Tips for those going for a massage for the first time
Written By: BOSS Editorial
Reading Time: 4 minutes
Never attended a massage session before? Don’t know what to do and what to expect? And even if you have already gone to massage near you, you will be interested in this article. To begin with, we will tell you what you can and what is best not to do before a massage.
Nutrition
Do not eat a lot, at least an hour before your session. The digestive process requires a lot of energy from the body, and you simply will not be able to relax during the massage! In addition, if you lie on your stomach, unpleasant sensations will not last long. If you are very hungry before the session, try to make do with something light like a salad.
Punctuality
Don’t be late for your session. Always arrive a few minutes before your session starts. Rushing will make you nervous and tense, and you should approach your session in a calm and relaxed state! In addition, if you are late, your session time may be shortened.
Psychological preparation
We strongly advise you to psychologically relax before the session – relax, meditate, breathe deeply, clear your mind of unnecessary thoughts. But never drink alcohol, not even a little – it will nullify the therapeutic effect of the massage!
Jewelry
You are also advised to remove all jewelry, especially necklaces and bracelets – they can interfere with the masseur.
Perfume and perfume
Refrain from using strong perfume before your session. Firstly, not all odors are equally pleasant for everyone, and secondly, the masseur may be allergic. It is also advisable to choose an odorless deodorant.
Cold or flu
You should not come in for a massage if you are sick. Some people think that massage can make you feel better if you have a cold, but in fact you will only get worse – massage will warm up your body, improve blood circulation, which can only encourage the spread of infection and inflammation. Also think about the fact that you could infect the massage therapist or clients who come after you!
Initial conversation
The client’s openness towards the masseur is the key to a quality massage. A professional masseur starts the session with questions: “Are there any complaints? What are you worried about? What problems do you want to solve with the help of massage? After the conversation, the masseur develops an individualized plan of action specifically for this client and this massage session. In this article we will tell you how being a client can influence the quality of the massage!
Never forget to tell the masseur about all your problems, recent injuries, particularly sensitive areas, what you like about massage and what you don’t like, and so on. Openness on your part will help the masseur to choose the right technique – this is the key to ensuring that you get what you came for.
During the session, don’t hesitate to speak up if you are in pain, discomfort, or any other kind of discomfort. Communication between a massage therapist and client can make any good massage a great massage, the best massage ever. You just need to know what to say to your masseur.
Your privacy during a massage session
Contrary to popular belief, the client should not be completely undressed during a massage session. Massage therapists respect your personal space – first of all, you should be comfortable. There are situations where a masseur may find some part of your clothing distracting. For example, a bra may interfere with the masseur if he will be working with the back, in particular with the thoracic spine. But in any case, the client’s comfort is paramount.
If this topic seriously concerns you, for example, you are very shy, then start undressing only when the masseur leaves the room. Always remember that you will be covered with a towel or a sheet. Only the part of your body with which the masseur will work will be exposed.
Before the session, tell the masseur if you do not accept touching the gluteal muscles, breasts (above the mammary glands) or abdomen. But in general, it is absolutely normal – these areas are not different from other muscles that require attention.
The main goal of a professional masseur is to help you solve all your problems. Any subjective attitude towards you is out of the question!
