Massage should be high on your list of things to take time for during that day to help you relax. It brings you energy and stress relief. Read the below article to learn all the benefits of a great massage, as well as how to give a great one.
If you have problems with tension headaches and medication is not doing the trick, consider massage. Massage helps to relax the body, and it can target specific pressure points that offer benefits. Enjoying a massage once a week might be all you need to get rid of your headaches and keep them away.
Put your thinking on hold. One of the most difficult, yet essential elements of getting the most out of a massage is relaxing your mental state. Try to start doing some deep breathing while the therapist is setting up. Imagine that, with every inhale, you gather all the nagging and stressful thoughts in your head. On the exhale, envision blowing all of these thoughts out into space, gone forever. Keep repeating until you feel yourself relaxing.
If you are suffering from back pain and traditional back massages are not alleviating the pain, try a hand massage. Firmly press into the meaty area between your thumb and index finger and gently massage. This type of massage is especially effective for muscle spasms and pulled back muscles.
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.
When massaging someone, open your fingers up so that you can be more precise with the area that you massage. This helps to loosen up the muscles and is also a great technique if you are planning on giving a deep tissue massage. After you massage this way, close your hands back up and use your palms.
The feet are an often overlooked area that needs to be massaged. There are many pressure points in the feet that can relax the body as a whole and give the entire body a sense of well being. Focus on one foot at a time and use as much pressure as your partner will allow.
If you are giving a romantic massage to your partner, consider lighting the room with candles. Candles provide just the right amount of light so you can see what you are doing, while still allowing your partner to relax. They are also very romantic, and they can lend to the feeling you are trying to create in the moment.
A neck massage can be powerfully relaxing. Lots of people store a great amount of tension in the neck. A massage in this area can provide ultimate relaxation. Lotion and a dual-hand massage can do wonders for the neck and shoulders.
What spots should you hit when doing your own massage? Wherever it hurts. Find the areas that are sore and move away from them slowly. Look for more painful spots as you continue with your massage. If, after some time, the massage no longer feels good to the recipient, you can end the massage.
How much should you tip a masseuse? If you’re at a hotel or a local spa, 20% is pretty standard. If they work from home, each therapist will typically set their own policies, but 20% is fair. If they work in a massage clinic, ask them for their rules – some will include the tip in the price.
Be on time, or a little early. Besides being good etiquette, being punctual can actually help your massage be effective. When you are running late, you are usually in a frenzied state, increasing stress levels and putting your body on edge. In a massage, this means it will take you longer to unwind and you may not get all of the benefits of a relaxing rub down.
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.
Massage therapy may be something to consider if you rely on medication to treat pain. The relaxing benefits of a massage are very helpful to sore muscles and aching joints. Ask your insurance company if they will reimburse if massages are medically required, they may be covered.
You should think about the purpose of your massage. Were you in a car accident? Does your back hurt? Or are you simply looking for a good way to relax? The reason you are looking for a massage therapist can be many, but make sure you choose the correct therapist for you.
Those who suffer from diabetes can really benefit from having a massage. Diabetics tend to have a problem with circulation and blood flow in their feet, lower legs and hands. This is because they are the furthest away from the heart. Massaging the upper arms and legs can really help to get the blood flowing and circulating much better.
Hopefully, you have learned from this article about the great potentials of massages. Now you just need to make your appointment. Giving indeed is better than receiving, so learn to give a massage. Include this activity in your life as frequently as possible.