A massage is fabulous! A quality massage can benefit you in many ways. Have you been curious about how having a massage could benefit you? The following tips will help you get the most from your massage.

If you decide to get a massage in the comfort of your own home, take a hot shower first. The hot water will help relax your muscles through the penetrating heat. This will ensure that your massage is more comfortable and any aches or pains are eliminated before the start.

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.

Massaging can provide more benefits than you ever knew possible. Going in for a massage can relieve pain, reduce stress and give you added energy. Whatever health issues you may be suffering from, getting a massage can really help and you should give one a try.

Try not to exceed 45 minutes when you are giving a massage. Remember that you are pressing down on someone’s body for a long period of time when you are massaging. Therefore, if you do it for too long you can actually cause bruising and pain, which you will want to avoid.

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.

Try using your fists to give a good massage. Gently thump on the area that is painful or tense after warming the muscles with a more gentler techniques. Thumping is excellent for circulation and will cause the entire muscle to relax almost instantly. Avoid using this technique on someone who has to take blood thinners to prevent bruising.

What spots should you hit when doing your own massage? Where it hurts the most! Begin in problem areas and then move to other parts of the body. If you discover a new place that has pain, rub it as well. If you feel release, you can end the massage.

Remember to massage the hands and feet. There are many muscles here too, and on top of that, they are very sensitive. Massage hands and feet firmly to reach tired, overworked muscles.

A great massage is amazing. No shame comes with a great massage, even for men. As a matter of fact, anyone and everyone should treat themselves to a massage every now and then in order to receive the benefits they provide. This article has given you some valuable information about the process of massage. So get out there now and find the perfect place to get that massage.