Friday, March 6, 2009

Your First Massage, What To Expect.

By Ann Chester

Nervous about having your first massage? I bet you are. Not to worry, the majority of people are nervous about new experiences if they don't know much about it. You may have researched massage and found the answer to all your questions but just in case you didn't I will try to answer them in this article. Things like, do I have to take all my clothes off, will it hurt or do I have to talk all of the time. A good massage is a wonderful experience and one to be repeated many times, so don't let unanswered questions put you off.

The massage therapist will need to know your medical history, what problems you have and even what problems you have had in the past. The therapist will need to know if there is any specific medical condition that has brought you to them or if you just need a relaxing massage. Even if you only want a relaxing massage they will need to know your medical history to make sure that all the techniques they use are suitable for you. If you start to feel uncomfortable or embarrassed you need to tell your massage therapist so that they can rectify the problem if possible.

After the medical history has been taken the massage therapist will explain what will happen next, this is the time to ask any questions and to voice any concerns that you might have. don't be afraid to ask questions as the therapist will have probably been asked similar ones before and the only silly question is the one that hasn't been asked. If you are ticklish or you are very sensitive in certain areas of your body it is best to inform your massage therapist. That way the massage can be adjusted to suit your needs. Massage can be uncomfortable especially over sore areas but it should never be really painful, let the massage therapist know if you are having problems with the massage.

Most massage therapist will ask you to undress down to your underwear, it is possible for some techniques to be done over clothing but for most naked skin is best. For women when it comes time for your back to be massaged (if having a full body massage) you will be lying on your stomach, the therapist will unclasp your bra and your are arms eased out while you are still lying on your stomach. All exposed areas not being massaged should be covered with warm towels or a sheet. At no time should you be uncomfortable or embarrassed, if you are do let the massage therapist know.

Your massage therapist will give you privacy to undress and provide you with a sheet or towel to drape over you, both for warmth and privacy. At no time should you feel embarrassed and if you do please inform the therapist.

The massage table will probably be padded and bolsters or rolled towels will be used to get you into a comfortable position for your massage. Sometimes when people are lying on their back they can get backache this can be prevented just by putting a pillow, bolster or rolled towel under their knees. At times the therapist will ask you to move position so that they can reach different areas, if having a full body massage you will spend time on both your back and your front so that all areas can be massaged. Remember unless you tell your therapist that you are cold, uncomfortable or embarrassed they do not know, so do speak up and let them know how you are doing.

Depending on where the massage is being performed and the amount of time available the therapist may dim the lights, play soft music and even light candles.

To reduce friction when having a massage oils are used, some therapists will add essential oils to a base oil to suit whatever condition you have. If your massage therapist does use essential oils ask which they have used so that you can let them know if you are allergic to any of them, a good therapist will ask you about any allergies you have to oils anyway. After your massage you will be left on the massage couch covered with a warm towel for ten minutes or so, this should soak up any oil residue left on you skin. Although the massage oils should not stain clothing it is best not to wear your best clothes when going to see a massage therapist.

We are all different and some people chat all the way through the massage for others it is a time of peace and quiet and they do not say two words. The therapist will take your lead and will chat if you want to but will be quite happy not to if that is what you prefer. Of course they may have to ask you to move into a different position at times and they may ask how you are doing but the rest is up to you.

A good massage therapist should make you feel comfortable enough to ask any questions you have about the procedure and respect your privacy and level of comfort while treating you. Ask for recommendations and meet with the therapist to discuss their methods before booking your appointment. - 14130

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