Massage therapy is an excellent way to relax and get rid of your muscle pains. If you have never had a massage, use the tips here in order to enjoy it completely The article that follows will teach you what you need to know prior to getting a massage.

The use of massage oil really does help usher in the extra feeling and sensation. This helps reduce tension and stress in the muscles. Technique is one thing, and having the right massage oil really does do the extra trick. Massaging the oil into the skin as you deep tissue massage is just wonderful.

Drink plenty of water after you have a massage. Massages often result in toxins being released. The water you consume will help flush those toxins from your body. You should start with two to three glasses of water during the first hour, and then you should get at least eight more the rest of the day.

Ask you friends who they use for their massages. It can be hard to find a massage therapist that you are comfortable with, but knowing that someone you know uses and trusts them you will feel that much better about it. Ask as many people as you can before you decide on one to try.

If you notice knots in the back while you are giving a massage, you can kneed them out with some pressure from your fists. Simply get your fists into a ball and work them over the knotted spot for a few minutes. Apply more pressure if the knots are deeper, as long as the recipient remains comfortable.

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.

When you are giving a massage, try not to use the same stroke over and over. This can make the whole experience mundane, as you want to incorporate as much change during the session as possible. Alter your technique, the stroke and how hard you press on the back, neck and thighs.

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 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.

Speak up about potential medical issues. If you suffer from an illness that could be aggravated by a massage or if you are pregnant, say something. Your masseuse will be able to adjust their technique to give you a great massage that works around your ailment and keeps you safe.

Give your abdomen a massage can aid in digestion and minimize stomach ackes. After a big meal, try rubbing your abdomen clockwise with both hands. You stomach will digest the food more quickly and easily. Avoid putting too much pressure on the abdomen until your food has fully digested.

When you have completed a massage where you used oil, be sure that your client is offered a shower if possible. The shower can be further soothing and it will help them feel more comfortable, too. It helps to ensure that their pores don’t clog from the oil, which can keep them from having acne.

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.

Those who exercise should massage their muscles pre and post workout so as to the blood flow and reduce recovery time. Prior to exercising, pump your arms so as to increase blood flow to all your extremities. When you’re finished with exercise, rub muscles with a fist or your palm, in a direction that goes toward the heart.

Even though there are many wonderful benefits to having a massage, if you have a lot of health problems or an injury you should talk to your doctor first. What you might think is a harmless massage could end up causing a condition to worsen such as a blood clot.

Find out whether your masseuse has any type of rewards or referral program. You could obtain an incredible discount for massages by referring all your family and friends to visit your massage therapist. This can be great if funds are short but you require lots of massages for health reasons.

Don’t make the mistake of thinking that you have to spend a lot of money to get a good massage. Meanwhile, it is human nature to choose well known spas, a smaller center or a massage school can offer the same services. Sometimes lesser known places offer better massages than their more expensive counterparts, for half the price.

Clearly, there are many things to consider in terms of excellent massage. Regardless of whether you are giving or receiving a massage, being aware of tips can help. Apply what you have learned here to maximize the benefits during your next massage.