Can you feel the tension in your muscles when you move or even when simply sitting still? If so, it may be time for you to go for a massage. Knowing what to look for in a quality massage therapist or center will help ensure that you get the relief you hope for.
Use a warm oil when giving someone a massage. The oil will make it easier for your to move your hands across the other person’s skin and the warmth of the oil will be soothing for the person who is receiving the message. Be careful, however, to not overheat the oil, as you can cause burns.
Try getting a therapeutic massage. There has been proof that this type of massage can lower stress levels, help get rid of tension headaches caused by contracting muscles in the face, neck and head, and better the breathing of asthmatic children. It’s believed that is type of massage is so successful due to people believing in it so much, which creates a powerful mind and body connection.
Make sure to drink plenty of water following a massage. There are toxins in your body after having your muscle tissue stimulated. The water you consume will help flush those toxins from your body. You should start with two to three glasses of water during the first hour, and then you should get at least eight more the rest of the day.
Massage is great during pregnancy, but wait until after the first trimester. During the first trimester, your baby is in the earliest stages of development. Toxins released during a massage can harm the fetus or inhibit growth during this delicate period. Once you have reached 16 weeks, you should be all clear to enjoy a massage.
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.
If you’re getting a full body massage, make sure the masseuse uses a massage oil. These oils are a must if they plan on digging deep into your ligaments and muscles without causing discomfort. These oils make their hands slippery, which helps reduce friction and lowers the chances of getting skin burns.
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.
When using massage oil, before putting it on a person’s back, place it into your hands first. If you place the oil directly onto your partner, the oil may be surprisingly cold and startle the person. That’s not the kind of reaction you want from a massage. Instead place the oil first in your hands and warm the oil up by rubbing your hands together. This will make the oil the perfect temperature to use.
Help the massage therapist by relaxing your body. Avoid trying to “help” by tensing certain muscles or areas. The massage therapist is well-educated in various ways to maneuver your body parts to achieve the best results from massage, but their work is hindered if you can’t relax. Try doing some deep breathing and practice just letting go and trusting the therapist to do a great job.
It is ideal if the person receiving the massage can shave a day or two prior to the massage. This will make for a much smoother surface, and make sure that you do not pull any hair by accident during the massage. This allows your hands to move about in a more free motion.
Do not forget to stretch before and after you receive a massage. A massage will be more efficient if your muscles are already warm and you will have more energy after your massage if you take a few minutes to stretch your muscles. Besides, stretching is an efficient way to relieve muscle pain.
When giving a massage to someone, you need to be careful about the amount of pressure you are putting in them. Applying too much pressure could cause damage to their nerves, joints and muscles. Also, you should be massaging toward the heart, as applying the wrong way could cause damage to veins.
Finding the right therapist is very important when it comes to massages. You do not want to visit an inexperienced or inept therapist who may cause you more harm than good. Ask friends or family if they know of a good one in your area or look on the Internet for reviews.
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.
Now that you have read through this guide, you should be better prepared for your search for a massage therapist. Start looking today and soon you will find the one that will fit your needs. Then, just lie down and relax as they remove the tension from every muscles in your body.
