If you have ever wanted to improve your skill set in giving a massage, you may be surprised to find it’s not difficult. You could educate yourself with an expensive massage therapy course, or you could just read this article to learn more. Now is the time to get started!
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.
Discuss your needs with your therapist. Some people may feel a little uncomfortable at the prospect of getting a massage because they feel out of control. Tell the massage therapist about any sore areas, such as your back, knees or neck, so that they can avoid them or treat them accordingly. And don’t forget to let them know of your preferences for things like background music, room lighting and temperature. The whole point is for you to be able to relax, so make sure the conditions suit you.
Some good choices as massage oil include almond oil, walnut oil and olive oil. All have healing properties. Oil works much better than lotion for a massage and you will require far less of it. Lotions are okay, but oil allows your hands to move effortlessly across the skin, too.
If you have a massage scheduled, eat lightly beforehand. Eating a lot may make you feel uncomfortable during your massage and that can make the experience go badly. Eat as healthy as possible, mixing in fruit and vegetables.
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.
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!
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.
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.
If you are battling cancer it can really take a toll on your body. You are probably feeling a little depressed, some anxiety, fatigue and nausea from the treatments and the diagnosis in general. Having a massage has been proven to help fight off all of these symptoms, which can help you to fight even that much harder to beat it.
When you plan to book an appointment for a massage, call up a few local spas and ask them what they have to offer. You may find that they provide a massage style which you’d like to try out, or that they don’t offer the old standby you’d prefer to use.
Don’t show up dirty to your massage appointment. No massage therapist wants to rub their hands all over someone that has been working all day and hasn’t bathed. Do them a favor and bathe before you show up for your appointment. The masseuse will thank you and your own aromas won’t bother you during your massage.
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.
When giving a massage to your dog, it is important you choose an area in your house that is free of distractions and noise. This can make it easier for your dog to relax. Make sure you provide a comfortable area for the dog to be massaged. This can be on a bed, sofa or soft towel.
Don’t hesitate to place pressure and thump on the muscles you’re massaging. Start gently in the beginning, asking for feedback as you go, to ensure no pain is being caused. The pressure you put on the muscle can get rid of pain. Do not engage these techniques near the bones as this will cause pain.
Try to relax your partner by giving them a romantic massage. Scented candles can be lit as well. Turn on smooth music to really set the mood. Massage each others muscles with oil that has been scented and warmed up.
Apply these tips as you set about giving and getting massages. Keep looking for more techniques and strategies so that you can keep building your talents. Now is the time to begin putting these tips to use.
