Nervous about having your first massage? I bet you are. Not to worry, the majority of people are nervous about new experiences if they don’t know much about it. You may have researched massage and found the answer to all your questions but just in case you didn’t I will try to answer them in this article. Things like, do I have to take all my clothes off, will it hurt or do I have to talk all of the time. A good massage is a wonderful experience and one to be repeated many times, so don’t let unanswered questions put you off.
The massage therapist will need to know your medical history, what problems you have and even what problems you have had in the past. The therapist will need to know if there is any specific medical condition that has brought you to them or if you just need a relaxing massage. Even if you only want a relaxing massage they will need to know your medical history to make sure that all the techniques they use are suitable for you. If you start to feel uncomfortable or embarrassed you need to tell your massage therapist so that they can rectify the problem if possible.
After the medical history has been taken the massage therapist will explain what will happen next, this is the time to ask any questions and to voice any concerns that you might have. don’t be afraid to ask questions as the therapist will have probably been asked similar ones before and the only silly question is the one that hasn’t been asked. If you are ticklish or you are very sensitive in certain areas of your body it is best to inform your massage therapist. That way the massage can be adjusted to suit your needs. Massage can be uncomfortable especially over sore areas but it should never be really painful, let the massage therapist know if you are having problems with the massage.
There are not many massages carried out while you are fully clothed, most require you to take off your clothes down to your underwear. Once lying on the couch all areas not being massaged should be covered with a sheet or preferably some warm towels, that way you will not feel so exposed.
Your massage therapist will give you privacy to undress and provide you with a sheet or towel to drape over you, both for warmth and privacy. At no time should you feel embarrassed and if you do please inform the therapist.
For a typical massage you will be asked to lie down on a special massage table. This padded table may also have various bolsters to make your position more comfortable. The therapist may ask you to move into a new position for better accessibility to the treated area. If you are uncomfortable at any time you should tell your massage therapist so you can shift your position or use bolsters to make your position more comfortable.
Although all therapist work in slightly different ways, they will all want you to have the best experience possible that way you will be back again. Relaxation is a great part of massage so often the lights will be dimmed, sometimes there will only be candle light. Scented candles are often used so if you do not like them or have a problem with a particular scent do tell the therapist. Soft music will often be played, again if you do not like it say so, as what is relaxing music to one person is not to another.
When massaging the skin oil needs to be used to reduce friction, if your therapist is using essential oils then you need to discuss this with them. Ask which oils are going to used then you can let them know if you are allergic to any of them. The oils that are used should not stain your clothing and after the massage you should be left for for ten minutes or so covered with a warm towel, this should soak up any residue of oil left on your skin
We are all different and some people chat all the way through the massage for others it is a time of peace and quiet and they do not say two words. The therapist will take your lead and will chat if you want to but will be quite happy not to if that is what you prefer. Of course they may have to ask you to move into a different position at times and they may ask how you are doing but the rest is up to you.
Recommendation is the best way to find a good masseur, ask around friends and family, and if need be talk to the therapist you are thinking of visiting, they should be able to answer any questions that you have. Some of your experience of massage as a therapy is down to you, if at anytime things do not feel right stop the session and talk to the therapist.
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