Massages, both the giver and receiver, can be complicated. The person you’re giving a massage to and the type of massage itself dictate the techniques you can use. If you’re new to giving massages or just a seasoned pro looking for some extra advice, this article is for you. Check out these tips to expand your knowledge on the art of massage.

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.

One of the most important things to consider when you are giving your massage to someone is to make sure that the environment is up to par. Try to keep things comfortable and use towels to soften the area that the person you are massaging will be lying on top of.

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.

Licensed masseuses are the only ones worth hiring. A therapist with a license has had training and can understand your needs better. Using a licensed masseuse means that you are working with a professional that is well thought of in the industry.

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.

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.

During a massage, ask your therapist to lower the lights. You want the entire experience to be enjoyable and relaxing, and dimming the lights will give you that mood. The room doesn’t have to be pitch black, but it shouldn’t be bright at all.

When massaging someone, open your fingers up so that you can be more precise with the area that you massage. This helps to loosen up the muscles and is also a great technique if you are planning on giving a deep tissue massage. After you massage this way, close your hands back up and use your palms.

Prior to getting a massage, inform your massage therapist of all the problem areas you have. If you don’t you may end up wasting half of your massage time on areas that need a lot less work to feel good! This communication will give your therapist a plan of action for the limited time there is available.

If you are new to getting a massage, you may be riddled with questions. Do you keep your eyes closed? Do you chit chat during the massage? Should you keep your eyes open when lying on your back? The best way to deal with all of these things is to do what feels right to you. The point of your massage is to relax and to feel relaxed.

Have the person you are massaging lie on a flat surface while on their stomach. This is the most beneficial position when you are giving a massage, as it allows their back muscles to stay loose while there is nothing pressing against it. tcm toa payoh will want their position to be loose and free at all times.

The average person doesn’t understand a whole lot about massage therapy and its many benefits, but that’s okay. There are plenty of rights and wrongs, especially when you are just starting out. Apply what you’ve just learned, and you’ll be approaching massage the right way.