Are there times in your life when stress seems overwhelming? Is it time to just sit back and forget that stress? Massage can help. Just keep reading to find out more about massage.
When having your first massage be open-minded. If you have never received a massage, then you will likely find some massage techniques strange. Refrain from allowing fear to take over, and just enjoy the process. Let go and allow the massage therapist do what they do best.
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.
If you’re getting a full body massage, make sure the masseuse uses a massage oil. These oils are a must if they plan on digging deep into your ligaments and muscles without causing discomfort. These oils make their hands slippery, which helps reduce friction and lowers the chances of getting skin burns.
Asian massages are known to help relax the body. One not-so-common, but very relaxing Asian massage is called the Indonesian-Javanese massage. With this method, the therapist will use both their hands and knuckles to get so deep into the skin. This will help your muscles relax if they were tense.
Bear hug techniques can help with shoulder tension. Just wrap your arms in front of your chest in an X configuration. Place your hands on your shoulders and rub. You will immediately start to relax, and this is a great technique that you can utilize wherever you are at.
Avoid holding your breath while your massage therapist is working. You may have knots that are extremely painful, yet the therapist cannot massage them out effectively if you hold your breath. Try to breathe through the muscle pain, and use a combination of deep breathing and visualization. In your mind, picture the area and imagine the knot is a lump of butter, melting in the warm sunshine.
When you make the decision to get massage regularly, form a rapport with the massage therapist. When you’re comfortable with them, you’ll relax faster and more deeply. Talk to your therapist before the massage and get comfortable.
If massaging is new to you or you don’t know what to get, try a Swedish or deep tissue massage. There are many different choices, some which can leave you disappointed when you have serious knots you need to work out. These two cover your most essential needs until you know more about the other types.
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.
When giving a massage, remember to relax yourself. If you are holding a lot of tension, it will be more difficult to maneuver your hands in a way that provides a great massage. The tension will also show through in your attention to each area of the body and the overall feel of the room.
Never get a massage if your doctor advises against it. This may seem obvious, but often, people will get a massage because they feel that it will help soothe them and make them feel better. If you have muscle tears, this could actually make them worse with constant pressure on your body.
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.
When getting a massage, your actions will help you enjoy the massage more and receive maximum benefits from it. Practice deep breathing exercises while you are getting your massage. Breathe out when pressure is applied and breathe in when pressure is released. This will have an immeasurable impact on the relaxation of your massage.
If you are getting a massage and you do not feel comfortable or suddenly feel like you are in pain, do not be afraid to end it. You are the paying customer whose pleasure should be the number one concern, so if you feel discomfort at any time, you have the right to conclude your session.
If you need to relax, it is hard to beat a massage. If you are going to perform the massage, use the tips here. If you are going to a professional, know what to look for. Make your experience memorable by using what you just learned.
