Slow down, breathe, relax & let it all go . . .

Maybe it’s your first time ever getting a massage, or the first time in a long time. Maybe it’s the first session scheduled after a bad experience with another provider. Perhaps you are one of the few who don’t particularly enjoy getting a massage, but you feel you need one. Or possibly you love massages and highly look forward to them, but wonder if there’s more that could be done to enhance the session. Maybe you just want to try something new. Or it could be that you’re looking for something extra in the event of a birthday, holiday, or some other celebration.

Massage in the colder months can be wonderful, easing the stress and tension often associated with the coming holidays, shorter days and harsher weather. 

Below, we share ways to make your session cozier and more enjoyable:

Aromatherapy: Essential Oils, Scented Body Butters, and the like are wonderful ways to enhance the desired outcomes for your session. For example, eucalyptus and mint can aid in clearing sinuses and make breathing easier, while lavender or chamomile can induce relaxation and aid in relieving stress. Other topicals have the potential benefit of soothing muscle aches. The main benefits of the aromatherapy massage are reduction of stress and anxiety, decrease in muscle tension and pain relief. It also helps to reduce the symptoms of depression, control inflammation and help with headaches. Whether topically applied, or breathed in, aromatherapy is highly recommended.

Breath: The breath can make a major difference in how you perceive your session. Deep, steady breaths naturally relax the body, decreasing feelings of stress and tension, and heightening relaxation. When you focus on your breathing during a massage session, it can help declutter and calm an overactive and stressed mind. Deep breathing can also make your blood pressure decrease, drop your pulse rate and allow for better blood flow and oxygenation of your organs and muscles. It can relax or release tension in the muscles, allowing for less perceived pain.

Change: Mix things up. If you’re used to getting therapeutic massage only, try a relaxing Swedish Massage. Go for a longer or shorter session than usual. Add-in another modality, like a facial or dry brushing. Never had a Reflexology Session? This is your time. Trying new things helps you to learn what you like most and what works best for you. You may discover that you actually prefer a gentler session, that you need more attention on certain areas such as your low back, or that you benefit more from lymphatic drainage or craniosacral therapy versus massage.

Comfort: Only undress as much as you’re comfortable with. Speak up about pressure. If something isn’t feeling tolerable or particularly safe, let your practitioner know. And ask questions if you’re unsure about something or want more clarity and information. We are here for you, and want all our treatments to be client-centered and -focused.

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As summer unwinds and fall begins, it’s time for us to allow our bodies to do the same.

Communication: It’s important to address and discuss your massage preferences and expectations, what you would like to get out of your session, and any concerns, reservations, or questions you may have. The Massage Therapist will be happy to talk through things with you for clarity and to ease your mind, so that you can have the best possible appointment.

Coziness: Ask for a pillow and/or blanket. Usually the therapist will have at least one, if not several, on hand. Feeling warm and cozy adds to a serene atmosphere, and helps you to feel safe and relaxed.

Mellow: If possible, ask if the lights in the room can be turned down. A darkened room lends to a tranquil ambience, so that peacefulness is better achieved. If it is not possible to turn down the lights, see if an eye mask might be available. Keep your eyes closed or covered, and/or darkening the room, also allows you to focus more on your session and relax. You may even find that you’re able to take a little nap!

Melodious: Massage music usually consists of classical music, instrumentals and nature sounds to aid in creating calm and peace. Many find this music very soothing. Try to focus on the melodies while deep breathing, and feel tension and stress melt away. 

Cozy
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Giving a feeling of comfort, warmth, & relaxation

Nourishment: Some spas and massage practices offer water or other drinks, and sometimes even snacks, to their clients. At our facility, patrons are welcome to take a free bottle of water, and we also offer crackers, granola bars, and hard candies. Massage and bodywork can sometimes cause temporary dizziness, a decrease in blood pressure, mild dehydration, and for some, a drop in blood sugar. It is a good idea to hydrate and have a small nutritious snack after massage, just like you would after exercise, as massage and bodywork similarly works the muscles.

Openness: Be willing to accept any suggestions the Massage Therapist has for your session, as well as open to trying new things. You may come in expecting one thing, while something else is better suited to your preferences and desired outcomes. Consider seeing a different practitioner than the one you are used to, as well; everyone has different areas of knowledge, experience and expertise, and different ways of applying the same techniques. You may find you prefer one therapist for a relaxation massage, and another for more therapeutic work, or that you like different therapists depending on the different areas you want focus on. 

Presence: Along with focusing on breathwork and the music (above), take in the atmosphere of the massage room, and pay attention to the different sensations – the warmth of the table, the soothing massage strokes, the smell of the lotion – allowing yourself to thoroughly embrace the experience and immerse yourself in relaxation.

Upgrade: Upgrading your session with add-ins and add-ons is a wonderful way to make a typical session feel a little more luxurious, while also providing the opportunity to try something new. Suggestions of session enhancements include Dry Brushing, Body Butter or CBD Lotion instead of a standard lotion, or including a facial.

Warmth: Incorporate a Table Warmer, the use of Hot Stones and/or Hot Towels. These all add warmth, which can lend to greater relaxation and comfort. But they also have the benefit of easing muscle tension and achiness, calming the nervous system, increasing blood flow and improving muscle flexibility, and relaxing achy muscles.

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Simple changes or additions may be just what you need to supplement, upgrade, or uplift your experience. Trying one or more of these enhancements provides the potential for increasing your relaxation, positively intensifying your experience, and helping the benefits of your session to last longer. We want you to absolutely get the most out of your time, and to leave from your appointment feeling wonderful for days, or even weeks after.

You deserve a healing, relaxing, stress-relieving massage.