More and more people are complaining of stress, back problems, or muscle tension. This is not surprising. In this age of constant activity, many people work sitting in front of a computer, and it’s difficult to find a comfortable and ergonomic chair at home. Furthermore, daily stress affects not only our mental health but also our physical well-being.
All of this makes our muscles tense. We often experience pain in different parts of our bodies, which makes us more tired, irritable, and less productive. The ideal solution, therefore, seems to be a massage performed by someone close to us. But can someone with absolutely no experience guarantee our safety and the expected results?
How can I perform a massage without hurting someone else?
The internet is full of guides on how to perform different types of massage: relaxation massage, classic massage, sports massage, facial massage, or spinal massage. The latter carries the most risk. Few people realize that in trying to give pleasure or relieve someone’s pain, they can actually worsen the situation.
What are the most common contraindications for in-home massage? If the person you want to massage is suffering from severe pain (for example, in the spine), you should consult a specialist first instead of attempting to treat the problem yourself. You should also be cautious with people suffering from various injuries or traumas.
You should also refrain from giving massages if you have:
- an elevated body temperature
- skin problems,
- arthritis,
- the presence of a hernia,
- infectious diseases
- or untreated heart defects.
Particular caution is needed during pregnancy.
It’s not necessarily true that a massage you perform at home will only have negative consequences. If you are careful and have the necessary knowledge to perform it safely, you can try this massage training.
It’s worthwhile to learn more about the subject before engaging in any activity. The internet offers numerous articles on the industry, interesting books, and massage training courses taught by experts. Always verify the source of the information you acquire and seek confirmation from other sources. However, if you have any doubts, consult a specialist.
What types of massage can you do yourself?
There are many types of massage. From classic and relaxing to prenatal, sports, erotic, Thai, therapeutic, hot stone massage, and more. Most often, it’s the relaxation massage that generates the most interest. You can have your whole body massaged or just a specific area.
Before receiving such a massage, it’s worth getting some special cosmetic products. You can use massage oils, olive oil, or body creams. Before starting the massage, you should first warm your hands so as not to cause discomfort to the person you are massaging. Then, using gentle circular motions, caress the skin softly.
Continuity is important in this message, and it should not be interrupted. The movements should be gentle, and the entire session should last approximately 30 minutes. To achieve the relaxing effect, it is extremely important to maintain a positive mood and a pleasant environment. It is best to prepare in advance: dim lighting, candles, diffused essential oils, and soft, calming music.
Other popular massages that are often practiced alone include: erotic massage, facial massage, foot massage, neck massage, and rejuvenating or anti-aging massages.
Massage accessories and cosmetics
You can perform a massage with your hands or use special massage devices. The most common on the market are rollers, balls, pebbles, special massage stones, or Chinese bubbles. Special massage mats are also very popular. While balls or rollers should not be dangerous, the use of stones, Chinese bubbles, or other more sophisticated tools carries some risks.
If you are unsure how to use a particular device, it is best to consult a specialist, who will explain everything and tell you which tools are best for your health.
You can combine at-home massage with spa treatments. For this, the right cosmetic products will be very helpful. The most popular are body oils, essential oils, scrubs, or simply creams. You can also prepare your own massage cosmetics. The cost of preparing such concoctions at home is much lower.
Let’s take the example of a homemade sugar scrub that you can use as the finishing touch to a massage. For this, all you’ll need is half a cup of brown sugar, a little essential oil, 2 tablespoons of liquid honey, and 4 teaspoons of lemon juice. Mix the honey, oil, and lemon, then add the sugar.
However, before applying a cosmetic product, just as you must ensure a minimum of social distancing, make sure that the person does not have allergies or skin problems.
