For clients -
How to prepare for your first massage?
If you’ve never had a massage, the idea of a stranger touching you and seeing that extra bit of tummy fat, the funny-shaped birthmark, eczema, a few spots, or those knobby knees you’ve always been self-conscious of can prove to be anxiety-inducing. Rest assured, we couldn’t care less about that extra ten pounds you’ve put on since your holiday, and our sole focus is ensuring your first massage is as enjoyable, and beneficial, as possible.
Self-consciousness and anxiety keeps many people that could benefit from massage from ever walking through the door. So lets focus on just what you need to do to prepare yourself and enjoy that well deserved first massage.
Before Arriving
The most important thing you can do before arriving is to relax. Remember, this is an enjoyable experience that is designed to reduce stress and anxiety, not to cause it. Take a deep breath and assure yourself that this process will be a pleasurable one, and let your mind rest. All you have to do is lie there, we do the work!
To reduce stress and anxiety, it’s important to do your part in the hours leading up to your massage. Plan accordingly, and try to avoid the frenzied panic that rushing to meet your appointment causes. Remember to drink plenty of water, and to avoid eating within 2-3 hours of your scheduled massage so that your body has plenty of time to digest big meals. If you have a massage scheduled on a lunch break, keep it light, as the massage process itself could prove to be uncomfortable on a full stomach.
“So do I need to shower? Is my body weird? Will it be horrible for her/him to massage me? will I be covered? and will they see my bum? Good heavens, what if they touch my bum?!” (*if there’s pain in the back or hip, we may need to work on those muscles but don’t worry! You will have total modesty and comfort throughout) Relax, we don’t judge bodies, we care for them and are here to bring comfort and relaxation! Ok, so as long as you have had a recent shower or bath so you don’t stink, then don’t worry!
Upon Arrival
Let the massage therapist or the receptionist know you are there, try to relax and let your mind enter a restful state while you await your appointment to enter the massage room.
Once you enter the room, after a consultation to find out what you knead (sorry), the therapist will leave the room or provide you with the privacy needed to undress. Remember, the therapist will provide you with a towel or sheet to drape over the parts of your body that aren’t being massaged. Modesty is respected at all times.
Before the therapist begins, it’s important to communicate honestly and accurately with the professional providing the massage. Providing them information about problem areas that cause you pain, or that you’d like them to avoid, will ensure you get the best treatment for you. This is also a great time to provide your therapist with information such as whether you’d like to remain quiet (or some prefer to talk).
We don’t care about your leg hair. We don’t care about your rough heels, or your “weird toes,” or your need for a manicure. And, we don’t care about “back fat,” or cellulite, or if you’ve gained sooo much weight and you’re so embarrassed - I mean, we do care that you’re embarrassed, we want you to be comfortable in your body as it’s the only one you’ve got. If you’re seeing a massage therapist who’s been in business for a while, you’re probably seeing someone who loves their job and has seen literally thousands of bodies. Tall or short, big or small, broken or whole - We’re in this because of the amazing variety of human forms, because the body never ceases to be fascinating. So what I’m saying is this: When you come to a massage therapist, bring your body, and let us do our job. You don’t need to help move your limbs or your head unless the massage therapist asks. We’re strong, and we’re good at moving limbs around.
You don’t need to make small talk, or apologize for anything. Take this opportunity to listen to your body, and the communication that’s occurring silently between you and your body.
If the face cradle is uncomfortable, or if the room temperature isn’t right, or the music’s too loud, please say so. These things are easy to fix. If something hurts, or if you could use more pressure, I encourage you to speak up. When it comes to your body, you’re the expert in the room.
Above all else, relax and breathe normally. Try to relax your entire body and to become weightless while you enjoy your massage.
After the Massage
Getting up too quickly often leads to light headedness and dizziness, and sometimes fainting. Allow your body to relax and to slowly get up and dress. Drink some water, and be aware not to rush, or dash back into daily life.
Upon exiting the massage room, be sure to ask about scheduling more massage sessions. Massage has the greatest benefits with continued use, and the effects are cumulative, meaning that over time your body will begin to feel better, more relaxed, and help to reduce the effects of anxiety or pain with continued sessions.
So there we have it, share this with someone you know could do with a massage, but has yet to give it a try!
I look forward to seeing you soon in the massage room!
