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How to Receive a Massage

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Here are a few “SECRETS” to help you feel at ease and to gain the greatest benefit from your massage therapy session.

• Be sure to tell the therapist about any areas of your body which are injured, tense or sore.  Also mention any medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, heart problems, chronic headaches, varicose veins or recent surgery.  (All this information can be given to us when you fill in your new client paperwork.)

• The benefits of massage are greatly enhanced when you are completely relaxed.  Prior to a massage, a hot shower is a good way to begin this relaxation and to get rid of the stress of the day.

• You may receive your massage completely clothed, unclothed, or you may wear your underwear or a swimsuit.  The therapist will be sensitive to your need for privacy and will keep your body covered except for the area that is being massaged.  If you prefer, you can ask that no lotions or oils be used.

• Once on the massage table, close your eyes and allow yourself to relax as completely as possible.  Focus your attention on your breathing, which should be slow, even and deep.

• Conversation may be distracting for both you and the therapist.  Limiting conversation may actually enhance your massage, allowing you to completely focus on yourself.

• If the therapist located an area of pain or tension in the body, consciously try to relax that area.  It is helpful to mention any area that is particularly sensitive or tender.  As you inhale deeply, it helps to visualize your breath flowing into the tense spot and creating a muscular softening or relaxation.  As you exhale, visualize the tension leaving your body with the breath.

• Allow the therapist to move your limbs into various positions.  Be limp like a rag doll.  Do not try to help move your arms, legs or head – again, the more relaxed the better.  The therapist is a trained professional who will not do anything to hurt you.  However, feel free to speak up if anything is painful, ticklish or uncomfortable in any way.

• Contrary to a common notion in our society, massage is an ancient healing art and not a sexual service.  Feelings and thoughts may occur during the massage.  However, sexual behavior during the massage is inappropriate and will result in termination of the session.

• Very often your body releases tension during a massage and your mind may experience emotion.  If you suddenly feel sad, angry or joyful, don’t be alarmed or ashamed.  If you like, allow yourself to express these feeling by laughing, crying or talking.  At the very least, feel free to sigh with relief or hum with pleasure.

• Many people fall asleep during a massage — an indication that your body and mind are relaxed.  Some people say they experience a deeper sleep in a massage than they do at night.  This is because the subconscious mind follows the therapist’s hands, rather than focusing on negative issues and events, or other distressing thoughts.

• Massage therapy reduces pain, enhances joint and muscle functionality, improves circulation and general body tone and relieves mental and physical fatigue.  We hope that your massage is both enjoyable and beneficial and that the experience will be the beginning of a life long practice to help you enjoy the best possible quality of life!

To book a session CALL (415) 921-1290


We take appointments by REQUEST or REFERRAL

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Leave a Comment:

Karen Wong says July 26, 2018

I have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, anxiety, and trigger points in the shoulder, neck, mid- and lower back which my doctors believe are referring pain to my forehead/sinuses. I am currently undergoing treatment at Kaiser’s Physical Therapy and Acupuncture Departments, and am a member of LiveFitGym where I receive two massages/month and chiropractic adjustments of the lower back for sciatica pain. For the past year, I have woken up every morning with pain across my forehead. I hope this gives you some insight into my current health status. Thank you!

Reply
    Irene says September 12, 2018

    Hi Karen,
    Sorry for the delay in replying.

    I’m glad you found this helpful. If you’re still experiencing pain, I personally would be happy to speak with you to see if and how I might be able to help you relieve it, once and for all.

    If your diagnosis of trigger points is accurate, there is an extremely high chance that we can help you.

    Give us a call ay 415-921-1290.
    ~Irene

    Reply
Dr Travis says February 26, 2020

The benefits of massage are greatly enhanced when you are completely relaxed. I was looking for the benefits of massage really found it helpful. Would there any side effect of massage?

Reply
Hermiston says February 26, 2020

No doubt Massage is the best treatment for Reducing anxiety and managing low back pain. You have discussed the types of massage in an excellent way. Me
and my fellows were deciding to have a massage treatment. I find your article really helpful. I will definitely follow

Reply
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