Few things in life can take you away to la-la land quicker than a great massage. We need them to relax, unwind and ease tension in our hard-worked muscles! Learn more about how incorporating massages into your busy schedule can benefit you in both mind and body. You won’t be the same after reading!

One great massage technique that you can do for your partner is called raking. Raking means that you spread your hands out, and using your fingertips, you rake up one side of the back right by the spine while you rake downward on the other side with your other hand.

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.

Pregnancy can be especially hard on your body over the course of nine months. Carrying the extra weight from the baby can lead to aches and pains in places that you never knew existed. Treating yourself to full body prenatal massages can be just the thing to get you feeling more like yourself again.

Make the most of your massage by drinking lots of water. Why? Because a good massage gets your circulation going, but water is needed to flush toxins out of your body. Hydrating before your massage makes your blood less sluggish, making it easier for the masseuse to rub excess lactic acid out of your muscles. Staying hydrated after aids your body in processing and eliminating these toxins.

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.

An easy way to give a relaxing massage is by using a technique called “raking”. In it, you just run your fingertips (spread hands) down the person’s back, gently moving back and forth. Really, you’re doing a raking motion up and down. For added effect, try alternating your hands – one rakes up while the other rakes down.

Massaging can help you with any arthritic symptoms that you may have. Prescriptions only help so much. A massage can provide various benefits for your arthritis. Massages stimulate blood flow in the body, improving flexibility and circulation, both of which help reduce pain.

You can make massages even better by using some massaging oils. There are plenty of different essential oils to choose from. Choose an oil with an enjoyable smell and you will find that massages are even more relaxing thanks to the smell of the essential oils and the properties of the oil you chose.

When using massage oil, before putting it on a person’s back, place it into your hands first. If you place the oil directly onto your partner, the oil may be surprisingly cold and startle the person. That’s not the kind of reaction you want from a massage. Instead place the oil first in your hands and warm the oil up by rubbing your hands together. This will make the oil the perfect temperature to use.

Consider massaging your body prior to exercising and immediately afterwards too. Massaging prior to working out helps raise blood flow into all of your muscles. And after a workout, a quick massage helps your muscles recover a lot quicker. It’s definitely worth the extra five minutes before and after exercise!

If you suffer from frequent illnesses, there is hope. It’s well known that massage stimulates white blood cell production. This is useful because white blood cells help your body fight off infection and viruses.

If you suffer from medical conditions such as high blood pressure or are pregnant, speak up before getting your massage. In most cases, a massage will still be safe, but the technique will probably need to be adjusted. A professional massage therapist can help you get the relaxation you are seeking while remaining safe if you are willing to speak up.

When you are finished giving or getting a massage, try to give your body at least 10 minutes to recuperate. Since this is not something that you do everyday, you will not want to walk right out after you are done. It is important to maintain regular blood flow before you engage in normal activities again through a short rest period.

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.

Use a massage oil to reduce friction. While baby oil is a popular choice, you may find that a light natural oil is preferable. Apricot seed and sunflower oils are great choices that will benefit skin health as well. Warm the oil between your hands before applying it to your partner.

Don’t be afraid to use pressure and even thumps on tense muscles as you massage. Start gently and seek feedback so that you do not cause undue pain. By targeting muscles deliberately, stresses and pains can be relieved through pressure. However, if you are massaging near the spine, don’t use this technique.

You should now be completely convinced that massages can really do a lot for you, especially if you’re very busy and suffer with aches and pains. Seriously consider what a regular massage can help you with and spread the word to help others. Why not take full advantage of such a simple and easy remedy to so many problems?