Preparing yourself to best enjoy your massage
A one-hour massage with your therapist is often over far too quickly. However, even if one massage won’t heal all your problems, preparing before you arrive can maximize your experience and all its benefits. Here are some tips for your next massage.
Stay Hydrated
Being well hydrated before your massage is very important to eliminate toxins that are released into the body’s circulation during treatment. Drinking water or herbal tea are excellent methods for staying hydrated. Avoid regular tea, coffee, alcohol, or any other stimulants.
Eat Something Light
Although it may not bother your therapist, it can be awkward if your stomach is noisy due to digestion. It’s preferable to eat at least one hour in advance of your massage or, if you’re afraid you’ll get hungry, eat a fruit or something else that’s easy to digest.
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Take a Hot Shower
A massage is a hands-on treatment during which your therapist massages your muscles as well as your skin. Therefore, there’s nothing better than feeling clean before treating yourself to a massage. Yes, you’ll have to take another shower afterwards to remove the excess oil, but the hot water on your body will help relax your muscles.
Dress Comfortably
Since a massage oil will be applied directly to the skin, you might think that the clothes you wear aren’t important. However, wearing comfortable clothes will not only put you in a relaxed state before your massage but will also keep you relaxed afterwards. Shoes are no exception to this rule. Avoid high heels as they may cause your leg muscles to contract unnecessarily.
Arrive Early
Arriving 10 to 15 minutes before your massage will allow you to fill out a health questionnaire without impinging on your massage. You’ll also be able to take a moment to go to the restroom or have a glass of water if need be. If you arrive at the last minute, short of breath with your heart beating wildly, you’ll have a harder time relaxing during your massage.
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Communicate your Needs
Once you are settled in for your treatment, your therapist will review your health questionnaire with you and will ask you further questions if need be. This is the moment to tell your therapist everything: your preferences, needs, expectations, and so on. Please let your therapist know if you want them to pay special attention to one part of your body or to avoid a specific area. Let them know how much pressure you enjoy and what you don’t like. The more you communicate your needs, the better your therapist will be able to respond to them.
Relax during the massage
During your treatment, concentrate on your breathing, making sure to take long, deep breaths. This will help to reduce stress and chase away negative thoughts. Almost no effort is needed from you. Your therapist will know very well how to lift your arm or your head; your help is not required!
Even when the massage is underway, let your therapist know your preferences or if you feel uncomfortable. By leaving nothing to chance, you’ll get the maximum benefits from your massage. Too hot, too cold; more or less pressure; bright or low lighting; loud or low music; with or without essential oils… It’s your massage – you decide.
Patricia Shankland,
Mon Réseau Plus Association
