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Your first massage: The basics
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Massage helps to increase relaxation and decrease stress.
Maybe your best friend wants to treat you to a “Spa Day” for your birthday or you tweaked your lower back after shoveling snow. Whatever the reason, you are now about to receive your first massage, and you’re thinking, “What do I do now?”
First, take a deep breath and relax.
You will be asked to fill out a health form. This will give the massage therapist helpful information about your treatment. Do you have any previous injuries or illnesses that may affect the massage? What type of pressure you like? Do you have any allergies? This is especially important regarding ingredients in the massage oil used.
Now it’s time to go into the massage room.
Do I take all my clothes off? Can I leave my socks on? Which way do I lay on the table? The massage therapist will tell you: undress to your comfort level. The therapist will then tell you if they want you facing up or down. What do I do with my arms? Relax, just put them where they feel more comfortable: by your side, hanging off the side of the table, resting on a stool at the end of the table.
As the massage starts, enjoy it. Relax into the table. Enjoy the peaceful, soothing music. Feel the warmth of the heated table. Feel the tension being kneaded out of your tight muscles. As you exhale, envision your stress melting away.
How much is the right pressure? Some people prefer a lighter touch; others crave a firm, deep pressure. Let the massage therapist know which you prefer. You want to be able to easily breathe and relax through it. If you find yourself holding your breath, it’s too much pressure. Telling the massage therapist if they are using too much pressure, or not enough, will make the massage a more pleasurable experience. As the massage winds down, you may be surprised how quickly it passed.
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