Most people relieve stress by getting a massage. That said, how can you give one? A bit of knowledge goes a long way. In this article, we will discuss some basic massage tips and techniques.
You should always make use of your thumbs when giving a massage. Your thumbs are a strong part of your hand so you can use them to stimulate the muscles. Be careful, though; too much pressure can make the person feel uncomfortable.
Massage Tools
Massage tools are great for massages. Use massage balls and other assistive devices to give a more efficient massage. Affordable massage tools can be found in stores or online. Try different tools to see which ones work best for you.
Don’t eat a lot prior to getting a massage. You may feel very uncomfortable during the massage due to bloat or general discomfort. Digest fully before you arrive. Therefore, you’ll feel the most comfortable during your massage, which will provide you with the most enjoyment.
Not every person that you massage is going to be the same, so make sure that you adjust to what the person likes. If you notice that one area elicits a positive response, work in it a bit more. It is important to always watch for feedback.
If you are giving your partner a massage, watch their body language. Notice whether their muscles are tensing up or not, and listen to everything they say or what you can read on their face. As time passes, you will learn to read the responses of your subject’s body with your skilled hands. Tension means something is wrong.
Ask any questions you may have during your massage session. Your therapist won’t see your questions as stupid and would probably love to answer them. Your relaxation is the end goal, so ask away.
Massages are not only relaxing, but also healing. Massaging provides a world of benefits across all age groups, from children to older adults. If you want to get the most out of a massage, it’s important to stay relaxed as the therapist does their work.
Check references before deciding on a massage therapist. Reading reviews can let you know what type of massage to expect and avoid bad massage therapists. Be sure that you find reviews that are independent from the therapist so that you know that they are truthful and informative.
Try using the bear hugging technique if you retain tension in your shoulders. Just wrap your arms in front of your chest in an X configuration. Take each shoulder in a hand and begin to rub. This is how a quick, self massage can be given whenever you need it in your day.
Trigger point therapy, known also as neuromuscular therapy, is applying concentrated pressure to particular trigger points. A trigger point is simply a place on the muscle that is damaged in some way. These areas can be quite painful and that pain can actually radiate out to other parts of the body. The pain is reduced or eliminated when the tension is released by the pressure on the target muscle.
Athletes are likely familiar with sports massage. People who like exercising in an amateur sort of way can also benefit. The purpose of these massages is to prevent or heal injuries, not to provide relaxation or relieve stress.
When getting a massage, do not be afraid to speak up. Let your masseuse know what areas you’d like them to focus on. If no enough pressure is being applied on you, those deep knots will not budge and you will not get relief.
As this article has shown you, it’s really not too difficult to give people a great massage. With this advice, you can help your relatives or friends be less stressed. You might even be good enough to start a business. No matter what your reasons, the ability to massage is an excellent skill to possess.