Are you a fan of massages? Nearly everyone does, but they don’t have the money to pay a professional. Most of the time you have to go to an expensive spa to get a good quality massage. The following article will give you some great tips for having a quality massage, without the high price.

Seek to have your massages done professionally. While it may be easier to ask for one from your spouse, you are certainly risking injury. If someone is not educated in how to properly give a massage. They can easily cause a muscle to be pulled or even something far worse.

One great massage technique that you can do for your partner is called raking. Raking means that you spread your hands out, and using your fingertips, you rake up one side of the back right by the spine while you rake downward on the other side with your other hand.

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.

After a massage, drink plenty of water to remove toxins from your body. When you have a massage, toxins are released into your body and must be removed. By drinking at least two quarts of water right after a massage, the toxins will be removed. If you do not drink the required amounts of water, you may experience stiffness and pain from the massage.

Are you prone to muscle cramps either brought on by physical activity or sometimes nothing at all? These can be very painful, especially when they are in your calf. Massages can help to prevent your muscles from cramping up by promoting blood flow. You can also massage the area as soon as you feel it beginning to cramp up for some quick relief.

A foot massage can be used for more than tired, achy feet. You can search online and find foot maps that show which area of the foot can be massaged to experience relief from a myriad of symptoms throughout your body. For example, pressing on the big toe is known to relieve sinus pain and pressure.

Become friendly with your masseuse. The more comfortable you are with the person giving you a massage the better able you will be to relax. Have a talk with the masseuse first to be sure you are comfortable.

Where must you rub when you are massaging yourself? The places where it hurts! Start with spots that ache as you radiate outward. Sometimes you will notice other spots emerging, so focus on those as well. When the great feeling ends, end the massage too.

A massage is fabulous, but it shouldn’t cost an arm and a leg. You can get a relaxing massage without spending too much. If you do them yourself with a partner, it can be free. Now you can give or get a great massage.