Simple Tips To Improve Your Massage Skills | leesilas.com

Simple Tips To Improve Your Massage Skills

Both professional massages and those done by your partner are special. It can really help to put you in a completely different mood. Keep reading to discover more facts about the benefits of massage.

If you like massages, try getting some massage tools to use. When you receive and give massages, they will become more effective when using tools. The Internet is a good source for these items, or you may find some in local specialty stores. Try out a variety of tools to see which works for you.

Keep the room at a good temperature throughout the entire massage. If you are giving a massage during the winter, try to have the heat on so that things are not uncomfortable. On the other hand, if it is very hot outside, keep the air conditioning on at a reasonable level.

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.

One simple way to give a massage is to use a “raking” technique. This is done by spreading your fingers and using your fingertips. Start in the shoulder area then move your fingers in a raking motion down the back. Make sure the fingers move along the spine not on top of the spine. While one hand moves up move the other one down in alternating motion.

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.

Look at the person receiving the massage to determine if you are hitting all the areas that they need addressed. Their face may express some of their feelings, as will the muscles themselves. Although it takes time to learn what they like, you will eventually learn what your partner is feeling. For example, if their face goes into a grimace, they likely are not happy.

Ask for the lights to be turned down. A darkened room is more relaxing than one with bright lights, and relaxation is the point of massage. It doesn’t have to be a completely dark room, but no brighter than accent candles.

Avoid holding your breath while your massage therapist is working. You may have knots that are extremely painful, yet the therapist cannot massage them out effectively if you hold your breath. Try to breathe through the muscle pain, and use a combination of deep breathing and visualization. In your mind, picture the area and imagine the knot is a lump of butter, melting in the warm sunshine.

Whenever you get yourself a massage, don’t be afraid to inform your massage therapist of your problem areas. Massages are supposed to relax muscles and target the problem areas. Therapists aren’t psychics, so you have to guide them.

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.

Before you give a massage, stretch all of the areas that you are planning to use. This means that you will need to stretch your fingers, arms, neck, back and legs so that you can reduce cramps during your massage and get all areas involved. If you are providing a long massage session, stretching is imperative.

This may be something you already know, but make sure you tip your massage therapist generously. It is not only the kind thing to do, but also earns the respect of your therapist if you plan on returning. Always show up on time for your massage because it not only shows you are serious, but you won’t cut into someone else’s massage time.

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.

Let your masseuse know of your music preferences. Many people enjoy relaxing music playing during their massage, however some do not. If you prefer a quiet environment while you get your massage, speak up. You can also specify a particular type of music or even request ambient noise such as bird songs or ocean waves.

Find a cream with a minty scent you can use for massages. Mint calms and relaxes your body and soothes your skin, making for a more enjoyable massage. Make sure that the products you purchase are high-quality and very moisturizing.

If you are unsure of which massage therapist to see in your area, ask your family members and coworkers. Referrals are crucial. While they don’t ensure that you will get a great therapist, they do increase your odds tremendously. After you get a few names, do your own research to see which person you think best fits your needs.

You should have more information to determine whether massage is what you want or need. Some people are comfortable with massages, and some are not. When you love it, get one as soon as possible!

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