Because massage is not a common part of our contemporary cultural experience, many people feel uneasy about receiving their first massage.
Here are a few guidelines to help you feel at ease and to gain the greatest benefit from your massage therapy session:
Your therapist should ask you about any areas of your body, which may be injured, tense or sore, or that you feel might need some special attention. Please mention verbally and on the client intake form any medical conditions, such as: high blood pressure, heart problems, chronic headaches, varicose veins, or any recent injuries or surgery.
Close your eyes and allow yourself to relax as completely as possible. Focus your attention on your breathing, which should be slow, deep and even.
When the therapist’s hands locate areas of pain or tension in the body, consciously try to relax those areas. As you inhale deeply, visualize the breath flowing to the tense area and relaxing it. As you fully exhale, visualize the tension leaving the body with the breath.
Conversation can be distracting to you and the therapist. Good massage requires concentration on the part of the therapist. Please limit your conversation to feedback about the massage.
Allow the therapist to move your limbs into various positions. Be limp like a rag doll, and do not try to help move your arms legs or head. The therapist is a trained professional who will not do anything to hurt you. However, feel free to speak up if anything the therapist does is too painful, too ticklish, or uncomfortable in any way.
The best way to receive a massage is with the body completely unclothed. The therapist is sensitive to the need for privacy and will keep your body covered with a sheet or blanket, except for the area being massaged. If this arrangement is not comfortable for you, you may wear underwear or a swimsuit.
Contrary to common notion in our society about massage, it is an ancient healing art and not a sexual service. The body might become aroused as you experience the pleasure of total relaxation. However, sexual behavior during the massage is inappropriate and will result in the termination of the session.
Very often, as the body releases tension during a massage, the mind will release emotion. If you’re suddenly feeling sad, angry or joyful, do not be alarmed. Allow yourself to express these feelings by crying or laughing. At the very least, feel free to sigh with relaxation or hum with pleasure.
Many people fall asleep during a massage, and indication that the body and mind are releasing stress and tension. The therapist will gently wake you when it is time to turn over or end the massage.
We are confident your massage will be both enjoyable and beneficial, and that this experience will be the beginning of a lifelong habit to help you enjoy the best possible health and relaxation.
