A serious accident or life with poor posture will result in serious back-pains that may seem impossible to overcome. When modern medicine isn’t enough to remove the suffering, classic massage therapy can do the trick. The important thing to remember is that you must find a professional masseuse that upholds certain qualities which will be covered in the tips below.
One simple way to give a massage is to use a “raking” technique. This is done by spreading your fingers and using your fingertips. Start in the shoulder area then move your fingers in a raking motion down the back. Make sure the fingers move along the spine not on top of the spine. While one hand moves up move the other one down in alternating motion.
Discuss your needs with your therapist. Some people may feel a little uncomfortable at the prospect of getting a massage because they feel out of control. Tell the massage therapist about any sore areas, such as your back, knees or neck, so that they can avoid them or treat them accordingly. And don’t forget to let them know of your preferences for things like background music, room lighting and temperature. The whole point is for you to be able to relax, so make sure the conditions suit you.
Think about using a therapist who makes house calls. Often massage therapists save overhead by working out of their vehicles and not keeping an office. These therapists are sometimes more affordable, and you won’t have the hassle of making of traveling to your appointments.
You can address your own tired muscles with a self massage. Gently push your thumbs into the skin on your body. Begin by massaging your legs first, and move up to your arms afterward. If you do this massage upon waking in the morning, you will find yourself rejuvenated and ready for your day. You can also use this technique before you go to bed to relax and get ready for sleep.
When you decide to get a massage, make sure you are communicating with your massage therapist. If you have any massage preferences, make sure you tell him or her when entering the room and before starting. If during the massage you are feeling pain or experiencing numbness, make sure you let your therapist know by speaking up.
If you are giving a romantic massage to your partner, consider lighting the room with candles. Candles provide just the right amount of light so you can see what you are doing, while still allowing your partner to relax. They are also very romantic, and they can lend to the feeling you are trying to create in the moment.
If you’re pregnant, you can still enjoy a massage if it is given by a license therapist. This is a great way to deal with morning sickness, stress, back pain, sore breasts and swollen ankles. You can continue it after birth to deal with postpartum depression, weight loss and baby-carrying pains, too.
This may be something you already know, but make sure you tip your massage therapist generously. It is not only the kind thing to do, but also earns the respect of your therapist if you plan on returning. Always show up on time for your massage because it not only shows you are serious, but you won’t cut into someone else’s massage time.
How much should you tip a masseuse? If you’re at a hotel or a local spa, 20% is pretty standard. If they work from home, each therapist will typically set their own policies, but 20% is fair. If they work in a massage clinic, ask them for their rules – some will include the tip in the price.
If you are pregnant and getting a massage, avoid massage tables which have holes in them. This will ensure yours and the baby’s comfort and prevent the stress to your lower back. Also, make sure you use plenty of pillows as additional padding in order to feel more comfortable and secure.
Engage in a dialogue when you are giving your massage. This is important as you not only want to know if you are doing things right, but if the person is comfortable or not. This is crucial to know if you are applying pressure, as you do not want to hurt them or have them feel nothing at all.
You can massage your eyes to make your headaches go away. If you have tired eyes, you should rub your hands together until your palms get warm. Place your warm hands over your eyes and let your palms warm up your eyes. The warmth will relax the muscles located in your eyes.
If you are giving a deep tissue massage, incorporate your elbows into it. This may feel uncomfortable at first for the person you are massaging, but is a fantastic way of spreading out the muscle and causing a very pleasurable sensation. Never push too hard though, as this will then feel uncomfortable.
You need to do some research on the different options available before you schedule a massage. For instance, different therapist use different methods, and you should know what these are. All of these produce different sensations depending on what you are getting your massage for.
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.
Your masseuse is the answer to all of your back problems, but if you choose the wrong massage parlor then you will get the wrong answer. The above guidelines should provide a set of standards that any quality, preferred masseuse will have no problem surpassing. At the end of the day, schedule an appointment if you are uncertain and let the experience speak for itself.
