Perhaps due to the increasingly stressful and hectic nature of today’s fast-paced modern lifestyle, massage therapy is more popular than ever before. Learning to give the perfect massage takes time and effort, but if you are willing to study and work hard you can definitely become a great masseuse. This article is filled with massage tips and advice to help you on your way.
Drink a glass of water directly after getting a massage. The pressure from a massage will release toxins into your body that were being held in by the muscle. Drinking at least 10 glasses of water throughout the day will flush out the toxins. In the hour following the massage, drink several glasses and then continue with eight more in the next 23 hours.
If there are muscle pains you are experiencing all the time, you should try learning about trigger points, or ask a massage therapist about it. Tight muscles can be affected by knots which are commonly referred to as trigger points. Trigger points send pain to other areas of your body. A therapy book for trigger points, or a knowledgeable masseuse can show you the proper way to massage and eliminate these painful trigger points.
Pregnancy can be especially hard on your body over the course of nine months. Carrying the extra weight from the baby can lead to aches and pains in places that you never knew existed. Treating yourself to full body prenatal massages can be just the thing to get you feeling more like yourself again.
When giving a massage, make sure that you use the right amount of pressure. It is a delicate balance between using too much pressure and not enough. Take some time to practice. Ask the person you are giving the massage to if you are using too much or too little. Their feedback should dictate the amount of pressure you use.
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.
Have a light meal prior to getting a massage. You will not enjoy your massage if your stomach is uncomfortably full. Eat a light, healthy snack before your massage for best results.
Ease your aching feet! Your feet are under pressure all day long and are often ignored when it comes to a healing massage. Massage your toes, gently stretching them out until they feel relaxed. Use your thumbs to put pressure on the sole of your foot, slowly moving from the toes to the heel. For feet that are particularly achy you can apply more pressure by kneading the sole with your knuckles. Finally, treat your tired feet with a rich moisturizer.
A popular back massage you can try out on someone is called a “Raking Massage”. With this technique, you spread your fingers apart and use your tips to give the massage. Begin in the shoulder area and work your way down the back using a raking motion. Then, you move your fingers down the spine without actually touching it. Move one hand down as the other hand moves up.
If you have a difficult time riding in the car for a long period of time, consider purchasing a massaging cushion for your back. These cushions often plug right into your lighter, and they can provide a comfortable massage in various intensities while you drive. This can make the ride more enjoyable for anyone.
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.
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.
As was mentioned at the top of this article, massage therapy is more popular than ever before. Soothing, relaxing massages offer individuals an ideal way to soothe their bodies and spirits. If you are interested in being a great masseuse, you should carefully apply all of the information you’ve learned from this article.
