If you have ever gotten a massage, you are probably aware at just great it can make your body feel. If you have not, then you are missing out. Nowadays, millions of people, both men and women, get massages on a regular basis. There are all kinds of benefits to getting one. Read the below article to learn all you need to know about massages.
Remember that you will experience new things when going in for a massage. It may feel weird at first. If you go in to your massage appointment prepared, you will be able to enjoy your massage more thoroughly. Just relax and allow the massage therapist to provide you with an incredible massage.
Feeling a little blue? Go get a massage! The health benefits of massage are numerous, and studies have shown that one of the benefits of massage is elevated serotonin. Serotonin is a neurochemical that makes us feel happy, yet lack of sleep, hormone fluctuations, gloomy weather and poor diets can lower your body’s natural serotonin stores.
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.
If you want to give a quick massage, consider focusing just on the feet. The feet offer a small area to massage that contains a wealth of benefits. Feet have many nerves and pressure points, and they hold the weight of the entire body throughout the day. Spend fifteen minutes massaging the feet and feel the difference it offers.
If you have arthritis, you know the pain it causes. Medication helps, but can not always block out the aching feeling deep inside your bones. A massage can do even better. Massages stimulate blood flow in the body, improving flexibility and circulation, both of which help reduce pain.
A foot massage can be used for more than tired, achy feet. You can search online and find foot maps that show which area of the foot can be massaged to experience relief from a myriad of symptoms throughout your body. For example, pressing on the big toe is known to relieve sinus pain and pressure.
If you have a difficult time riding in the car for a long period of time, consider purchasing a massaging cushion for your back. These cushions often plug right into your lighter, and they can provide a comfortable massage in various intensities while you drive. This can make the ride more enjoyable for anyone.
When you are giving a massage, try not to use the same stroke over and over. This can make the whole experience mundane, as you want to incorporate as much change during the session as possible. Alter your technique, the stroke and how hard you press on the back, neck and thighs.
When using massage oil, before putting it on a person’s back, place it into your hands first. If you place the oil directly onto your partner, the oil may be surprisingly cold and startle the person. That’s not the kind of reaction you want from a massage. Instead place the oil first in your hands and warm the oil up by rubbing your hands together. This will make the oil the perfect temperature to use.
Ask for lower lights when you get a message. To enjoy a relaxing massage, a darker room can help provide a great atmosphere. You don’t have to be plunged in total darkness. A candle or two provides a nice touch.
Try to build a relationship with your therapist. You’ll feel more relaxed and at ease when you are comfortable with the person giving you the massage. Spend a bit of time and effort connecting with your massage therapist prior to making an appointment so that you’ll feel more secure.
To perform a pregnancy massage, have the expectant mother lie on her side and gently rub her back using a circular motion. A pregnancy massage is especially beneficial during the third trimester when the weight of the baby creates pressure points in the expectant mother’s lower back and buttock areas.
Never smoke or drink before you get a massage. Engaging in these acts not only puts your health at risk, but will cause you to be more anxious and tense during your massage. Also, the effects of these actions will reduce your feeling and sensitivity to the massage, which are two factors that you want when you get one.
Before you put oil on the body, warm it in your hands. Putting cold oil on your skin is not as relaxing as warm oil. This just isn’t a good start for your massage. You don’t want to rub too hard to the point where the oil is absorbed into your skin. Just rub gently until warm. This friction helps warm the oil up.
Did you know that you can request a four hands massage when you go to your massage therapist? You actually will have two therapists working on you at the same time. The additional cost is usually far less than you would expect and the benefits of this type of massage are huge.
Avoid eating before a massage. You want at least 90 minutes between your last meal and your massage. However, more time is better. Allow your body to digest its meal so you can fully relax and get all the benefits of your massage. As a bonus you will be spared embarrassing stomach gurgling noises during your session.
As you can see, there are all kinds of benefits to getting a massage. Therefore, if you have not been getting one, then you need to. Now that you have read this article, you are aware of some excellent knowledge about massages. So, sign up to get a massage, and enjoy it!
