Getting a massage is one of the most popular ways to relax. Massage therapy can help with pain relief, treat injuries caused by playing sports or overuse, it can help us to release tension that we carry in our bodies, as well as help us to relax and reduce feelings of anxiety. There is such a wide variety of massage treatments to choose from to suit our individual needs, from deep tissue massage for sore muscles to something a little bit more sensual like London tantric massage so you can experience new and enhanced forms of pleasure. Here are a few tips if you’re looking to perform a massage at home.
- Create a relaxing atmosphere
A massage should be a relaxing experience for the person receiving it, but the relaxation should begin even before the massage starts. Creating some ambiance in the room by playing soothing music can help to provide a calm and relaxing environment. You could try nature sounds or gentle classical music. You should try to cater to the tastes of the person you’re massaging and remember to have it just quietly playing in the background, adding to the overall experience, and not distracting from it. You could also light candles and dim the lights in the room – this helps to create the ultimate relaxing atmosphere. Scented candles or incense can also be used, but make sure the scents aren’t too powerful, you don’t want to distract from the massage.
- Choose the right technique
There are so many different types of massages that can help with a range of ailments, aches, pains, and strains, as well as massage therapies that can help to reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety. How can you tell which is the right technique? Here are a few techniques that you could practice and how they can be beneficial.
- Swedish massage–This type of massage is gentle, full-body, and is great for people who are new to giving massages. It works well for people that want to release tension from their bodies. If you want full relaxation during a massage, this is the technique to try. It can help to release knots caused by over-use or injury. When giving a Swedish massage, you should use a combination of kneading, vibrations and tapping, deep, circular movements, and long strokes in the direction of the heart
- Deep tissue massage – this type of massage uses more pressure than a Swedish massage and is good for anyone that suffers from muscle problems, such as soreness, injury, or suffer from chronic pain. Deep tissue massage uses slow strokes and deep pressure, it can reach the deep layers of muscle and tissue that may need a release of tension or knots.
- Shiatsu massage – This massage is Japanese in origin. It works the whole body, and when giving this massage you should use pulsing and rhythmic pressure, using your hands, palms, and thumbs to do this. Shiatsu massage is great for anyone that wants to feel relaxed and relieve stress, reduce muscle tension, and improve the quality of sleep.
- Communicate
It’s important when carrying out a massage that you communicate with the person you’re massaging to find out what feels good, if there’s any certain part of the body that needs attention or if there’s any specific injury that needs soothing. You can communicate before the massage to clarify what the receiver hopes to achieve with the massage, whether that’s pain relief focussed in a certain area or if they’re hoping to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.
