Massage Tips

Prepping for Massage

The act of giving a massage is an act of service, even of love. People pay good money for a good massage treatment not only because it relaxes them and soothes their pain, but also because most of these people are aware that a regular massage promotes good health. Massage is also oftentimes an intimate experience in the emotional sense. The warmth of a massage therapist’s hands and the way they touch their client’s skin almost always opens a well of emotions in the client that the client usually suppresses.

Massage promotes health and well-being, and ample preparations are guaranteed to enhance the benefits the receiver can get from the experience. The giver of the massage, whether they are a professional therapist or not, should ready themself and the place they will be working on before they undertake the task of giving a massage.

The room that the giver of the massage will use should be clean and free of clutter. The atmosphere in this room should be relaxing and restful. In order to attain this air of relaxation in the room, the colors of the decor should be neutral and the lighting should not be glaring. The lamps could be draped with light fabrics for a dimmed effect. An alternative to lamps would be candles; candles with a soothing scent, like lavender, would do very nicely. The room should also be warm. To complete the effect, a CD with tracks of mellow instrumentals or sounds of nature, such as rainfall, ocean waves, or birds singing, can be played on the stereo at a low volume.

The giver of the massage should also be ready with the materials they will use. The massage surface is very important. It does not always have to be a massage table; a bed or a foam mattress on the floor will also do, as long as it is padded and firm. The massage surface should be covered with clean, easily washable cloths, and cushions should be provided for supporting the receiver’s body. Small towels for cleaning up and a large towel for providing warmth are also needed. And of course, the massage oil should be ready as well.

When the room and all the materials they will need are ready, then it is time for the giver to ready themself for giving the massage. Because they will be coming in close contact with the receiver of the massage, they should be clean and smelling fresh. Their hands should be clean and warm, and their nails short. So the massage will not be uncomfortable to both the giver and receiver, the giver should wear loose clothes that will enable them to move freely, and they should take off jewelry. Their hair should also be clipped or tied back.

Just as the aim of the massage is to make the receiver rest and relax, the giver of the massage should also be relaxed while doing their task. Before the massage, they should take time for silence, close their eyes and free themself of whatever worries they may have. Deep and rhythmic breathing is a good way of achieving this. They should also flex, stretch and shake her hands to loosen their fingers. The masseuse should also rub their hands as if they are putting on hand lotion to warm them.

Proper prepping before the massage will ensure that the experience will not only be enjoyable for the receiver but will also be of benefit to the giver.

Massage Tip Essentials

Here in Oklahoma City, 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 ails their bodies. As a receiver of the massage, a person will get his or her money’s worth if they focus 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 in 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 they are 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 about how you are feeling regarding the massage. You are there for your comfort and relaxation, so you should tell the therapist if there is something about the room or something that they are doing that you find uncomfortable.

Do you feel that the strokes the therapist is giving you are too hard or too light? Speak up and ask them to change the pressure. Please keep in mind, though, that some massage techniques are supposed to be light, but you ought to ask the masseuse nonetheless.

Does a particular part of your body hurt and do you want your therapist to pay attention to that part? Ask your masseuse to focus on it and they will concentrate most of her strokes on 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 the massage releases from your body. It would help a lot if you spent 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.