Have you been thinking about giving massage to someone special but, are uncertain of how to do it? Do you want to learn more about the proper movements and supplies? If so, you are at the right place! This article contains several hints and tips to help you perform a great massage.

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.

Don’t do massages in areas that are full of a lot of noise. Having tons of noise nearby makes it difficult for a person to relax, which minimizes the effectiveness of the massage. This will help your level of relaxation during the process. Pick a different time of day, or find a location that is not so noisy. This ensures your massage is as effective as possible.

Consult with your masseuse before the massage. Knowing what will happen during the session will help you to relax. This is also an opportunity for you to discuss any allergies or concerns you may have with products used during the massage. Ask for music if you like, or anything else that will increase your comfort level.

You can give yourself a hand massage by using a pencil with an eraser. Use the pencil eraser to press into the fleshy areas of your hand, paying particular attention to the thumb pad. Move the eraser in a circular motion around your hand maximizing the pressure if it is necessary.

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.

Massage can help your marriage if you have a high stress job. When you come home after a hard day at work, as soothing massage by your mate can increase your love and appreciation for him or her. Instead of feeling too tired for romance, you will be more open to spending some quality time.

Do not be afraid to try new massage techniques when visiting the spa. Some spas offer massages where hot stones are used, others couple massages with a chocolate wrap or seaweed. These techniques can enhance the entire experience, benefiting your muscles, skin and psyche. Consider them if you are looking for a real pampering experience.

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.

A hot stone massage incorporates heated stones and a gentle touch. Smooth stones are heated and placed along the back and other parts of the body to relieve muscle tension. The massage therapist may also gently press the stones into your tense muscles and then gently rub them in a circular motion to help relieve tension.

Go to the spa and ask for a Swedish massage. This massage incorporates five different stokes that use both friction and vibration to help relieve your stress and loosen up your muscles. This is also a very easy massage technique to learn if you are an up and coming masseuse looking to gain skills.

You may already know that it is customary to tip your masseuse. If you are new to this, tipping 15% to 20% is customary. The only time you shouldn’t think about tipping is if you are getting physical therapy treatments at a medical facility. Never hand your masseuse a wad of cash, leave it at the front desk with the clerk.

Sports massages are perfect for athletes. They can actually help improve your training abilities because they remove strains and alleviate tension. A sports massage uses force to improve circulation in the body.

If you notice that you are having a lot of pain in your head, opt for craniosacral therapy. This massage technique focuses primarily on the skull and down the middle of your back with minor pressure that relieves tension and helps trauma. This is a good massage to have if you are older and find yourself sore more often.

Stretching can keep the benefits of massage going for longer. Yoga is a great option. Stretching can help your muscles to stay longer, stronger and looser, making them more comfortable in between your visits to the massage therapist. Ideally, stretch for 30 minutes, three times weekly.

To perform a sports massage you must use quick smooth strokes on the affected muscles. A sports massage is not used to help the receiver relax as much as it is used to prevent future injuries. In addition to the quick gentle massage strokes, stretching exercises are generally included in this procedure.

After you get a massage, drink a glass of water. A massage detoxifies your body, and water will help flush the released toxins from your body. Water remains the best way to get rid of the toxins present in your body and you should not replace it with another beverage. The water works to detoxify your body, so you don’t want to skip it after the massage.

As promised at the beginning, you have now learned some fabulous ways to give a massage. Incorporate these tricks into your next massage experience. The person receiving it will be pleased at how effective your massages have become. Then, you can share your newly discovered skills with other people in your family.