Having a stranger touch your naked body and massage your muscles can seem uncomfortable and scary, especially if you’ve never had it done before. But rest assured, the experience is 100% professional; no one will touch you in an area you set as OFF LIMITS.
In addition, there are a few extra things the massage therapists of the world want you to know before booking an appointment. By the end of this blog, you’ll feel much more confident heading into your 30 minute, 60 minute, or 90 minute relaxation session. That’s a guarantee.
If You Didn’t Have Time to Shave, It’s OK
Did you know that unshaved legs is the #1 concern in women’s eyes before they undress for a massage? So much so that “I’m sorry I haven’t shaved!” is the most spoken sentence before undressing, ever.
But truth be told, no masseuse really cares. In fact, the combo of the oil used while rubbing your muscles with the dim lit lights in the room keeps them from noticing that there’s hair there.
Remember to Breathe
Breathe? Why wouldn’t you breathe? It sounds like a pretty silly suggestion, but oftentimes, clients on the massage table forget to do it. Especially when a particularly bad knot makes an appearance.
You see, there’s an immediate urge to shut down, hold your breath, and tense up when an area of muscle is experiencing pain. Breathing fully and deeply through the stretching, poking, and prodding is super beneficial. Why? Because it encourages the blood supply to move through the fibers, easing tense muscles and aiding in their recovery.
Be Sure to Drink H2O
Water is a necessity every day of the week, every week of the month, and every month of the year. But it’s even more essential if you’re working through muscle pain, flushing out toxins, and attempting to avoid overall body soreness. That’s why a good masseuse will tell you to drink water – and lots of it.
Want an H2O hack? Add a pinch of Himalayan or Celtic sea salt to a bottle of water. The natural electrolytes will make it that much easier for your cells to absorb it.
Don’t Be Afraid if You Feel Different Physical and Emotional Responses
A massage is marketed as a relaxing experience, but that’s not the only physical or emotional response you’ll feel during that specific stretch of time.
If certain areas of the body receive relief, you may feel energetic afterwards. If other muscles take a beating, you may feel exhausted afterwards. Even still, feelings of temporary soreness, gratitude, happiness, and so on could come up. Embrace them, don’t hold back. A massage therapist is happiest when they know their efforts helped you in some way, shape, or form.
There’s No Obligation to Talk the Entire Session
Awkward silence can feel a bit unsettling, but a massage therapist is used to that kind of environment. Which is why most recommend not speaking; just go to your happy place, unless talking every once in a while makes you feel more comfortable.