Message therapy offers a whole lot of benefits, both mental and physical. However, not everyone understands the real potential a massage has to improve their life. Keep reading to glean knowledge about how you can use massage to enhance your life in both physical and mental ways.
When you go to get a massage, make sure you are open-minded about the whole process. If you are getting a massage for the first time, you might find the whole process a bit unusual. If you go in to your massage appointment prepared, you will be able to enjoy your massage more thoroughly. Just let them do the work and relax.
If massages are your thing, massage tools can be useful. Massage balls and wands can help improve the quality of the massage. They can be found quite easily online and in specialty store. Try different tools to see which ones work best for you.
One simple way to give a massage is to use a “raking” technique. This is done by spreading your fingers and using your fingertips. Start in the shoulder area then move your fingers in a raking motion down the back. Make sure the fingers move along the spine not on top of the spine. While one hand moves up move the other one down in alternating motion.
Do not allow yourself to worry about what your body looks like when you are getting a massage. You need to have less clothing on so that your massage therapist can reach all parts of your body that need to be massaged. Don’t worry about being fully naked, as massage therapists are trained in sheet-draping. This allows you to relax and enjoy the benefits of the massage.
Learning to unwind and relax is key to getting a massage. Doing some deep breathing exercises during your massage can really help to fully relax you. Anytime you begin to feel yourself tense up, do some deep breathing exercises until the feeling passes.
Do not get up immediately after your massage, especially when receiving a deep tissue massage. Most people will experience bouts of dizziness or feeling light-headed if the body has not had time to process the ministrations of the masseuse. Relax a bit more and let your body regulate itself before you get back to your day.
If you will be getting a massage to have some stress relieved, go with an aromatherapy massage. Along with a massage, the therapist will use essential oils on your capillaries in order to relax the body. Most of these oils come from flowers, roots, and herbs and are completely safe.
Schedule your massages smartly. If you usually get sleepy after a massage, you should avoid getting one before you have to go to work. However, if massages help you get some energy, do not hesitate to schedule a massage before you have to go through a stressful day at work.
If you are giving someone a massage, stay quiet. It may be hard for them to relax if you keep up a constant stream of chatter. Nature sound or quiet music should be the sole sound. Otherwise, the environment should be quiet.
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!
Do not forget to tip your massage therapist. Many therapists work mostly for tips and only receive a small percentage of the price you pay for the massage. They will appreciate a good tip, and it will be remembered the next time you return. A fair tip is typically fifteen to twenty percent.
Do not feel as though you cannot talk to your therapist about your massage treatment. Inform them immediately of any nagging injuries or other issues they need to know about before beginning the massage. If something hurts you, let them know. After all, massages should be relaxing.
Don’t pour cold massage oil on your subject’s back. Warm it in your hands first. Cold oil will not help your patient relax and they will not enjoy the massage if their muscles are exposed to something cold. You don’t want to rub too hard to the point where the oil is absorbed into your skin. Just rub gently until warm. The heat generated by the friction warms the massage oil, making it the ideal temperature.
It is possible that massage therapy could be a good alternative to prescription medications for you. Massage therapy is great for healing injuries and common ailments. Find out if your insurance will cover massage visits if you have certain health issues.
Massages are beneficial for a person’s body and mind. Being able to learn about massage will help you understand its benefits. Hopefully, the article you’ve just read has helped you get started.
