The world of massage therapy is quite a vast one. Whether you have decided to give your partner a massage or decided to get a massage at a spa, you could use some advice. The following article will provide you with some great insightful tips that can help you make the most out of your next massage therapy experience.

Always be gentle when giving someone else a message. Even if the person you are massaging complains, you should avoid applying too much pressure to their muscles and joints. Unless you have been trained in message therapy, you are more likely to hurt them than to relieve their pain by being more forceful.

When giving a massage, make sure that you use the right amount of pressure. It is a delicate balance between using too much pressure and not enough. Take some time to practice. Ask the person you are giving the massage to if you are using too much or too little. Their feedback should dictate the amount of pressure you use.

If you’re getting a full body massage, make sure the masseuse uses a massage oil. These oils are a must if they plan on digging deep into your ligaments and muscles without causing discomfort. These oils make their hands slippery, which helps reduce friction and lowers the chances of getting skin burns.

If your baby is having a difficult time sleeping, give massage a try. Massage is relaxing and easy for any parent to do. Just rest the baby on your lap and rub the back, arms, legs and neck gently. You can even use a little oil to make the massage more enjoyable.

Make sure your massage therapists know any areas of discomfort you have before beginning the massage. If there is any particular area that is giving your pain, the therapist can focus on that and try to give you some relief. She can also be careful to avoid any areas that are especially sensitive.

If you are sore or tired, try giving yourself a massage. Use your thumbs to increase circulation in your arms and legs. Begin with arms and legs, and work from the bottoms to the tops. If you massage this way after you awake in the morning, your body can be re-energized for the day’s challenges. This type of massage before bedtime will help you sleep better at night.

The feet are an often overlooked area that needs to be massaged. There are many pressure points in the feet that can relax the body as a whole and give the entire body a sense of well being. Focus on one foot at a time and use as much pressure as your partner will allow.

Tell your masseuse where your body needs the most attention. A massage is intended to sort out your problem areas. While most therapists are very skilled and knowledgeable, they aren’t perfect; they may miss something if you don’t tell them what you need.

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.

Do not be afraid to try new massage techniques when visiting the spa. Some spas offer massages where hot stones are used, others couple massages with a chocolate wrap or seaweed. These techniques can enhance the entire experience, benefiting your muscles, skin and psyche. Consider them if you are looking for a real pampering experience.

If you spend most of your day sitting in front of a computer, you should take frequent breaks so you can massage your neck. Place your fingers at the base of your skull and squeeze your muscles gently. Stretch your muscles by tilting your head to the side before massaging your muscles some more.

Give your therapist a tip after your massage. Tips are strongly advised in this business. Treat this tip like you would a waiter at a restaurant. Try to tip 15 to 20 percent of your cost. A more generous tip should be paid for amazing massages. If you return, you’ll be glad you did. You will be sure that you will get the best massage from him.

Aromatherapy massage uses scented therapeutic massage oils along with gentle kneading motions. These scented oils add another dimension to the standard massage by incorporating the sense of smell into the massage therapy. Aromatherapy often uses lavender, eucalyptus and chamomile. This type of massage is perfect for people suffering for stress related pain.

It is possible that massage therapy could be a good alternative to prescription medications for you. The relaxing benefits of a massage are very helpful to sore muscles and aching joints. Check with your insurance as they may cover visits to a masseuse if it’s directly related to health issues.

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.

Use scented massage lotion when you are giving a massage. The scent acts as aromatherapy and can enhance the feeling of relaxation. The lotion softens the friction between your hands and the person’s body, so the massage is easier on the skin. Find out what the scent preference is before you apply it.

Getting a massage can be fun, but if you are giving one, you need to be all the more careful. This article has discussed some of the things you need to watch out for in terms of massage therapy. Use some or all of the tips you have just read for optimal success.