What to Expect When You Get a Massage

 
There are many places to get a massage. Consider going to a registered massage therapist for your first experience.

If you’ve never had a massage before it might be worthwhile starting with a gentle, full body massage. The first thing you might want to know is that whoever is doing the massage is going to ask you to take off all your clothes. If you’ve got an issue with being nude in front of a stranger, you really do not have to worry! It is like going into a doctor’s office. The masseuse or masseur will give you time to prepare on your own and will also give you something to drape yourself in.

The next thing that is going to occur is they will ask you to lie down face first on a fairly high padded table. There will be an open place to put your face so you will be comfortable during your massage. Leave all your jewelry at home because you will be asked to take it off when you arrive. Also, if you are wearing makeup, you might want to remove it before your session. It’s also a good idea to plan your appointment after work or on a day you have nothing else to do. That way you can go home and absorb all the benefits of the massage you just received.

There are different ways the massage therapist prepares you for your massage. Some like to start by placing warm towels on your body and just allowing you to relax completely. There will be soft music playing in the background. There are a number of oils or lotions that are used for the actual massage and the therapist will ask what scent you prefer. Oil is sometimes heated to a comfortable temperature.

A massage will normally take about an hour. Whoever is giving the massage will often start with your shoulders, neck, and your back. This is the least sensitive part of your body and is probably a place you are used to having someone touch. The next area that will probably be massaged is your lower legs and your feet. Let them know if you are very sensitive in the foot area because many massage therapists will do reflexology.

As you get more relaxed with the massage you are receiving, the therapist will begin to massage areas that are a little more sensitive. This will include the buttocks and the upper thighs. After about half an hour they will ask you to turn over on the massage table so they can massage the front of your body. The private parts of your body will be kept covered at this time. The therapist will work on your arms, hands, upper chest area, and abdomen. Having your abdomen massaged is very good for your digestive system, and is something that you can learn to do at home. They will continue working on your legs and finally on your feet.

The last part of your body the massage therapist works on is normally the face. This is totally voluntary and you can ask that they not massage it, especially if you are going back to work.
After you have received your massage, you will normally be given about 10 minutes to just lie and relax and enjoy. Some massage schools have showers available for their clients. You might want to check that out when you make your appointment because otherwise you will want to wear clothing to put on an oily body after you have finished your massage.