HOW TO RECEIVE A MASSAGE


Give the massage therapist accurate health information. Don't be afraid to discuss any apprehensions or concerns. The goal is for you be as comfortable as possible during your massage. The therapist is a professional, dedicated to making you feel at ease.

Taking a shower before a massage will help you relax. If necessary, use the bathroom before treatment begins. Refrain from eating just before a massage session. You may want to pin your hair up if it is long.

You will be asked to undress and get comfortable on the massage table, covered with a sheet, before the therapist enters the room. The part of the body being worked on is the only part that will be undraped. No massages will be given without proper draping. Should the room temperature be too low for your comfort, let the therapist know.

Your ONLY job is to relax as completely as possible. Tightening up, contracting or hardening your muscles during the massage is counterproductive. Relaxing can sometimes be hard to do. A couple of hints:

Breathe deeply and regularly, stressing the exhalation. This is one of the best ways to facilitate relaxation.

Allow the body and its parts to become heavy and sink into the table; consciously allow yourself to let go and relax into those areas of tension the therapist locates. If you need help, let the therapist know. She may help you relax the affected area with visualization, etc.

Close your eyes. This helps you move the focus out of your head and into the body.

Conversation is completely acceptable, but feel free to just relax and enjoy your massage in peace and quiet.

During treatment, it is key to stay in the present moment. Give feedback if any technique feels particularly relaxing or uncomfortable. Techniques can be modified accordingly. If any technique performed is uncomfortable to you for any reason, let your therapist know immediately. Communication is essential to your session's effectiveness!

If emotions surface, do not be afraid to express them. Massage can sometimes cause an “emotional release,” and is very beneficial if these feelings can be let go of or worked through. At the very least, don't be afraid to sigh with relaxation or hum with pleasure.

You have the right to ask the massage therapist to stop or end the session at any time, for any reason.

If you are light-headed after the massage, sit up first for a few minutes, then slowly get off the table.

Massage therapy releases toxins stuck in body tissues. In order to flush toxins out of the body, it is imperative that you drink a sufficient amount of water. Keep drinking until the water passed from the body is clear.

Occasionally one may experience muscle soreness the day following any specific, deep tissue massage. Soreness usually occurs when there has been ischemia or adhesions in the tissues. A warm bath, applying ice and drinking plenty of water within 24 hours may assist in alleviation the soreness. Please inform your therapist of this reaction so adjustment in treatment can be made if necessary.