Have you ever wondered what it’s like to give a massage at home? Is massage therapy something that interests you? Well, if you have answered yes to either of these questions, you may find the following article of interest. There are so many ways you can give or get a massage which is why these tips were compiled with you in mind!
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.
Be sure to observe your subject closely so as to respond to any cues he or she may convey. Notice whether their muscles are tensing up or not, and listen to everything they say or what you can read on their face. It takes some practice, but you can get to a point where you can read their body using your hands. If the body tenses, you may be applying too much pressure.
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.
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.
There is no real dress code when you decide to go out and get a massage. If you are concerned about dressing appropriate, speak with the spa or your message therapist beforehand. By addressing clothing concerns, you can ensure that you won’t feel embarrassed or uncomfortable during your massage. If there is an area you also don’t want massaged like your behind, tell the therapist before starting.
If you are new to getting a massage, you may be riddled with questions. Do you keep your eyes closed? Do you chit chat during the massage? Should you keep your eyes open when lying on your back? The best way to deal with all of these things is to do what feels right to you. The point of your massage is to relax and to feel relaxed.
Consider getting a massage in either just your underwear or naked. Skin to skin contact is important during any massage, and this can only be accomplished if you remove your clothes. You can always use a blanket to cover up if you are concerned about modesty or staying warm during the process.
Try using your fists to give a good massage. Gently thump on the area that is painful or tense after warming the muscles with a more gentler techniques. Thumping is excellent for circulation and will cause the entire muscle to relax almost instantly. Avoid using this technique on someone who has to take blood thinners to prevent bruising.
Have the person you are massaging lie on a flat surface while on their stomach. This is the most beneficial position when you are giving a massage, as it allows their back muscles to stay loose while there is nothing pressing against it. You will want their position to be loose and free at all times.
It is important to communicate with your massage therapist while receiving a deep tissue or sports massage. You can relax, but speak up when anything is painful. Your therapist has a right to know if you are experiencing anything uncomfortable.
When booking a massage treatment, choose a time which is easy for you to attend. You need to get there early, and you shouldn’t be in a rush to leave. Talk to them about their policy on cancellations to ensure you don’t get even more stressed out if you have to reschedule.
Be sure to tip your massage therapist. This is a service based business and tips are the norm. It’s a good idea to leave a 15% tip like you would at a restaurant. Or, if the massuese was fantastic, think about even more. Your therapist will remember for the next time you return and will treat you that much better. Massage therapists will remember that you tipped them well which means they might do you special favors, like fit you into a busy schedule.
When you are giving a massage, one of the key points to focus on is constant movement. You should never stop abruptly, as this will ruin the flow of the massage. You can slow down and speed up while you rub your hands up and down the back and legs, but never come to a complete stop.
As you can see, giving and getting a massage is rarely easy. There are so many factors that you have to keep in mind whether you are giving or receiving. This article has discussed some of the simple ways that you can give or get a massage. So next time you get involved in a massage, use what you have learned!
