There are not many things one enjoys more than a good massage. If you want to give great massages, it takes some research and practice. If you want to get a great massage, you need to know how to shop for one. Keep reading to learn more about massage therapy and how it can benefit you.

If there are muscle pains you are experiencing all the time, you should try learning about trigger points, or ask a massage therapist about it. Trigger points, or tiny knots, often reside in tight muscles. Points like this tend to send pain to other body parts. Ask a masseuse, look up information online and/or read a book to learn about trigger points and what you can do to relieve them.

Massage tools are great for massages. Whether you give or receive the massage, you will find it is more efficient with the use of massage balls and other accessories. They can be found inexpensively online and in specialty stores. Try different tools to find the ones you like the best.

One of the keys to giving an excellent massage is to always watch your partner. Check out how they are reacting to different motions and levels of pressure. Practice will make perfect as you explore their body. When their body tenses up, you are probably pushing too hard.

Lubrication is important when giving a massage. The best lubricants will allow your hands to glide across the body. Oils work well as do many lotions. Try out a few different kinds and see which works best. You want a lotion that will not require reapplication causing breaks during the massage.

Avoid holding your breath while your massage therapist is working. You may have knots that are extremely painful, yet the therapist cannot massage them out effectively if you hold your breath. Try to breathe through the muscle pain, and use a combination of deep breathing and visualization. In your mind, picture the area and imagine the knot is a lump of butter, melting in the warm sunshine.

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.

Recover slowly after enjoying a massage. Hold off on immediately jumping up from the table as soon as the masseuse leaves the room. Take a moment to luxuriate in the warm, relaxed feel of your body. Open your eyes, take in your surroundings, and then slowly sit up on the edge of the table. Rest a moment before standing.

Do you know how to give good self-massages? First, you want to determine the source of any pain. Tender areas are a great starting point, and you should radiate outwards from there. If another area of pain emerges, rub this as well. You should stop massaging once rubbing does not feel good anymore.

Remember the hands and feet when you are massaging someone. These two areas are extremely sensitive; therefore, they can produce incredible sensations when massaged right. When massaging these body parts, you can relieve muscle tension by being firm.

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 going to be giving a massage, make sure that you are using lubricant. Lubricant can be any form of lotion or even therapeutic oils. Whichever you choose, make sure that it is appropriate for the recipient of the massage. Lubricants can help you glide across the body without disturbing the rhythmic movements.

When booking a massage treatment, choose a time which is easy for you to attend. You need to get there early, and you shouldn’t be in a rush to leave. Talk to them about their policy on cancellations to ensure you don’t get even more stressed out if you have to reschedule.

Try not to go to a massage appointment with a full stomach. It is better to have eaten about half an hour before your appointment. A massage requires that you lay on your stomach for an extended period of time, and this can be very uncomfortable if your belly is too full.

If your shoulders are bothering you, you should try hugging yourself and massaging the muscles you can reach while hugging yourself. This exercise will also help you stretch your entire back. You should try this technique if you have to sit on a chair during most of your work day.

Consider a hot shower after a massage. A hot shower can further relax your muscles, and it gives you an opportunity to stand still and enjoy all the benefits of the massage. The hot water is also very relaxing, lending to the stress free atmosphere you have probably hoped to create.

Don’t be afraid to tell your masseur what it is you want. You should let the masseuse know if you want more or less pressure provided. It’s your money, and nothing feels better than a good massage; have it your way.

You want to make sure that you go to a reputable place that has professional staff members who are trained in the art of massage. Ask your friends who have gotten massages before for their recommendations, and do some internet research to find reviews of good places in your area.

When moisturizing, make sure to treat your hands to a little massage. Start by rubbing the palms of your hands in a circular pattern. After this, rub the areas below the thumbs, again using small circles. Take advantage of all your fingers to massage each other, as well as your wrists and palms.

A good massage should be easy now with this advice. A massage makes both the giver and receiver feel good. Keep learning different techniques and listen to experts and you will benefit greatly from their knowledge.