Where do you think you would send your partner to get the best massage? Why don’t you just do it yourself? There are plenty of techniques and strategies available that can make it to where your hands are the ones your partner needs. Keep reading to learn more about giving the best massages.

Change your mindset about massage. Instead of thinking of it as a luxury, think of massage as a therapeutic approach to health. Research shows that massage can lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol, as well as lessening asthma symptoms in children. Additionally, those tension headaches are no match for the hands of a skilled massage therapist.

Ease your aching feet! Your feet are under pressure all day long and are often ignored when it comes to a healing massage. Massage your toes, gently stretching them out until they feel relaxed. Use your thumbs to put pressure on the sole of your foot, slowly moving from the toes to the heel. For feet that are particularly achy you can apply more pressure by kneading the sole with your knuckles. Finally, treat your tired feet with a rich moisturizer.

It can be very relaxing to get a massage. A wide variety of conditions can be treated with massage. Among them are tension in the facial muscles and the muscles of the body, headaches caused by tension, excessive stress and respiratory problems including asthma. To get the most out of your massage, it is important that you are completely relaxed throughout the duration.

Try giving yourself a massage. Begin by using your thumbs along your body. Begin at your arms and legs, and slowly move up your body. Doing this after you awake can invigorate the body for the rest of the day. At bedtime, this simple massage will help you relax and prepare for a great night’s sleep.

You can give yourself a foot massage by using a simple trick which is well known by athletes. First, simply put your foot on a tennis or golf ball and roll it across the ground. Go from toe to heel and sideways with the foot. Focus on the most sensitive part of your foot, the arch.

If you enjoy working out, you should try massaging your muscles before and after exercising. You should pummel your muscles with your fists to improve your circulation before working out and massage your muscles more gently after working out to speed up the recovery process. Make sure you stretch after massaging.

Never smoke or drink before you get a massage. Engaging in these acts not only puts your health at risk, but will cause you to be more anxious and tense during your massage. Also, the effects of these actions will reduce your feeling and sensitivity to the massage, which are two factors that you want when you get one.

If you like gentle massages, request a Swedish massage. This type of massage uses long, gentle strokes. It has been described as the most relaxing type of massage available. This massage gently massages the superficial layers of muscle tissue resulting in relaxation and peace of mind. This type of massage is great for those who are new to massage therapy.

Make sure you’re on time to get your massage. You should be relaxed for a massage, but not so relaxed that you arrive late. Your masseuse more than likely has clients all day, so make sure you respect that.

When you are going for a massage, make sure that you communicate with your therapist. Going to a massage therapist is similar to going to a doctor. Have any questions or concerns ready when you go to the appointment. Tell the therapist about any areas that need work, the type of massage you would like or ask any questions about different kinds of massages you may have heard about.

If you rely too much on prescription medicine for pain, try massage therapy. Massage has been shown to benefit achy joints and muscles, as well as assisting you to relax. Your insurance might even pay for your massage.

Wake yourself up in the morning or calm yourself down at night with a good massage! To do this, gently thump your body with your fists. Begin at your legs and arms and go from bottom to top. This massage is great for relieving stress and tension. However, avoid this massage if you are currently taking any blood thinners because you could bruise your body.

Use massage to increase the blood flow before you do exercises. Kneading your muscles with your fists can help to increase your circulation and warm up your muscles. After exercising, rub the muscles with your fist or palm towards the heart.

Did you know that you can request a four hands massage when you go to your massage therapist? You actually will have two therapists working on you at the same time. The additional cost is usually far less than you would expect and the benefits of this type of massage are huge.

Go online for help in selecting a massage therapist. If that doesn’t work, talk to your primary care physician. You can also talk to a nurse or a chiropractor in the area whose work you respect. Professional recommendations are almost as good (if not better) than personal recommendations, particularly if you trust the individual.

Prior to making your first visit to a massage clinic, make sure you research the facility. Consumers often post reviews online, and the Better Business Bureau will let you know if there have been any complaints lodged against the practice. Finally, you can also talk to your local Department of Health.

It’s time to realize that you are ready to give great massages. Don’t doubt what you know, and instead, go try out the techniques. No longer will you feel lost as you use your hands to give the best massage. Remember that you’ve read, and continue to learn more as you wow your partner.