Getting the Most out of your Massage
Getting the Most Out Of Your Massage
Wanda Pierce, Certified Massage Therapist
In these economic times, it has never been more important to receive massage. At first glance, it may feel like a luxury we can’t afford, but if we can quiet the mind and relax the body when we are under stress, we are better equipped to navigate through the challenges we face. As we search for ways to stretch the household budget like Silly Putty over the Sunday Funnies it’s also important to learn how to get the most out of what we pay for. A 60-minute massage can feel like 15 minutes if our mind is somewhere else. Like a bad date, it can also feel like an eternity if we aren’t comfortable. Here are some tips on how to savor every second of your next massage.
1. Arrive early. This will ensure that you get the full time you’ve paid for. It also gives you some time to settle in, have some tea, use the restroom and absorb the calm atmosphere. Rushing to a massage is like watching the last half of a good movie.
2. Communication is key. Be clear with your massage therapist about what you want from your massage before getting on the table. In addition to injuries and preferred pressure, it is often useful to share what is going on emotionally. A good massage therapist will take your input into account and customize a session that’s right for you.
3. Make sure the room feels just right. Goldilocks knew all about this! Confirm the temperature is to your liking, the music is at the right volume and the face cradle is just where it needs to be.
4. Focus. Keep your attention on the session, not your next errand or earlier phone conversation. Stay present to the areas where your massage therapist is working. The plates will still be spinning when the massage is over, but you will be better equipped to keep them spinning if you let your mind take a break while you are on the table.
5. Breathe! It may sound obvious but most of the time, we don’t use our lungs to their full capacity. Mindful breathing, like a magic wand helps with focus and also serves to shift the nervous system into a much more relaxed state. Start by inhaling to fill the belly, following up into the rib cage and finally to the collarbone. Exhale slowly, finding a rhythm that works for you. An easy rule of thumb is to count 5 counts in, 5 counts out.
6. Pre pay or have your check written out ahead of time. Finances are stressful, particularly in these times so if you take care of it beforehand, you can relax and forget about it afterward. No one wants to do math after a great massage. If a tip is appropriate, have that set aside in advance so you can float out without calculating anything.
7. Smell the flowers. Take some time after your massage before returning to your regular day. Enjoy a cup of tea somewhere and watch the world go by or go home to your favorite chair and marinate in the goodness!
When daily obligations fill our lives, it’s easy to overlook the commitment to self -care. Not only do you deserve some time to recharge, nurture and reconnect with your body, you can’t afford not to. In the same way we need to tune up our car, we need to nourish our body, quiet our mind and feed our soul to run smoothly in the world. You’ll be sure to get a lot more mileage out of your session when you follow these simple tips.