Issue link: http://www.bodysensemagazinedigital.com/i/1195500
8 Body Sense Also, be aware that although your therapist will be massaging the oil onto your body before the wrap, this treatment is not technically a massage. It feels nice to have the oil applied, but you would definitely be disappointed if you thought you would be receiving a massage at the time of oil application. That's why I opted for the aromatherapy massage afterward. AROMATHERAPY MASSAGE Although I've had deep-tissue massage and Swedish massage in the past, I've never done a massage with aromatherapy. Aromatherapy is typically a Swedish massage using essential oils added to the massage oil—or in my case, the body butter. The essential oils smell terrific, but they also offer different therapeutic effects. Once I was released from my burrito cocoon, my massage therapist began delivering the aromatherapy massage. At the beginning of my treatment, my therapist invited me to smell various blends and described the essential oils each one contained—and their effects. I already loved the smell in the room (from her previous client), so I stuck with it. It was a citrusy smelling oil with lavender and sage. Take your time, though, and decide which scent resonates with you—as well as what effect you want to achieve from your massage (relaxed, invigorated, balanced, etc.). Remember, you'll be smelling that fragrance for an hour or more, so 8 Body Sense Choices and Consultations When choosing my massage and treatment, I discussed my choices over the phone with the therapist. She suggested the body butter wrap along with the aromatherapy massage, which ended up being the perfect combination (once I was able to relax). The mix of the warm oil and aromatherapy was awesome. Although I started my consultation with my therapist over the phone (which I would suggest when trying new treatments, so you're not making quick decisions regarding services), all professional massage therapists will start with a consultation when you arrive. First, you'll fill out a form, and then your therapist will spend some time asking about your previous experience with massage and treatments (if any), what surgeries you've had (and if any are recent), and where you feel you'd like the therapist to concentrate when doing the bodywork, among other questions. Since I'm a writer and editor, I spend most of my day typing on a computer, so I carry all my stress and muscle tightness in my shoulder blades and neck, with some lower back issues—all places I wanted her to concentrate on. Once I calmed myself with deep breathing (thank you, yoga training!), I was able to resist the urge to bust out of my cocoon (I actually read where someone did this), and I was ultimately able to relax. I even dozed off a couple of times. I know this because I woke myself with my snoring. If you think being left alone will bother you, ask to have a facial massage or reflexology massage while in the wrap—or just ask your therapist to check on you after the first five minutes to make sure you're not freaking out. And, although I was able to calm myself, I would caution anyone who is extremely claustrophobic to try an alternate treatment.