Have you ever wondered how it feels to get a good massage? Or have you wondered about giving someone a massage? If you have ever thought about either or both, you have come to the right article for help. The following article will teach you all you need to know about getting and giving massages.

Massage is great during pregnancy, but wait until after the first trimester. During the first trimester, your baby is in the earliest stages of development. Toxins released during a massage can harm the fetus or inhibit growth during this delicate period. Once you have reached 16 weeks, you should be all clear to enjoy a massage.

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.

When giving a massage, do not forget to focus some attention on the neck and shoulders. While much attention is paid to the back during a massage, the neck and shoulders can hold tension and stress too. Spending some time massaging them offers a lot of relief and can improve the massage experience.

It is always best to stay with a licensed massage therapist when having a massage. A licensed individual knows what they are doing and should be able to address any issues that you have. Having someone with those credentials can guarantee that you will get professional service, with the parent company behind them.

Start your massage at the top of the back. This is important as there are a lot of muscles and knots tied up in this area. This technique will help you to soothe the person you are massaging and serves as a great bridge to the other areas of the body.

Swedish massage therapy is the most frequently offered type available. Some people consider this to just be a basic massage. The strokes are long and smooth, done in a kneading motion, typically in circles. The masseuse will normally use oil during the process. It is not too rigorous and quite enjoyable.

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. You will want their position to be loose and free at all times.

If you feel as though your complexion is looking a little dull, or you are noticing little wrinkles forming in places around your face, you do not have to run to the plastic surgeon! Giving yourself a daily face massage will promote blood flow to your skin, brightening it up and making those wrinkles virtually disappear.

Your hands should be reading body contours as you give a massage. Ensure your fingers and your palms are working effectively. Use your palm to apply gentle pressure on bony areas. For the curvier areas, use fingers for digging in and getting rid of kinks.

Warm massage oil in your hands before placing it on the back. Oil that’s too cold can cause some discomfort. That’s not the way to start the massage! You don’t want to rub too hard to the point where the oil is absorbed into your skin. Just rub gently until warm. This rubbing motion will create heat that will increase the temperature of the oil.

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.

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.

Make sure you tell your masseuse about any old injuries you may have, or if you have had major surgery in the past. Your massage should feel wonderful and not exacerbate any physical issues you might have! Keep your masseuse in the loop about any medications you are taking, as well.

Make sure that you are in a relaxing environment when you are giving a massage. The goal of the massage is to help them ease stress and release tension. If there is too much commotion or the room is too bright it can end up being stressful to the client. The massage should take place in a quiet, relaxed environment. Lower the lights and play relaxing music for to ensure the perfect atmosphere.

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.

Whether you are giving or getting a massage, it is in your best interest to learn all that you can on the topic. By all means, your learning experience is not limited to this one article. Keep researching and keep in mind all you’ve learned from this great piece for optimal success.