Okay so where do you go to get the best massage? Of course you can seek out an appointment for yourself somewhere, or you can find a good place for your partner and you to go together. However, wouldn’t you like to be able to give the best massage for your partner? Keep reading to learn how to do that.

If recurring muscular pain is an issue, do some research about trigger points, or consult with a massage therapist. Tiny knots know as trigger points are common when muscles are tight. Points like this tend to send pain to other body parts. A therapy book for trigger points, or a knowledgeable masseuse can show you the proper way to massage and eliminate these painful trigger points.

If you suffer from frequent tension headaches, you may benefit from a professional deep tissue neck massage. To perform a deep tissue massage, the massage therapist uses a stretching technique along with pressure to pull and stretch your muscles. This allows the muscles to relax; thus, relieving your headache and tension.

Keep the room at a good temperature throughout the entire massage. If you are giving a massage during the winter, try to have the heat on so that things are not uncomfortable. On the other hand, if it is very hot outside, keep the air conditioning on at a reasonable level.

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.

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.

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.

Help the massage therapist by relaxing your body. Avoid trying to “help” by tensing certain muscles or areas. The massage therapist is well-educated in various ways to maneuver your body parts to achieve the best results from massage, but their work is hindered if you can’t relax. Try doing some deep breathing and practice just letting go and trusting the therapist to do a great job.

You should do a belly massage following every meal. Using one or both palms, start rubbing your abdominal area using clockwise circular motions. The clockwise motion is the same direction that your food digests naturally in your intestines. This can help with digestion and prevent gas and intestinal discomfort.

After you have had a massage, it is very important to drink plenty of water. You will be sore because of the toxins that have been released into your system by the massage. If you drink water right after the massage, you can flush these toxins out of your system more quickly.

When getting a massage, do not be afraid to speak up. They are not a mind reader, so say when something is causing you discomfort or if you want them to focus on a particular area. If they aren’t supplying enough pressure to relieve knots, you’ll never get that tension released, so it is important that you speak up.

Don’t swear off using a massage therapist of the opposite sex. You may initially be weird about it, but get over it! Men may have the height and strength you need to work out the kinks from a really bad back, and women may have the relaxed touch you need to de-stress. Be open to whoever may best fit your current need.

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 speak up if your massage is too hard or too soft for your liking. This is a service that you are paying quite a bit for, so if your masseuse is applying too much or too little pressure, let them know so they can adjust their pressure accordingly.

Instead of sending yourself or your partner off to a massage clinic, now you know how to give the best massage yourself. Of course you can’t do your own, but you can show your partner that he or she can just as easily learn how to give one as well. Get started and show them!