WHY IS IT GOOD TO HAVE A MASSAGE? IS IT A FANCY TREAT?
Massage releases tension in the soft tissues and stimulates blood and lymph flow. The increased circulation delivers extra nutrients and oxygen to your cells and helps to remove the build-up of toxins. Therefore, massage can be a powerful healing method and also an excellent preventative tool.
Other benefits of regular massage are:
reduces stress and anxiety
relieves muscular tension and pain
increases flexibility, improves posture
creates a feeling of balance and calm
helps promote sleep
helps relieve stress and repressed feelings
HOW SHOULD I PREPARE FOR MY TREATMENT?
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If you have a contagious disease or are not feeling well for any other reason, it's best to reschedule for another time so you can get the most out of your treatment and also prevent your therapist from getting ill, too.
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Don't eat at least a couple of hours before treatment. It's not comfortable lying on a full stomach and your body will direct its resources to your digestive system instead of the areas being worked on.
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You won't be treated if you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs, so please arrive sober.
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Arrive on time so you have time to settle before your treatment. If you are feeling rushed, it takes longer to relax.
WHAT SHOULD I DO DURING THE MASSAGE?
Always let the therapist know what you would like from the treatment. Tell them where it feels tense, where it hurts. Speak up if you need a different amount of pressure, the temperature is not right in the room or you don't like the music, etc. You will get more out of the treatment this way.
Some people like to talk during the treatment, while others prefer to remain silent. A good therapist will follow your lead, you should do whatever feels good for you.
Breathing helps to facilitate relaxation. People tend to hold their breaths when they feel anxious or a painful area is being treated. If you notice that this is happening, remind yourself to start breathing.
HOW CAN I GET THE MOST OUT OF MY TREATMENT?
A good treatment will have positive effects for days or weeks to come and you can make sure that they last as long as possible.
At the end of the treatment, it's wonderful to remain on the table for a few minutes and feel the massage ripple through your body. Don't get up too fast as you might get lightheaded or dizzy.
Drink plenty of water or herbal tea to help flush out toxins that got released into your bloodstream. Only eat a light meal if you feel hungry.
Allow for some quiet time if possible and don't rush back into work or your other engagaments. It takes a little while to absorb and integrate the treatment.
If you feel sore afterwards, try to gently mobilise the area and soak in a warm bath.