If you have had wonderful massages, you know that they can help you feel great. However, the very best massages are often out of reach for some people. A lack of sheer knowledge can often prevent someone from experiencing all that this therapeutic art form has to offer. Learn more about massage by reading the tips here.

Use a warm oil when giving someone a massage. The oil will make it easier for your to move your hands across the other person’s skin and the warmth of the oil will be soothing for the person who is receiving the message. Be careful, however, to not overheat the oil, as you can cause burns.

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.

Try giving yourself or someone a foot massage. Focusing on the soles first can really relax a person. Start stroking the soles of the foot going back and forth in straight lines. Do these motions starting from the heel to the bases of the toes. After the soles have been properly massaged, you can move on to the toes and the top and middle of the foot.

Only disrobe to your comfort level. For many people, undressing for a massage is not a big deal. This is not the case with some and they often find themselves feeling uncomfortable or self-conscious during the massage. This will reduce the effect of the massage. Avoid this by only taking off the clothing you are comfortable with.

If you are suffering from back pain and traditional back massages are not alleviating the pain, try a hand massage. Firmly press into the meaty area between your thumb and index finger and gently massage. This type of massage is especially effective for muscle spasms and pulled back muscles.

When using massage oil, before putting it on a person’s back, place it into your hands first. If you place the oil directly onto your partner, the oil may be surprisingly cold and startle the person. That’s not the kind of reaction you want from a massage. Instead place the oil first in your hands and warm the oil up by rubbing your hands together. This will make the oil the perfect temperature to use.

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.

A foot massage can be given to yourself with a simple technique that most athletes know of. Take a golf or tennis ball and roll your foot over it. Just move sideways and back and forth. Focus on the most sensitive part of your foot, the arch.

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!

When giving a massage to someone, you need to be careful about the amount of pressure you are putting in them. Applying too much pressure could cause damage to their nerves, joints and muscles. Also, you should be massaging toward the heart, as applying the wrong way could cause damage to veins.

The pain of a migraine headache can shut down your world. If you have trouble with migraines, then you know how hard they are to deal with. Receiving a massage can make your migraine go away or at least make the pain and tension more bearable.

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.

Be sure to tip your massage therapist. Tips are suggested in this business. Similar to a restaurant, a 15% tip will suffice. Give even more if the therapist did a stellar job. Your therapist will remember you if you tip them well. Massage therapists will remember that you tipped them well which means they might do you special favors, like fit you into a busy schedule.

When you plan to book an appointment for a massage, call up a few local spas and ask them what they have to offer. You may find that they provide a massage style which you’d like to try out, or that they don’t offer the old standby you’d prefer to use.

Make sure you warm the oil before you put it on someone’s body. Putting cold oil on your skin is not as relaxing as warm oil. This just isn’t a good start for your massage. Instead, rub your hands with the oil together for just a few minutes. Friction will heat up the oil quickly.

When getting up from a massage, do so slowly. Roll to your right side and sit up slowly. Ask your massage therapist for a hand if you need it. Do not stand too quickly or move around the room too suddenly. You might feel dizzy after a massage, and taking this approach can help you to avoid slips and falls.

Are you confident now about giving or getting a massage? Use what you’ve learned here as soon as possible. Before long, the massages you give and receive will be more soothing, relaxing and purely enjoyable.