Not everyone is comfortable with the idea of receiving a massage. If you have considered undergoing a massage sometime in the past, but have yet to do it, you may benefit from learning what the article below will teach you. This information may even benefit those who have enjoyed massages on a regular basis.
Try giving yourself a massage. Begin by massaging your peripheral appendages. Begin with your limbs, moving from digits to torso. If you massage this way after you awake in the morning, your body can be re-energized for the day’s challenges. Do it before you go to sleep for a great night of rest.
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.
Consider massaging your body prior to exercising and immediately afterwards too. Massaging prior to working out helps raise blood flow into all of your muscles. And after a workout, a quick massage helps your muscles recover a lot quicker. It’s definitely worth the extra five minutes before and after exercise!
If you want a massage that gets your energy in balance while staying in motion instead of lying on a table, try Thai massage. Your therapist will move you all over the place, running through postures much like yoga. It really gets your energy up and reduces stress while increasing range of motion.
If you’re pregnant, you can still enjoy a massage if it is given by a license therapist. This is a great way to deal with morning sickness, stress, back pain, sore breasts and swollen ankles. You can continue it after birth to deal with postpartum depression, weight loss and baby-carrying pains, too.
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.
When you go for your massage, you are paying good money for a relaxing experience. Do not ruin your massage by not using the restroom before you begin. The best massages are continuous from 45 minutes to an hour. If you have to take a break in the middle of the massage for a restroom break, you are not going to be fully relaxed at the end of your session.
Aromatherapy massage uses scented therapeutic massage oils along with gentle kneading motions. These scented oils add another dimension to the standard massage by incorporating the sense of smell into the massage therapy. Aromatherapy often uses lavender, eucalyptus and chamomile. This type of massage is perfect for people suffering for stress related pain.
When it comes to lower back pain, massage therapy is very effective and can bring helpful relief to an individual that is suffering from this affliction. Almost fifty percent of health care providers recommend therapeutic massage for patients that are suffering from lower back pain. Combined with other medical treatments, massage therapy gives many people relief from debilitating back pains.
When you’re injured playing sports, there are massages which can help. Other focused health therapies that may be beneficial include acupuncture or chiropractic care. Such activities are great in conjunction with one another, since they tackle problems of muscles, nerves and bones alike. Healing will be sped up, too.
If you are unsure of which massage therapist to go to, try calling the practice and speaking to them. Discuss things like their education and how long they have been working. You can also question them to see if your needs fall into their particular specialization. You should get a good feeling for what the therapist is like just by asking a few simple questions.
If you’re having a hard time trying to relax while getting a massage, try to focus on breathing. Inhale through your nose, pushing the air down into your abdomen. Breathe in to a count of 4 and out to a count of 6. You can find a comfortable zone this way, and help you on your way to relaxing.
Make sure you arrive for your massage freshly showered! First and foremost, this is a basic courtesy to your masseuse – would you want to massage someone who had not showered?! – and taking a shower will also help your muscles get nice and relaxed, which will help your massage feel better.
If you find that you receive a lot of benefit from getting massages, consider setting up a regular schedule. Doing so allows you to understand more of what you need from your therapist. You will also be better able to determine if someone is doing a good job with you or not. Each therapist is different. Some are good and some simply can’t give you what you need. Don’t be afraid to speak up for yourself.
The information that you have just read should answer many of the questions that you may have had about massage. Consider your options and think about what you might like or dislike. Then, you will be ready to go for a quality massage and request what services you feel comfortable with.
