Would you like more information on how to give a great massage? There are lots of little tricks you can do to have people think you are a professional. Read on to learn how to impress your friends and relatives with your great massage techniques.
If you decide to get a massage in the comfort of your own home, take a hot shower first. The hot water will help relax your muscles through the penetrating heat. This will ensure that your massage is more comfortable and any aches or pains are eliminated before the start.
Change your mindset about massage. Instead of thinking of it as a luxury, think of massage as a therapeutic approach to health. Research shows that massage can lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol, as well as lessening asthma symptoms in children. Additionally, those tension headaches are no match for the hands of a skilled massage therapist.
Everyone has individual preferences when it comes to massages and you will have to adjust to your different patients. Focus on the areas and techniques that seem to generate a positive response from your patient. Feedback is something that you should always keep your eye out for.
Scented candles can help with the massage environment. They provide you with extra light, and create a calming atmosphere while adding a bit of aromatherapy to the massage. Both you and the person receiving the massage will appreciate them.
Start your massage at the top of the back. This is important as there are a lot of muscles and knots tied up in this area. This technique will help you to soothe the person you are massaging and serves as a great bridge to the other areas of the body.
Always be on time for your massages. No matter how busy your day is, be careful not to dawdle and be late. If it gets to the point where you are rushing to get to your massage location, you may show up over-stressed! You should be relaxed before you lay down.
If you experience stress or other negative emotions, you should try massaging specific points of your body. Target your nerve endings to get your body to relax. Sensitive nerve endings are located along your spine, the top of your head and in different parts of your face. You should try gently tapping on the top of your head, your forehead, cheeks and chin before taking a deep breath.
Arthritis sufferers can feel a lot of pain. Medication can help, but it can’t always block that deep-seated pain in the bones. If medication alone isn’t enough, try getting a massage. Massages can help the blood to flow more easily, along with helping flexibility and circulation. This will really help to ease pain.
When you are giving a massage, try to have the person you are massaging in as few articles of clothing as possible. If they are uncomfortable, they can wear a towel to feel more secure at all times. Having areas of the body exposed is not only soothing, but it also facilitates your job.
If you can, tell the person who is going to receive a massage from you to shave a couple days prior to the massage. Clean skin with minimal hair will ensure that your hands glide smoothly over your clients body. That will help your hands flow freely and will feel better to the person.
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.
When your feet are aching after a long day, consider having some reflexology. This therapy uses pressure on specific areas of the foot which are connected to your organs, just like in acupuncture. It causes not only your feet to feel amazing, but also helps balance your systems and gives you a great deal of relaxation.
Communicate with your massage therapist. Your masseuse is most likely not a mind reader, so let them know if an area of your body needs a little extra attention. Whether your shoulders are a mess from being hunched over a desk or your legs are sore from a marathon workout, speak up.
Hydrate, hydrate. A massage loosens lymph fluid, lactic acid and other toxins from your soft tissues. This is part of what makes your muscles feel so nice afterward. However, if you are dehydrated, there is no way for these toxins to leave your system. This could leave you feeling sore and slightly nauseated after your massage, which defeats the whole effort and wastes money. So, make sure you drink up!
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.
Massaging your stomach can help your digestion or get rid of your stomach ache. A clockwise motion on your stomach can aid digestion after a large meal. This technique ought to assist with digestion. Do this gently and avoid applying pressure on or near your abdomen until your food has fully been digested.
You should now apply the tips you just read and help people get rid of their stress and pain. The recipient of your massage will appreciate your improved skills. Begin today and keep learning what you can to better your skills.
