How to Get the Most Out of Your Massage
You would want your Thai massage to be the best experience for you and your body. Here are some tips to help you get the most our of your massage.
Be prepared for the massage
Don’t eat just before a massage session. It is important your body can digest your meal first. Try to be on time to avoid a rushed, stress state of mind which will take you longer to relax.
Discuss your needs and physical history with your massage therapist
Let the massage therapist know your expectations and reasons for the massage. Talking about your overall health with your massage therapist will help to consider your physical condition, stress levels and areas of physical pain that can affect your massage. This also helps the massage therapist to structure the session and help you decide what massage is the best fit for you. Don’t forget to mention any allergies to oils, lotions, powders – the therapist may use oil, lotion or powders during the massage, if you are allergic the massage therapist can choose a substitute.
During the massage
Remember to breathe normally, as it helps relaxation. Recognize where you limit your breathing as it may indicate an area that is sensitive or your feel anxious about having massaged. Relax your muscles and your mind. It is counterproductive to tighten up by contracting or hardening your muscles during the massage. Let your massage therapist know when you feel your muscles tigthen. They may need to adjust the pressure or massage technique they are using to help relax that specific area. If you find keep thinking about work or to do’s during the massage, try to center your focus on the hands and movement of the massage therapist and the feeling to quiet your mind and be more body-centered.
Communicate your preferences
Tell your massage therapist if you prefer not too have music played during your therapy session, talk or not talk, and what pressure you prefer. If you’re uncomfortable at any time, you should also tell your massage therapist.
After the massage
Allow yourself some open, quiet time after the massage and do not get up too quickly. If you feel dizzy or light headed after the massage, stay down a little longer. It usually takes a while to integrate or absorb the results of the massage session. Drink extra water after your massage as this helps the healing benefits of the massage. Several massage session at regular intervals results in the greatest long term benefits. The therapeutic effects of massage mean that the more often you receive a massage the better you feel and the more quickly your body will respond in a positive way, increasing relaxation and breaking chronic patterns of stress in the body. Especially if you are dealing with chronic muscular tension or recovery from a soft tissue injury, more than one session will be needed.