Everybody loves receiving a good massage to relieve their stress. However, not everybody has the knowledge to be a great massage therapist. It just takes knowledge and a bit of training to become good at massage therapy. Read on to learn more.
If recurring muscular pain is an issue, do some research about trigger points, or consult with a massage therapist. Tight muscles often develop knots or trigger points. Not only can the pain be felt at these points, but it can also cause referred pain over other parts of the body. Learn about these points and how to rid yourself of them.
Use your thumbs when massaging someone. Strong and solid, your thumbs can really dig in. Make sure not to push excessively, since that is often not liked by the person getting the massage.
Stretch before you go to get a message. This will help to loosen you up just a little bit before hand so that your massage therapist can quickly locate any problem areas that you might have. If you have extreme pain you may not want to do this, otherwise it is a good idea.
When your feet hurt, you hurt all over. Relieve the pain with a good foot massage you can do on your own or someone can do it for you. Stroke your foot with your thumb from the base of your heel to your toes. This motion should go back and forth across your foot at the same time.
If you need help with stress or pain, you should get a massage from a professional. Asking someone you know to give you a massage can be helpful but keep in mind that a trained professional will be able to use technique your friend or relative does not know about.
Did you know you have great self-massage tools around the house? Why not lie on a tennis ball for a sore spot on your back? A rolling pin is great for the bottom of your feet. Walk around your house and you may be surprised by all the great tools you find!
How long should you massage a spot for? Try to aim for about thirty seconds. If you have many places to rub, this will help to speed along the process. If you find that the spot still aches or is tight, return to it later for another 30 second session.
If you didn’t know, you can do a massage right after you eat a good meal. It involves putting your hands on you belly and moving them around. This will help you digest even if you had a big meal.
A great massage technique for reliving shoulder pressure is providing yourself with a bear hug. To do this, put the right hand on the left shoulder and the left hand on the right shoulder. Tightly press on each shoulder and release. Do this three times. Finally, begin to work your hands down your arms squeezing and then letting go until you get to your wrists.
Wake yourself up in the morning or calm yourself down at night with a good massage! To do this, gently thump your body with your fists. Begin at your legs and arms and go from bottom to top. This massage is great for relieving stress and tension. However, avoid this massage if you are currently taking any blood thinners because you could bruise your body.
A great massage to relieve strained shoulders is a bear hug. To begin, cross your arms over your chest. Grab your shoulder with either hand. Then, squeeze a shoulder and release it about three times. Do this for both of them. After that, move down your arms, squeezing and releasing them until you reach your wrists.
You should ask for feedback when giving a massage to someone. Remind the person that you have no way of knowing how efficient your massage is if they do not let you know how they feel. Encourage the person to guide you so you can find the area that is tense.
Consider a hot shower after a massage. A hot shower can further relax your muscles, and it gives you an opportunity to stand still and enjoy all the benefits of the massage. The hot water is also very relaxing, lending to the stress free atmosphere you have probably hoped to create.
Use scented massage lotion when you are giving a massage. The scent acts as aromatherapy and can enhance the feeling of relaxation. The lotion softens the friction between your hands and the person’s body, so the massage is easier on the skin. Find out what the scent preference is before you apply it.
Combine massage techniques if you have an injury and need major therapy. Other focused health therapies that may be beneficial include acupuncture or chiropractic care. These techniques, when combined, can provide maximum benefit to your body. They will get you back on your feet in no time!
Don’t be shy when you get a massage; tell them exactly what you want! Massage therapists might apply too much or too little pressure; it’s up to you to let them know what works best in your case. It is your hard-earned money paying for the massage, so you should be enjoying it to its fullest.
If you notice that you are having a lot of pain in your head, opt for craniosacral therapy. This massage technique focuses primarily on the skull and down the middle of your back with minor pressure that relieves tension and helps trauma. This is a good massage to have if you are older and find yourself sore more often.
Now that you’ve read this article, finding out how to give good massages is easier than you think. You can help your family members and friends with stress when you learn the tips presented here. You might even consider making it your career. Regardless, being able to give a great massage is an excellent skill for anyone.
