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.
Seek to have your massages done professionally. While it may be easier to ask for one from your spouse, you are certainly risking injury. If someone is not educated in how to properly give a massage. They can easily cause a muscle to be pulled or even something far worse.
Always be gentle when giving someone else a message. Even if the person you are massaging complains, you should avoid applying too much pressure to their muscles and joints. Unless you have been trained in message therapy, you are more likely to hurt them than to relieve their pain by being more forceful.
Try giving yourself or someone a foot massage. Focusing on the soles first can really relax a person. Start stroking the soles of the foot going back and forth in straight lines. Do these motions starting from the heel to the bases of the toes. After the soles have been properly massaged, you can move on to the toes and the top and middle of the foot.
If you happen to be receiving a massage, try not to eat a large meal in advance. If you eat too much, you will not be comfortable during your massage. Eat a light, nutritious meal before your massage to allow yourself to enjoy every moment of the massage.
You should do a belly massage following every meal. Using one or both palms, start rubbing your abdominal area using clockwise circular motions. The clockwise motion is the same direction that your food digests naturally in your intestines. This can help with digestion and prevent gas and intestinal discomfort.
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!
Extend the benefits of your massage by taking things easy for the rest of the day. Allow your mind and body to stay in the relaxed zone by practicing deep breathing throughout the day whenever you feel the tension returning. Plan a low-key, relaxing dinner followed by a warm bath, then get into bed early and curl up for a nice, restorative night of sleep
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.
If you have dry hands or feet, find a good moisturizer and use it for massages. Apply a small dose of moisturizer on your dry skin and take the time to massage the area. Massaging allows the moisturizer to penetrate the skin to its deeper layers, which means you will get better results.
When creams are going to be used for a massage, try out one that has a minty smell to it. It’s soothing, smells great and is invigorating. Look for good quality products that feature a moisturizer.
Don’t make the mistake of thinking that you have to spend a lot of money to get a good massage. Meanwhile, it is human nature to choose well known spas, a smaller center or a massage school can offer the same services. Sometimes lesser known places offer better massages than their more expensive counterparts, for half the price.
If you have a less than pleasant experience having a massage, try not to write them off completely. Everyone has their own style and techniques and no two massage therapists are the same. Ask for a recommendation from a friend for someone new, and explain your experience to them so they can do their best to make your massage with them as pleasant as possible.
Do not immediately engage in strenuous activity following a massage. Taking a short, calming walk or sitting and reading for a few minutes would be ideal. It is often reported that people feel dizzy following a massage, and this means that the body is not ready to jump into heavy lifting or heart racing activities. It is fine to enjoy these activities a little later in the day, about an hour or so after your massage.
Don’t forget to tip. Though you may not realize it, masseuses are service laborers and depend on tips for their livelihood. A normal tip is between 15 and 20 percent if you’re greatly satisfied with the service.
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.
