When you’re trying to escape for a little bit, it’s always a good idea to get a massage. Massages will help you loosen up, relax and feel better. If you are thinking about getting a massage, this article is for you.
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.
Relaxation is key to an effective massage. Just let stress go and breathe deeply. Once the masseuse starts, keep breathing deeply every now and then, to make sure your muscles stay relaxed and loose.
If you have a wound that is beginning to heal, massaging around that area will help it to heal even faster. Massage increases the amount of blood that is flowing to that area of your body. So, by massaging that area you are providing it with new blood to promote healing. This can also help to reduce scars.
Do not get up immediately after your massage, especially when receiving a deep tissue massage. Most people will experience bouts of dizziness or feeling light-headed if the body has not had time to process the ministrations of the masseuse. Relax a bit more and let your body regulate itself before you get back to your day.
The speed of your hands is important for the kind of massage you are trying to give. If you are looking for a massage to relax your partner, go for slow strokes. If you are looking to work out tired muscles that have been over exerted, faster strokes work better.
A Shiatsu massage is very similar to an acupuncture session except the therapist uses fingers instead of needles. Pressure will be applied and lead to a full body relaxation. The goal of a Shiatsu massage is to increase a person’s energy level and well being.
Prior to getting a massage, inform your massage therapist of all the problem areas you have. If you don’t you may end up wasting half of your massage time on areas that need a lot less work to feel good! This communication will give your therapist a plan of action for the limited time there is available.
When you are finished giving or getting a massage, try to give your body at least 10 minutes to recuperate. Since this is not something that you do everyday, you will not want to walk right out after you are done. It is important to maintain regular blood flow before you engage in normal activities again through a short rest period.
Massaging your own shoulders can be enjoyable if you do it right. Beginning at the top of your spine, using one hand or two, use your hand to stroke from skull to shoulders. Then work your way across the shoulder outwards. Go back towards the neck and repeat the process.
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.
Even though there are many wonderful benefits to having a massage, if you have a lot of health problems or an injury you should talk to your doctor first. What you might think is a harmless massage could end up causing a condition to worsen such as a blood clot.
A hot stone massage incorporates heated stones and a gentle touch. Smooth stones are heated and placed along the back and other parts of the body to relieve muscle tension. The massage therapist may also gently press the stones into your tense muscles and then gently rub them in a circular motion to help relieve tension.
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.
If you are thinking about finding a massage therapist, ask your doctor for a recommendation. Often, your doctor will be able to refer you to an excellent professional from their years of experience in dealing with health problems. You might also ask a trainer at your gym to refer you to an excellent massage therapist.
The patient isn’t made of glass, so don’t be afraid to close your fists or use your elbows to thump along the body’s outline. This small exertion of force at the beginning of a massage helps waken the nerves and loosen the tired muscles. Apply a gentle amount of force and follow along the shoulders, ribcage, and lower neck for maximum efficiency.
Many people believe that massage therapists only focus on your back, but this is not the truth. When you are considering getting a massage, ask the person you speak with about the different types that are available. They may cost more, but more of your body will end up being relaxed.
Watch the temperature in the room carefully when giving a massage. Most massages are done with the recipient in the nude or only wearing underwear. If the room is too cold, this can become very uncomfortable, very fast. If the room is too warm, your hands might become sweaty, making it difficult to give a good massage.
You may need to remove undergarments for your massage. If you do not feel comfortable removing your underwear, let the massage therapist know. North American massage locations require that recipients always be covered with a towel.
Now that you’re aware of what can be done to get yourself a great massage, you need to get yourself one. Use the ideas here to have the best experience possible. For the best massage experience, just follow these tips.
