It isn’t easy to give a massage, but it’s pretty easy to get one! New information is constantly emerging, regardless of which end you fall under. No matter what amount of massage experience you have, this article will be of great use. Continue reading to learn some great advice on massage therapy.
If your child suffers from asthma, consider massage. Massage has been proven to help breathing in asthmatic children due to the relaxing benefits it offers. A child’s massage should be done with a gentle touch and only for a limited period of time. Try this in the evening and help your child to also enjoy a good night’s rest.
If your baby is having a difficult time sleeping, give massage a try. Massage is relaxing and easy for any parent to do. Just rest the baby on your lap and rub the back, arms, legs and neck gently. You can even use a little oil to make the massage more enjoyable.
A popular back massage you can try out on someone is called a “Raking Massage”. With this technique, you spread your fingers apart and use your tips to give the massage. Begin in the shoulder area and work your way down the back using a raking motion. Then, you move your fingers down the spine without actually touching it. Move one hand down as the other hand moves up.
Don’t write off massages as not helpful. If you need to de-stress, relieve pain, or find the energy to face the day, you need a massage. If you find any of these things to be a problem for you, you should definitely try getting a massage so that you can see the benefits on your own.
If you suffer from PMS each month with excessive water retention and cramping, there just might be some help for you. The power of massage has been shown to help reduce that unsightly water retention so that your pants will fit a little easier. It also can help relieve the pain that comes with cramps.
Neuromuscular therapy (also called trigger-point) has to do with applying concentrated pressure to particular trigger points. The trigger points are the muscular areas that feel lumpy. These areas can be painful and also transfer the pain to other areas of your body. When these points are pressured, the muscle relaxes, causing you instant pain relief.
If you are giving someone a massage, try to be as quiet as possible. Massages are relaxing and if you speak it can break the mood. The only sound should be some quiet music or sounds of nature. Otherwise, the environment should be quiet.
Immediately after a massage, ensure you get up very slowly. Remember that you have been prone and totally relaxed for 30 minutes or more. You may be lightheaded and blackout for a time if you get up too quickly.
When your feet are aching after a long day, consider having some reflexology. This therapy uses pressure on specific areas of the foot which are connected to your organs, just like in acupuncture. It causes not only your feet to feel amazing, but also helps balance your systems and gives you a great deal of relaxation.
You can give yourself a hand massage by using a pencil with an eraser. Use the pencil eraser to press into the fleshy areas of your hand, paying particular attention to the thumb pad. Move the eraser in a circular motion around your hand maximizing the pressure if it is necessary.
How long should you massage a spot for? Try to aim for about thirty seconds. If you have many places to rub, this will help to speed along the process. If you find that the spot still aches or is tight, return to it later for another 30 second session.
When your massage therapist tells you to drink water, listen! It is easy to become dehydrated quickly after a massage because toxins and fluids are released from your body. Drinking lots of water will help to replenish the fluids you are losing. If you choose to drink caffeine filled sodas or alcohol instead, you will suffer the consequences.
When using oils or creams, use one that is scented with mint. This scent is refreshing and relaxing, which is exactly what you want. High quality moisturizing lotions and creams are important.
You do not have to remove your clothing for a massage. Many people feel uncomfortable being completely undressed, so don’t be afraid to keep some clothing on if it makes you more relaxed. Your masseuse will not be offended. The goal of a massage is to relax, so stressing about clothing is counter-productive.
When you are going for a massage, make sure that you communicate with your therapist. Going to a massage therapist is similar to going to a doctor. Have any questions or concerns ready when you go to the appointment. Tell the therapist about any areas that need work, the type of massage you would like or ask any questions about different kinds of massages you may have heard about.
If you’re pregnant, then you may find it beneficial to get regular prenatal massages. These massages are specially designed to ease the unique aches and pains associated with pregnancy, and can benefit your baby as well. Massaged women often find that their babies grow quicker than other pregnant women.
Clearly, there are likely many things you needed to learn about massage. There are plenty of rights and wrongs, especially when you are just starting out. Instead of guessing your way through a massage, use the tips from this article to ensure you are doing things right.