Many people feel stressed, depressed and anxious on a daily basis, but they are unsure of what to do to relieve these symptoms. One very effective form of treatment is massage. A skilled masseuse can help you feel more relaxed and upbeat in just a few minutes. To learn more, keep reading.
Hydrate yourself after receiving a massage. Your muscles will release a lot of toxins while they are massaged, and you might experience stress if you do not purify your body from these toxins. Drink a lot of water before and after your massage and be very careful about your hydration if you get massages regularly.
Massage therapy is a great way to find relief from stress and pain. If you deal with back pain constantly or are under a lot of stress, a massage should be part of your life regularly. Find a professional masseuse or a trusted friend who can help with ongoing massages.
Make the most of your massage by drinking lots of water. Why? Because a good massage gets your circulation going, but water is needed to flush toxins out of your body. Hydrating before your massage makes your blood less sluggish, making it easier for the masseuse to rub excess lactic acid out of your muscles. Staying hydrated after aids your body in processing and eliminating these toxins.
An easy way to give a relaxing massage is by using a technique called “raking”. In it, you just run your fingertips (spread hands) down the person’s back, gently moving back and forth. Really, you’re doing a raking motion up and down. For added effect, try alternating your hands – one rakes up while the other rakes down.
After you give a massage to someone, make sure that they take a warm bath. This will help to further the effect of the massage and soothe the muscles even more. After this person takes the bath, they will feel more refreshed and looser then they ever had in their entire life.
Before you give a massage, stretch all of the areas that you are planning to use. This means that you will need to stretch your fingers, arms, neck, back and legs so that you can reduce cramps during your massage and get all areas involved. If you are providing a long massage session, stretching is imperative.
Do not hesitate to talk to your doctor about massages. If you deal with back pains or muscle pains on a regular basis, ask your doctor if massages would be a good solution. Your doctor should be able to recommend a good massage clinic in your area and even write you a prescription.
Don’t swear off using a massage therapist of the opposite sex. You may initially be weird about it, but get over it! Men may have the height and strength you need to work out the kinks from a really bad back, and women may have the relaxed touch you need to de-stress. Be open to whoever may best fit your current need.
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.
During pregnancy, regular prenatal massages can be quite helpful. It improves your blood flow and benefits your baby’s development. On top of that, it helps you relax. Babies tend to grow quicker in mothers who have had prenatal massages.
Make sure you speak up if your massage is too hard or too soft for your liking. This is a service that you are paying quite a bit for, so if your masseuse is applying too much or too little pressure, let them know so they can adjust their pressure accordingly.
You should take the time to learn more about the human body, especially its muscles and nerves. You will be able to give better massages once you know where sensitive nerve endings are located and have a better idea of where muscles are. You will also understand the pains you experience a lot better once you know more about your body.
If you are unsure of which massage therapist to see in your area, ask your family members and coworkers. Referrals are crucial. While they don’t ensure that you will get a great therapist, they do increase your odds tremendously. After you get a few names, do your own research to see which person you think best fits your needs.
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.
Wear loose fitting clothing to your massage. Your masseuse will ask you to disrobe down to the level of your comfort, and so the last thing you want to do is struggle with multiple layers or tight clothing as you get ready for your massage! Many people wear workout clothing when they get a massage.
Many of us have old injuries from playing sports, accidents, or just normal wear and tear on our bodies. If this is the case with you, it is very important that you let your masseuse know about any injuries you’ve sustained or areas of your body that are particularly sensitive.
A massage can provide you with many health benefits beyond just feeling more relaxed. After reading this article, you should have a better understanding of the many ways in which getting a relaxing massage can improve your life. Do not put it off any longer! Go get a massage right away!
