Countless articles have been written that cover the theory and technique behind massage therapy on a regular basis. The article below is somewhat different because it will cover the impact of the techniques utilized at these parlors and discuss the best methods for finding which parlor is right for you. The professional that you prefer is rarely based on technique alone, so read the below paragraphs closely and remember what to look for during your search.

If you are an athlete or have excessively hard workouts then having massages regularly is a good idea. Massages can loosen your muscles up before a game or exercise to help them from becoming injured. It can also help after strenuous exercise to help heal your muscles and keep them from stiffening up or becoming painful.

Feeling a little blue? Go get a massage! The health benefits of massage are numerous, and studies have shown that one of the benefits of massage is elevated serotonin. Serotonin is a neurochemical that makes us feel happy, yet lack of sleep, hormone fluctuations, gloomy weather and poor diets can lower your body’s natural serotonin stores.

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.

If you notice knots in the back while you are giving a massage, you can kneed them out with some pressure from your fists. Simply get your fists into a ball and work them over the knotted spot for a few minutes. Apply more pressure if the knots are deeper, as long as the recipient remains comfortable.

You want to make sure you’re relaxed when you’re going for a massage. It is important to let the tension out, so breathe deeply as you lie down on the table. As the therapist starts their routine, periodically engage in deep breathing to ensure you stay relaxed.

Your feet are a lot more sensitive than they look. You can find many nerve endings in this part of your body and massaging your feet could help you relieve the pain you experience in another part of your body. A foot massage is also a great way to relieve stress.

Applying pressure with your fingertips is the basic concept of the Japanese Shiatsu massage. The therapist is going to apply pressure to the various pressure points so that the body can relax. Shiatsu massages are for boosting energy levels and well being.

Athletes know about a sports massage. This can also be used by those that exercise a lot. They aren’t made for relaxation, but they help you build up your body so that you may avoid injuries or fix those that you have already.

If you are pregnant and getting a massage, avoid massage tables which have holes in them. This will ensure yours and the baby’s comfort and prevent the stress to your lower back. Also, make sure you use plenty of pillows as additional padding in order to feel more comfortable and secure.

Massaging your own shoulders can be enjoyable if you do it right. Beginning at the top of your spine, using one hand or two, use your hand to stroke from skull to shoulders. Then work your way across the shoulder outwards. Go back towards the neck and repeat the process.

Doing eye massages can relieve tired and sore eyes. The main benefit of this massage is using warmth to relieve pain and strain. Begin this massage by rubbing your hands together vigorously. Do this until your hands start to feel warm. When hands are warm, cover each eye with a palm until the warmth goes away.

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.

Offer your massage therapist a tip. It is standard business practice to tip workers in this field. Treat this tip like you would a waiter at a restaurant. Try to tip 15 to 20 percent of your cost. You might even want to provide a larger tip if you received an incredible massage. You’ll be glad you tipped the next time you return to your massage therapist. Massage therapists will remember that you tipped them well which means they might do you special favors, like fit you into a busy schedule.

When you are stumped for what to give as a Christmas or birthday present, consider buying a coupon for a healthy massage! Everybody loves the soothing and relaxing benefits of a deep tissue massage and who couldn’t use the extra pampering? Especially for the person who has everything, the gift of massage is perfect!

The validity of massage therapy is heavily debated in other places on the internet, but the benefits can be experienced first hand if you are capable of finding a decent masseuse to represent the field. Apply the information properly and you can have a routine massage appointment scheduled by the end of the week. Use these tips to narrow the selection to a handful of parlors and then proceed to sample their usefulness firsthand. Continue this process of trial-and-error and eventually, you will find a company that really hits the spot, no pun intended.