a massage. Remember that you are pressing down on someone’s body for a long period of time when you are massaging. Therefore, if you do it for too long you can actually cause bruising and pain, which you will want to avoid.
Try using your fists to give a good massage. Gently thump on the area that is painful or tense after warming the muscles with a more gentler techniques. Thumping is excellent for circulation and will cause the entire muscle to relax almost instantly. Avoid using this technique on someone who has to take blood thinners to prevent bruising.
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.
Let your masseuse know of your music preferences. Many people enjoy relaxing music playing during their massage, however some do not. If you prefer a quiet environment while you get your massage, speak up. You can also specify a particular type of music or even request ambient noise such as bird songs or ocean waves.
Try using your own visualization while getting a massage. Close your eyes and picture yourself in a favorite spot, surrounded by people you love. Take in all you love about the setting and transfer that to the feeling in your body. This can enhance your massage experience and help you to feel well rested.
If you are on the giving end of a very beneficial massage, make sure to read the signs the recipient is showing. During a deep-tissue massage, the body responds to pressure and muscles will actually contract under your finger-tips. Ease up on the pressure when you approach bones and joints and be guided by the response you get!
Create a warm and relaxing environment for your patient. The temperature should be comfortable enough that exposed skin is not cold. You may choose to play relaxing music if you both agree to it. Turn off any cell phones and perform the massage in a clean room to minimize distractions.
To perform a sports massage you must use quick smooth strokes on the affected muscles. A sports massage is not used to help the receiver relax as much as it is used to prevent future injuries. In addition to the quick gentle massage strokes, stretching exercises are generally included in this procedure.
Your masseuse is the answer to all of your back problems, but if you choose the wrong massage parlor then you will get the wrong answer. The above guidelines should provide a set of standards that any quality, preferred masseuse will have no problem surpassing. At the end of the day, schedule an appointment if you are uncertain and let the experience speak for itself.
