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Never had a massage before?

When it comes to our health, prevention is always better than cure.

Prevention involves all sorts of mediums such as a good diet and exercise, experiencing joyful activities and resting but one thing a lot of people are not very good at is positive self-care.

By positive self-care, I mean engaging in an activity that will serve us on a better level and keep us well such as massage.

Massage is a great way to relax and take time for and nurture yourself without feeling that it is an indulgence but rather a necessity in our busy lives. We cannot give when we have no reserves left. Even in just a half hour massage you can switch off to the outside world and relax completely-something many people find difficult to do.

Massage can help remove excess fluid, relax tense muscles, relieve aches and pains, increase circulation, improve digestion and counteract the effects of stress which is prevalent in today's society.

What to expect during a massage.

If you have never been for a massage before and are a little worried about what to expect then here is an overview of what will happen during a therapy session.

First of all, it’s important to say that the session is all about you. It’s about you enjoying the experience, relaxing and feeling better. If there is anything you feel uncomfortable with or do not like, then it is absolutely ok not to proceed or continue.

Every practitioner operates differently so this is a guide as to what to expect.

Essential oils are diffused in the room so if you have any preference or dislike the smell then please do say.
Soothing music is also played in the background; again if you find it unsuitable then please say.
I will take a history to ensure there are no contraindications to you having a treatment. This ensures your safety and well-being and identifies expected outcomes of the treatment. This is also a time in which the I can find out likes and dislikes and areas that maybe need concentrating on e.g. back and shoulders or legs.
I will then leave the room whilst you undress and place yourself on the couch and cover up. Again if you are uncomfortable with having to undress then we can work out a way to make you feel more at ease.
Your feet will be cleansed and a full body massage will generally start with the legs. With a full body massage, I will start working on the front of the body then, half way through you will turn over onto your front and I finish with a back massage. Dignity and privacy are of utmost importance and will be maintained throughout.
Oil of an agreed type will be applied where the I will be working so there will be a fine coating of oil all over your body by the end. Please bear this in mind with items of clothing you will be wearing after the massage.
I will then work through my routine which can be adapted to your individual needs and check pressure is good but you can always say during the massage if you would like deeper or less pressure. This is your time so it’s important you get the best out of it.
Once the massage is finished then I will leave the room give you a few minutes to come back to the present moment, have some water and get dressed.
At this time, we can discuss what you enjoyed and find out if there was anything you didn’t enjoy or change for next time.
Aftercare advice will then be given and the treatment is complete.

What to expect after a massage...

Drink Water

After your massage your therapist will bring you a glass of water, you should try to drink as much as possible as this will help to flush out the toxins released from your muscles and body during your massage, Over the next 24 hrs try to keep as hydrated as possible.

After any massage, it is always advisable not to do anything strenuous or stressful to get the full benefit.

Take A Bath

Run a nice warm bath, this will help to soothe any aching muscles or soreness and continue your relaxation and 'me time' post treatment.

Pay Attention To Your Body's Reaction To The Massage

You may feel energised, tired, sore, emotional amongst many other things, this is all normal. It is important to listen to your body and feed-back to your therapist on your next session so he or she can tailor your message perfectly to you and make any necessary adjustments.

Rest

You may feel tired after your massage and want to take a nap. This is completely normal, and you should listen to your body. If you can, clear your schedule after your diary.

Massage works on the body and the mind too. It helps to destress and relax you so if you can, take the time to come back into land and rebalance, try not to feel pressure to do something if you really don't need to.