People go to a spa or a clinic or any place where massage
is offered so they can have time to relax and flush out the stress and toxins
that ail their bodies. As a receiver of the massage, a person will get his or
her money’s worth if he or she focuses on the massage being given and enjoy it
to its fullest.To make the massage a truly worthwhile experience, here are
some tips to bear in mind.
1. Before the massage. When you make your
appointment, make it a point to know exactly what kind or technique of massage
that will be used on you. Know as much as you can about the massage technique
and make sure you are comfortable with it.Bring yourself into a frame of
mind that will enable you to absorb fully the benefits of the massage you will
be having.
Clear your mind of whatever worries you before you show up for your
appointment. If you can manage it, clear the entire day of your scheduled
massage and devote the day instead for some relaxation and healing.Be aware
of what time your appointment is and show up early. Being at least fifteen
minutes early is good. This will prevent you from arriving at the appointed
place stressed out about the rush and the traffic, and it will also give you
time for a shower or a soak at the tub, if these are available at the place you
are going to.
If you know you are going to be late or you would be running to
another place right after the massage, it would be better for you if you just
reschedule the appointment. But before you do that, find out first the
cancellation policy of the spa.
Do you want scented or unscented oil? Find
out from the massage therapist what kind of oil she is going to use. If you are
allergic to that oil or prefer something else, do not hesitate to bring your
own.
2. During the massage. Always communicate with your massage
therapist and be open with how you are feeling with regards the massage. You are
there for your own comfort and relaxation, and so you should tell the therapist
if there is something about the room or something that she is doing that you
find uncomfortable.
Do you feel that the strokes the therapist is giving you
too hard or too light? Speak up and ask her to change the pressure. Please keep
in mind, though, that some massage techniques are supposed to be light, but you
ought to ask her nonetheless.
Does a particular part of your body hurt and
you want your therapist to pay attention to that part? Ask her to focus on it
and she will concentrate most of her strokes towards treating that area. Open
your mind during the massage and relish the sensation of your muscles getting
loosened and relaxed. Breathe deeply to make the cells of your body get the most
out of the massage.
3. After the massage. A massage therapist will
hand you a glass of water after the massage. Drink it to flush out the toxins
that the massage released from your body. It would help a lot if you would spend
the next hour after your massage on quiet and relaxing activities, such as a
short and leisurely walk or a nap. Doing so will let the massage take its full
effect on your body. A nice soak in warm water before you go to bed that day
will help you feel more rejuvenated the morning after.