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Tips For Giving The Perfect Massage
Massages are one of the most natural, pampering gifts of physical touch, in my opinion. I try to fit one professional massage a month into my budget, because I feel that it’s just as important to my wellbeing as eating healthily and exercising regularly. Research on massage therapy suggests that it can also relieve pain, lower blood pressure, reduce heart rate, lessen anxiety and depression, potentially improve sleep and reduce scar tissue. That’s reason enough for me!
Giving a massage to someone close to you can be an economical and thoughtful way to help them unwind from a stressful week. You don’t have to be a professional massage therapist to help pass along the benefits of a massage. We’ve compiled a list of tips to help you make the most of your at-home massage as close to the real thing as possible. We promise you won’t hear any complaints.
- This step-by-step guide from Ladies Home Journal outlines and illustrates techniques for each part of the body. They also give suggestions for positioning the recipients for maximum comfort, how much massage oil to use, and what spots to be cautious about. It’s Massage 101 for those D.I.Y. folks out there.
- If you’d like to pamper someone with a massage, but don’t have time or the space for a full body massage, try offering an abbreviated foot indulgence. Our feet take such a pounding during the day, and generally are neglected when it comes to indulging our bodies. A foot massage, complete with a rejuvenating lotion, can help relax and revive a tired, stressed body. This article offers tips for how to give an effective foot massage, and even has a video if you need more visual support for learning the techniques.
- For an extra luxurious experience, you can give an aromatherapy massage, which incorporates scents and essential oils into the massage experience. Aromatherapy Haven suggests starting out with the person on their back to get the blood flowing, and being careful to warm the oils in your hands before gently gliding them onto the skin. No one appreciates a cold liquid being dripped onto their skin!
- In order to give an aromatherapy massage, you first need to choose the appropriate essential oils and scents for your purposes. Select a massage oil or lotion scent that will enhance the massage, like ones containing Lavender and Sandalwood for relaxation, Peppermint for stimulation, and vanilla for a sensual touch.
Massage can be a soothing way to connect with and show appreciation for a loved one, an especially welcome treat with Valentine’s Day right around the corner. It’s a simple and thoughtful way to indulge someone who deserves it.
