Is it time for a massage? It doesn’t matter if you’re the recipient or the masseuse, you need to understand the art of massage fully for the best experience. This article will give you a ton of helpful hints to ensure that your next massage is the best ever given.
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.
If you suffer from frequent tension headaches, you may benefit from a professional deep tissue neck massage. To perform a deep tissue massage, the massage therapist uses a stretching technique along with pressure to pull and stretch your muscles. This allows the muscles to relax; thus, relieving your headache and tension.
If you have a wound that is beginning to heal, massaging around that area will help it to heal even faster. Massage increases the amount of blood that is flowing to that area of your body. So, by massaging that area you are providing it with new blood to promote healing. This can also help to reduce scars.
If you suffer from sinus pressure, use massage to help. A simple and quick massage under your brow line can help to clear your sinuses and make breathing much easier. Just use your fingers to massage gently over the eyes and across the bridge of your nose. This only takes minutes, and it can offer you a lot of relief.
When you decide to get a massage, make sure you are communicating with your massage therapist. If you have any massage preferences, make sure you tell him or her when entering the room and before starting. If during the massage you are feeling pain or experiencing numbness, make sure you let your therapist know by speaking up.
The Japanese love to engage in a form of massage called shiatsu. This uses the pressure from the masseuse’s fingers pressed in a rhythm on your acupuncture meridians. The pressure is applied for a few to many seconds, boosting energy flow and returning the body to balance. It doesn’t leave you sore, either!
Use candles to set the mood. Candles provide subtle lighting, while simultaneously creating a relaxing atmosphere. Scented candles are also a great idea. Place them evenly throughout the room, at varying elevations. It is also important to be safe when using candles. Keep them away from hanging fabric such as curtains.
If you want a massage that gets your energy in balance while staying in motion instead of lying on a table, try Thai massage. Your therapist will move you all over the place, running through postures much like yoga. It really gets your energy up and reduces stress while increasing range of motion.
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.
If you feel as though your complexion is looking a little dull, or you are noticing little wrinkles forming in places around your face, you do not have to run to the plastic surgeon! Giving yourself a daily face massage will promote blood flow to your skin, brightening it up and making those wrinkles virtually disappear.
If you are going to be giving a massage, make sure that you are using lubricant. Lubricant can be any form of lotion or even therapeutic oils. Whichever you choose, make sure that it is appropriate for the recipient of the massage. Lubricants can help you glide across the body without disturbing the rhythmic movements.
Never smoke or drink before you get a massage. Engaging in these acts not only puts your health at risk, but will cause you to be more anxious and tense during your massage. Also, the effects of these actions will reduce your feeling and sensitivity to the massage, which are two factors that you want when you get one.
You can massage your eyes to make your headaches go away. If you have tired eyes, you should rub your hands together until your palms get warm. Place your warm hands over your eyes and let your palms warm up your eyes. The warmth will relax the muscles located in your eyes.
A great massage to relieve strained shoulders is a bear hug. To begin, cross your arms over your chest. Grab your shoulder with either hand. Then, squeeze a shoulder and release it about three times. Do this for both of them. After that, move down your arms, squeezing and releasing them until you reach your wrists.
Don’t lie on a spa intake form! It is important that you list any medical issues or injuries you have experienced. This not only protects the spa from liability if you end up sick after the massage, but it allows them to determine exactly how the massage should be conducted for your health and safety.
Are you ready to conquer that next massage? Are you going to take this advice to heart? If you do, you’ll find that every massage from now on is truly an exceptional experience. That means everyone will be happier, healthier and loving the art of massage all over again, too!
