There are additional advantages for the lucky recipient of a massage at home. Cortisol levels can be lowered by receiving a massage that is hard enough to leave a light pressure impression. Cortisol is a stress-related hormone that has been linked to anything from weight gain to a compromised immune system. By inducing minor chemical changes in the body, a relaxing massage can also lower blood pressure and possibly aid in the management of pain.
The best aspect is that you don't have to be an expert in reflexology to give a massage that has positive effects on your health. Since many of the best effects of massage are a direct result of simple touching, a general massage with long, gentle strokes can be surprisingly helpful. Numerous beneficial compounds are released when you touch, and they continue to operate for hours after you put the scented oils away. Therefore, you can still give a nice massage even if you are unable to distinguish between shiatsu (a pressure point massage technique) and a Lhasa Apso (a cute puppy dog).
A 10-minute massage can relax his tense muscles, lower his stress level, and perhaps even lessen muscle pain in other parts of his body like his lower back, legs, and feet if he enjoys having his neck massaged, and let's face it, who doesn't? That is a remarkable return for such a brief investment.
Let's look at a few recommendations for home massage techniques. A soft touch and a few quiet minutes are really all you need for a nice massage. But a few embellishments will assist set the atmosphere and alert him to a kind of "bodywork" that has nothing to do with car upkeep.
We've already stated how little equipment and aids are actually needed for a basic massage. However, there are several things that might make providing and receiving a massage easier and more pleasurable when you want to indulge in home massage on a regular basis:
- Massage oil -- Massage oil helps to lessen friction. This benefits both the recipient and the masseuse (you and your magic fingers). Yes, massage is a hands-on activity. But your fingers and wrists will begin to burn after a few tense minutes of releasing his shoulder muscles. Your wonderful digits will work more comfortably and for longer if there is no friction. Few drops should be sufficient. Not an oil slick, but a smooth sheen is what you're going for.
- Scented oils -- You can still provide a nice massage using baby oil, but by looking into a few aromatherapy oil choices, you may improve the advantages of massage without doing any extra work. The distilled plant essences used in aromatherapy, known as essential oils, have a variety of effects on the chemistry of the brain and body. Massage is an effective method for delivering the health benefits of aromatherapy since they are both breathed and absorbed via the skin while being massaged. Aromatherapy essences like lavender seem to be unexpectedly helpful at lowering tension and anxiety, relaxing stiff muscles, and fending off moderate sleeplessness, according to ongoing research into how aromatherapy affects the body. Any essential oils you use should be diluted.
- Massage tables and chairs -- Scaled-down, portable massage devices are now more reasonably priced for usage at home. Additionally, massage chairs and tables are lightweight, frequently collapsible, and simple to store in a utility closet. The process will be more convenient if there is a designated area for soothing massages, which might even inspire weekly (mutual) massage sessions. Choose furniture that can be adjusted (up and down), is well-padded, and is simple to clean with a moist cloth. Entry-level home massage tables costing approximately $100 and chairs costing up to $200 are readily available.
- Massage accessories -- There are many efficient massage techniques available because it is an age-old skill. The ones you decide to investigate will be based on your particular preferences and potentially advice from a doctor or massage therapist. Others use tools like handheld massagers, while some massage techniques make use of heat or steam. The lesson learned from this is that there is a lot to learn if you want to employ a formal massage method, but there are also some entertaining tools that can assist. However, the effectiveness of a tool depends on how securely and skillfully you use it. It's unlikely that giving your partner a gentle massage can hurt them. On the other side, if you don't have the right training, using accessories or harsh massage techniques could end up hurting you more than helping. Although your hands aren't deadly weapons, you should refrain from trying out novel massage methods if your spouse has a pre-existing medical problem that should be handled by a licensed massage therapist.
Be ready with at least a fluffy towel and massage oil to deliver a fantastic massage. Additionally, you should operate on a smooth, soft surface that is simple to clean if the oil spills on you. Oh, and if your back, neck, or shoulders are prone to breakouts, you might also want to use a little rubbing alcohol to remove extra oil from those areas after the massage.
In addition to being therapeutic, massage may also be a way to unwind and have a good time. If you want to achieve a little of both, setting the environment is almost as crucial as having strong, flexible fingers to massage his back and other areas.
Dim the lights -- This is a soothing, sensible, and overtly romantic strategy. Even if it makes it simpler for you to examine the mole on his shoulder while he is lying on his back, having the overhead fixture on will be painful for him. Here's a middle ground: Make massage time a "feel as you go" exercise and inspect the mole another time.
Use candles -- If you believe you need a lot of lighting to complete the task, you are not required to only use candles. However, candles do offer a flickering, golden glow that contributes to a nice atmosphere. Additionally romantic, joyful, therapeutic, and enlightening, aromatherapy candles can be used in conjunction with the aromatherapy oil of your choice. For a small amount of wax and a wick, that's a lot. If you can set up a fire in a nearby fireplace as well, you gain extra points.
Adjust the thermostat -- Even if you are starting to warm up from all the rubbing and kneading, he may look fantastic without his customary tattered T-shirt on, but all that exposed skin can feel chilly. Keep the space warm enough to safeguard his delicate hide.
Put on some mood music -- Yes, music has the ability to enhance your massage experience together. Be calm, slow, and low-key. In the future, every time you hear those eerie riffs, you'll both think of your massage routine, so choose the music carefully. This is the main idea behind soundtracks.