By reeves - As open and receptive as possible to the massage process
- Do not eat right before your massage. Let your body digest your meal first.
- Always be punctual. It may take you longer to relax if you arrive in a rush or frenzied state.
- Only take off as much clothing as is necessary. You don’t have to take off your clothes. This will make it easier for the massage therapists to reach the parts of your body that need massage.
- Privacy – While you are being dressed, the therapist will leave the room. The therapist will provide a sheet or towel to drape over your body during massage. You will have privacy during the massage and can dress as you wish.
- Talk to your massage therapist
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- Give accurate information about your health and let the massage therapist understand your reasons for wanting to have the massage.
- Allergies to oils and lotions or powders – Your therapist may use oil, lotion, or powders to reduce friction. Tell your massage therapist if you have an allergy to oils, lotions, or powders. They can recommend a substitute.
- Some massage therapists use recorded music to accompany their massage sessions. Some people find the music distracting. If music is provided, tell your massage therapist if you have any preferences.
- Some people prefer to talk while receiving a massage. Others prefer to remain silent. Your massage therapist will know what you prefer.
- Report any discomfort during the massage, regardless of whether it is from the massage or any distractions due to the environment (e.g. temperature, music volume, lighting, etc.
- During the massage, give feedback to the therapist about the pressure and speed of your hand movements. You have the right to tell the massage therapist to end the session if you find something offensive or incongruous. You can also end the session if necessary.
- Talk to your therapist about any concerns or fears. You should feel as relaxed as possible while receiving a massage. Your massage therapist will do everything possible to make you feel relaxed.
7. Be sure to breathe naturally Relaxation is achieved through breathing. When someone feels anxious or when a sensitive area of their body is being massaged, they often stop breathing or limit it.
8. Relax your muscles, and your mind. It is not a good idea to tighten your muscles or contract your muscles while you are receiving a massage. Inform your massage therapist. You may need to have the technique adjusted or they may be able help you relax. You may find that your thoughts are racing during a massage. To be more relaxed and calm your mind, you can follow the hands of your massage therapist and pay attention to how it feels.
9. After a massage, drink more water.
10. Do not get up quickly after a massage and allow yourself some quiet time. Do not leave the table if you feel dizzy or lightheaded after a massage. You may need to take some time to absorb and integrate the massage results.
You should be prepared to schedule multiple massage sessions. The greatest benefits of massage are cumulative. Massage has cumulative therapeutic benefits. The more you massage your body, the better it will feel, and the faster it will respond. As the body’s stress patterns are altered and released, relaxation deepens from one session to the next. You may need to have more than one session if you are seeking massage to relieve chronic muscle tension or recover from a soft tissue trauma.