Issue link: http://www.bodysensemagazinedigital.com/i/381994
www.massagetherapy.com—your resource for all things bodywork 7 TIP #3 TALK TO YOUR MASSAGE THERAPIST Tell the therapist if you're too cold or warm. Let the therapist know if your neck is getting achy and you would like to reposition the face cradle. We love it when you speak up to tell us that the pressure is a bit too much or direct us to that one nagging spot in your shoulder. Hate the music? Say something. This is your time, and we want you to get a great massage. TIP #4 DON'T TALK TO YOUR MASSAGE THERAPIST Talking is a great way to fill silence, especially the awkward silence if you're nervous at the start of your massage. But if you decide you want quiet, and your therapist is on a conversational roll, it's fine to mention this. Wait for a pause, take a deep breath in and let it out purposefully. Say, "OK. I'm going to stop talking, so I can really relax now." Your therapist will take your cue. TIP #5 RELAX YOUR BODY Sometimes during a massage you may tense up or flinch. If it's because something hurts, let your therapist know right away so she can change the pressure or technique. If it's just a reflex, know that it's normal. Take a deep breath, let it out, and think about letting your whole body be heavy and sink into the massage table. If you tense up again, do the same thing. It's no big deal if you sneeze, pass gas, or your stomach grumbles. It's OK to fidget. It's fine to wiggle your toes, sniffle, or scratch your nose. Do what makes you comfortable and know you'll get just as much benefit. TIP #6 RELAX YOUR MIND Even if you find it easy to let your eyes close and your body sink into the massage table, you may find it tough to quiet the noise in your mind. You may catch yourself writing grocery lists or thinking about that big project at work. Again, this is perfectly normal, and it takes practice to be still. If your mind starts to race or you're just thinking too hard, take a moment to focus on your breathing. Notice how you breathe in and out. Feel your belly rise and fall with each breath. When a thought comes into your mind, don't fight it. Just acknowledge it and move on. "Yup. I need to pick up bread on the way home. I'll remember that after my massage." Then go back to noticing your breathing. If you simply can't quiet your mind, stop trying. Getting a massage stimulates creativity for many people. Let your mind go! Maybe you'll get a great idea for dinner or work through that weird conversation you had with your colleague over lunch. TIP #7 TRY SOME VARIETY If you want to zone out during your massage, but are struggling to make it happen, change the massage. Schedule your next massage at a different time of day. If you're used to getting deep-tissue massage, try a Thai massage. Ask your therapist about incorporating aromatherapy or hot stones. Whatever your goals, with a little communication and some trial and error, you'll get the best massage for you! B S Allissa Haines is a massage therapist with a private practice in Massachusetts. She creates marketing resources for massage therapists at WritingaBlueStreak.com and teaches online marketing at Bancroft School of Massage Therapy and continuing education events through the United States. Thai Massage: based on the theory that the body is made up of 72,000 sen, or energy lines, of which 10 hold top priority. Thai massage also involves peripheral stimulating, meaning it acts as an external stimulant to produce specific internal effects. This point is the main division between Thai and Western massage. Thai massage is practiced on a firm mat on the floor instead of on a table, which is instrumental for the effective use of the practitioner's body weight. Except for the feet, the client remains fully clothed, so draping is not necessary.