Just a quick definition of what massage therapy means to me: Therapeutic massage is comforting, but not necessarily "relaxing" while the massage in progress. The true nature of my massage therapy is homeostatic (meaning returning the body's natural processes to their correct functioning). You may not fall asleep on the massage table, but if you follow the tips listed below, I guarantee a massage that will leave you feeling relaxed for days afterward.
However, due to spas making people think they should be able to "oooh" and "aaaah" their way through a massage, the lines between therapeutic and relaxing massages have blurred in definition. I DO NOT OFFER RELAXATION MASSAGE, BUT THERAPEUTIC. Those who expect me to give a leisurely sleepy-time massage are going to be surprised by my massage techniques. No pressure I give will be powerful enough to bruise, but they will be strong enough to convince knotted muscles to begin the homeostatic process of unwinding.
First massages are easy to feel intimidated by. Don't feel embarrassed about your body. Massage therapists are professionals who have seen all body types and are in business to make you feel better, not judge you. Here are some tips to a more enjoyable, productive massage:
Don't Eat Beforehand:
Massage, like a vigorous physical workout, is often best done on a fairly empty stomach. Don't eat within the 2 hours before your massage. Massage acts like exercise, however, 5 minutes of massage is equivalent to 2 hours of bed-rest)
Feel Safe:
Some people feel vulnerable having their bodies exposed to a stranger. If that's a concern, it's perfectly acceptable to remain clad in underwear or a swimsuit. You will be draped with a sheet so that only the area of your body being worked on is exposed. Your therapist will always be professional with you. Please remove ALL jewelry at home, before your massage.
Control your environment:
A massage is your time and your massage should be built around your needs. Make sure your therapist knows before the massage where you specifically need more attention (lower back, between shoulder blades, etc.) Also, some people prefer soft music, some prefer silence: let your therapist know of your preference for more relaxation.
Recommendations from your therapist:
Always inform your therapist if you need more or less pressure However, silence tends to allow people to "zone" and relax quicker: don't feel you must talk to your therapist out of kindness.
Further recommendations from your therapist:
Drinking water for 2-3 hours after your massage is critical to enhance the longevity of relaxation. If you are on doctors/medication orders to drink limited amounts of water, do not heed this recommendation! For those who can drink water, the body's attempt to flush the toxins/waste material from the body will be "revved up" for 2-3 hours after the massage. Drinking water during this time ensures the body's ability to remove said waste material. On the opposite side of the coin, however, drinking/eating any diuretic (i.e.: salt/sodium & caffeine) will pull those toxins back into the system & redistribute via the blood system to any part of the body. Leaving you tight & agitated that your massage didn't last long.
