What kind of massages do you give? If you find yourself sloppily moving your hands all over the place, then it’s time for a change. You want to know different strategies that you can use to help you focus on giving a much better massage. Keep reading to learn more.

If you have been feeling particularly stressed out, it just might be time to have a relaxing massage. Massages are not only helpful to relax you mentally but physically as well. It helps to promote circulation and loosens up your muscles. Let go of some of your stress with a massage.

If you experience stress or other negative emotions, you should try massaging specific points of your body. Target your nerve endings to get your body to relax. Sensitive nerve endings are located along your spine, the top of your head and in different parts of your face. You should try gently tapping on the top of your head, your forehead, cheeks and chin before taking a deep breath.

Massage yourself when your muscles feel stiff. Use your thumbs to massage your body. Begin by massaging your legs first, and move up to your arms afterward. When you do this massage upon awakening, you’ll be ready for the day. If you do it before you fall asleep in the evenings, you can help prepare yourself for a restful night’s sleep.

Neuromuscular therapy is a type of massage where you apply pressure to trigger points. Tight knots often form in specific areas of irritated muscle tissue. These areas can be quite painful and that pain can actually radiate out to other parts of the body. The applied pressure will help relieve the tense muscles giving you relief from the pain.

Massage has been found to help people who suffer from mental disorders, not just physical conditions. Having a massage not only relaxes the body, but the mind as well. This can really help to reduce anxiety and depression in people who suffer from these conditions. Regular massages can really help your mental well-being.

The Japanese love to engage in a form of massage called shiatsu. This uses the pressure from the masseuse’s fingers pressed in a rhythm on your acupuncture meridians. The pressure is applied for a few to many seconds, boosting energy flow and returning the body to balance. It doesn’t leave you sore, either!

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.

Be on time, or a little early. Besides being good etiquette, being punctual can actually help your massage be effective. When you are running late, you are usually in a frenzied state, increasing stress levels and putting your body on edge. In a massage, this means it will take you longer to unwind and you may not get all of the benefits of a relaxing rub down.

When using oils or creams, use one that is scented with mint. Mint soothes your skin and the scent is fresh and relaxing. Use the highest quality products for all-day moisturization.

When you are giving a massage, one of the key points to focus on is constant movement. You should never stop abruptly, as this will ruin the flow of the massage. You can slow down and speed up while you rub your hands up and down the back and legs, but never come to a complete stop.

Don’t lie on a spa intake form! It is important that you list any medical issues or injuries you have experienced. This not only protects the spa from liability if you end up sick after the massage, but it allows them to determine exactly how the massage should be conducted for your health and safety.

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.

Remember to breathe deeply when receiving a massage. You want to bring oxygen to every part of your body to enhance the healing effects of the massaging action. Breathe in and out of your nose to create a meditative type state, and make sure to breathe deep into your abdomen.

Think about why you could go for a massage. Have you been in a vehicle accident? Does your back hurt? Or are you simply looking for some form of relaxation? Knowing why you are having a message can help you choose the right professional for your needs.

The patient isn’t made of glass, so don’t be afraid to close your fists or use your elbows to thump along the body’s outline. This small exertion of force at the beginning of a massage helps waken the nerves and loosen the tired muscles. Apply a gentle amount of force and follow along the shoulders, ribcage, and lower neck for maximum efficiency.

Do not use harsh lighting in the room in which you will give a massage. The harsh lighting puts stress on the eyes, causing the body to become tense. Use lighting that is soft and dim so they feel comfortable to the eyes. The whole point of massage is relaxation, and soft lighting will help you achieve that.

Don’t forget that you are boss during a massage and if something isn’t to your liking, mention it. A lot of masseuses tend to talk too much or get carried away with the amount of pressure they apply. This scenario isn’t any different than a server getting your meal right in the restaurant! Always politely state your preferences.

Now you are better equipped to give the right kind of massage. There are techniques to use specifically of course, and they aren’t that difficult. You just have to know what you’re doing, and now you do. Use what you have learned, and keep picking up new techniques as you get better and better.