If you’ve been wondering how to improve your massage skills, it isn’t all that hard. If you do not feel like going to massage therapy school, this article can give you the information you need. What are you waiting for?
When you are giving your massage, try to have music playing in the room. This music should be very soothing and calm, without many words. Music therapy can help soothe the muscles so that you can maximize the overall experience and help your overall technique during the massage that you give.
When giving a massage, do not forget to focus some attention on the neck and shoulders. While much attention is paid to the back during a massage, the neck and shoulders can hold tension and stress too. Spending some time massaging them offers a lot of relief and can improve the massage experience.
Try giving yourself or someone a foot massage. Focusing on the soles first can really relax a person. Start stroking the soles of the foot going back and forth in straight lines. Do these motions starting from the heel to the bases of the toes. After the soles have been properly massaged, you can move on to the toes and the top and middle of the foot.
Giving a great massage is all about feeling out your partner. The best massage therapists will tell you that you need to let your hands read the body. Follow the bodies curves and lighten pressure as you go over bony areas. Modify the shape of your hand to fit in the curves of the body.
When you are giving a massage, try to have the person you are massaging in as few articles of clothing as possible. If they are uncomfortable, they can wear a towel to feel more secure at all times. Having areas of the body exposed is not only soothing, but it also facilitates your job.
If you are a woman, don’t swear off men massage therapists. Since most women are modest, they often feel uncomfortable in front of a male massage therapist. However, some women have reported that the best massage they have gotten in a long time is from a male massage therapist. Whatever your decision, don’t just base it on the sex of the massage therapist.
When giving a massage to someone, you need to be careful about the amount of pressure you are putting in them. Applying too much pressure could cause damage to their nerves, joints and muscles. Also, you should be massaging toward the heart, as applying the wrong way could cause damage to veins.
If you have a spot which hurts frequently, give it a massage once per day. This will help loosen it up and hopefully your pain will not return. Over time, you may find that it is already loose when you start to rub it, so you can reduce the frequency of massage.
Tell your massage therapist about any kind of medical problems that you may be having, before a massage. This includes letting the therapist know if you are pregnant. This information can help them create a plan for your situation. This information helps your massage therapist concentrate on any problems you may be having.
When you go for your massage, you are paying good money for a relaxing experience. Do not ruin your massage by not using the restroom before you begin. The best massages are continuous from 45 minutes to an hour. If you have to take a break in the middle of the massage for a restroom break, you are not going to be fully relaxed at the end of your session.
When massaging with oil, be sure your subject has the option of showering afterward. In addition to washing off the oil, it can also relax the body further. It helps to ensure that their pores don’t clog from the oil, which can keep them from having acne.
Prenatal massages are very beneficial for you and your baby. The massage stimulates circulation which is beneficial to your baby. When women have prenatal massages regularly, they have a better change of having a big, healthy baby.
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.
Why not turn pro? A license shouldn’t take more than a few months to get and it will pay for itself in the long run. There are opportunities to work in massage clinics, as well as working independently from home with your own equipment.
Now, you can start using these tips the next time you give someone a massage. Keep on eye out for new techniques which can improve your skills. Then start trying them out.
