If you feel worried about giving a full body massage, then start off by just trying a back massage. The more you practice, the more confident you will feel. You can introduce other body parts at your own speed.
Never give a massage when you are in a bad mood. Your partner will pick up on this and start to feel equally bad!
Make sure that neither of you are wearing any jewellery nor glasses, as this only gets in the way. Long hair should be tied up as best it can because that really is a pain!
Never pour the massage oil directly onto the other person. Instead, pour a small amount into your hand and rub hands together. This warms the oil and makes it easier to spread evenly on the skin.
I always touch the other person's arm with the back of my hand before I start a massage. This is so that they know the temperature to expect. This is a really good thing to do if you have cold hands!
Never break contact with the client during a massage. A massage should always flow and have a certain rhythm. If you are ever in doubt of what move you are meant to be doing-effleurage. This will keep the rhythm and give you a chance to remember!
Generally, any move towards the heart should be firm, whereas strokes away from the heart should be light.
The speed at which you massage will determine the effect. A slow massage will be relaxing. A very slow, deliberate massage will be erotic. A fast massage will be invigorating.
Use the whole of your body when giving a massage (I don't mean that literally!) Use your body weight to exert more pressure, lean into the movement. Sway with the movement. You may feel silly when you first start to do this but it makes giving a massage easier. You are also less likely to hurt your back if you do this. Try not to lean over the other person or twist your spine. Always sit facing the other person's head.
Be aware of your breathing. Try to let your breathing flow with the movements. Exhale slowly when performing a gliding move. When applying small areas of pressure (friction movement) try to mirror your partners breathing. Apply pressure on your partner's exhalation. They are more relaxed at this point and deeper penetration can be attained.
Enjoy! Massage feels good and even better when combined with essential oils. The person giving the massage actually receives the same benefits from the experience as the person who is receiving the massage!
Handy Massage Hints and Tips
http://www.bl-holistics.co.uk/massage/guide/tips/
Thursday, May 29, 2008
For Handy Massage Hints and Tips
Monday, May 26, 2008
Massage Hints And Tips
Massaging is one of the most widely recognized therapies in the world and many people see it as a way of life instead of a luxury. It is widely used to compliment medicines in treating a variety of ailments, most related to stress and tension. Very often emotions become reserved and manifest themselves in the muscles, by massaging the muscles and releasing these reserved emotions both body and mind will benefit.
Many people see massaging as quite a time consuming practise however that really is not the case. A simple 10 or 15 minute hand or foot massage can be very stimulating due to the proximity of the reflexology points. There are many types of massage for example some techniques work on pressure points whilst others work on specific points to eliminate toxins. The benefits of massage are quite vast and include improved circulation, digestion and skin condition.
Essential Oils
Massaging is obviously all about touch and touch is an extremely important part of a healthy lifestyle. All too often we get caught up in our hectic lifestyles we overlook giving each other a hug or holding a hand, which can make us feel instantly better. We can combine this touch and massage with aroma and provide an ultimate feel good therapy. We are surrounded by thousands of different scents yet we are quite unaware of the power that scent can have on the brain. The same area of the brain which is stimulated by smell is also connected to the hormonal system and it is for this reason odours can comfort us, relive memories, warn us of danger and recreate experiences.
A Blend of the two
When massage is blended with aromatherapy, the scents of the essential oils assist greatly in relaxation and they help to rebalance the emotional tension which often leads to muscle stress. When blending these together, it is unlike a traditional massage as the process is slower. Time must be allowed for the oils to be absorbed by the body and this will depend on the physical state of the receiver (amount of fatty tissue).
Preparing the Perfect Massage
It is important to create the right atmosphere and if possible use a room which has soft light colours. It is also important for the room to be warm because very often during a massage the exposed muscles will become cold and contract, which is the opposite of what we want to achieve. The lighting should also be soft, candles make for a veryrelaxing atmosphere but can be quite hazardous, a dimmer switch for your lights are the best tool for creating the right atmosphere.
To learn more about massage and the techniques involved along with the various blends of essential oils visit:
Sunday, May 25, 2008
How to GIVE A SIMPLE BUT AFFECTIVE NECK MASSAGE
1. Slow down.
Doing the fast 1.2.3 grab and release that you see on television is NOT a neck massage! It is a combat situation that will cause actually more harm than good for the muslces. You are "attacking" .. they will tighten up. NOT the affect you or your partner want!
So Slow Down!
Lay your hands on either side of the neck about 3" away from the neck. Let your hands start to warm the tissue.
As you feel where the muscles are tense under your hands, apply a small amount of downward pressure evenly to both hands. No squeezing yet! You just want to give the muscles some time to adjust to being pressed on.
As you feel the skin heat under your hands SLOWLY start to close your hands to form an open "C" with the heel of your hands being the base and the fingers the full upper body of the "C". Never close the letter to an "O".
Step22. Pay Attention.
Don't assume that indrawn breath is a good sound. MMmmmmmmm is a good sound. HIssssss is usually a pain response sound. Hiss means check in -- did you do it or are they actually injured and need medical help ? 1-5 -- 6 is not good see a doctor. 3-4 Hmmm I may have strained a bit much. 1-2- I'll live just a little less.
It doesn't mean stop and walk away!!! You've just made it worse -- stay willing to make it better if there is not an injury present.
When there is pain, decrease your pressure just slighly but do not release all the way. Give the muscles time to uncramp and enjoy the slight pressure.
Step3Then resume your "C" compressions -- slowly moving from hear the neck clear out and over the top of the shoulder and arm. Yep, they are connected! Your partner will LOVE you for remembering their Arms exist!
So if all you ever do is a slow "C" compression down the neck and out the arm and back -- you'll have them lined up as you'll give a very relaxing massage!
Once you are more comfortable with moving slowing and checking in that it actually does feel good to your partner .. move your body. Turn so you're facing their side instead of their back.
Make the "C" is made of your finger tips and your thumb instead of the Fingertips and the heel of the hand.
Try the same "C" compression (SLOWLY and without grabging the front of the neck) along the top if the neck to the base.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Massage Tips – Preparing For Your First Hot Stone Massage
You've always wondered how it feels to indulge in a massage session. Most of your family and friends have tried it and you hear nothing but positive feedbacks from them. There's a part of you that wants to try it for yourself and another part of you that feels conscious about having another person touch your body.
The hot stone massage is probably the solution for a person like you. During most of the time of the session, it would be the stones which will be doing most of the work, relaxing your body and releasing tension from your muscles. Only minimal skin contact will be received from the therapist.
With the growing popularity of this hottest fad in massage, it is probably about time that you try it for yourself. Here are some tips to help you prepare for your first hot stone therapy.
Select a convenient location and arrangement. A local day spa is a good choice for first-timers since everything is already set up for you. Get recommendations from family and friends or research online to learn about the facilities and amenities of the day spas in your town.
1. Schedule your appointment on a day that is not very hectic. A weekend free from all work and plans is ideal since this will allow you more time to relax before and after a session.
2. Dress comfortably. Avoid wearing many layers of clothing when you go for a massage. A hot stone therapy session will require you to be naked but you will be appropriately covered with a blanket during the session, exposing only a part of the body being treated at a time. If you're feeling self-conscious about being naked, be sure to tell your therapist so she can make arrangements for you to feel comfortable and less anxious.
3. If you have a long hair, tie it up to a ponytail so your hair won't get in the way when the therapist works on your neck and shoulders. It's also a good idea not to wear any jewelry.
4. Arrive on time. You need time to relax and cool down before the session.
5. Communicate with your therapist for any preferences that you may have. If you like dimmer lighting, or the aroma of the room makes you dizzy, or you prefer another type of background music, never hesitate to speak up. Good communication is one of the keys to having an ultimate massage experience.
6. Drink plenty of water before the session to help flush out the toxins from your body. Do the same after to avoid getting dehydrated.
7. Don't eat a heavy meal at least one hour before your scheduled appointment.
8. Relax. This is probably the most important step in your preparation. Loosen up those tightened muscles and let your mind wander and take you to a peaceful place where there is nothing to worry about, where the words laundry, office work or stress do not exist.
Once you've experienced how blissful and relaxing a session of hot stone therapy is, you'll surely be looking forward to your next.
Article Source: http://www.articlecity.com/articles/health/article_7118.shtml
Massage Tips – Preparing For Your First Hot Stone Massage
by: Chris Turley
