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What do I wear during a massage? Should I have an hour massage? How often should I get a massage? What if I have joint replacements? Why do Massage therapists use oil?
The most important aspects of massage are touch and the nervous system. Massage is safe, non-sexual touch. We all know how good it feels to get a hug, or have someone hold our hand. Massage provides a time where people can simply enjoy receiving nurturing touch in a neutral space and way. At the same time, the therapist ‘listens’ to the client’s body throughout the massage to see what that particular client needs that day.
Our nervous system is stimulated all day every day. That’s why people get ‘stressed out’. Their nervous system has had too much stimulation and they need a way to relax and put some distance between themselves and their normal day to day routine. Easier said than done!!! This stimulation often engages the part of the nervous system called ‘fight or flight’, or the sympathetic nervous system. The other side of that is the parasympathetic nervous system. In parasympathetic mode, our heartbeats slow, our breath deepens and digestion is given a rest since it is easily aggravated by stress.
What do I wear during a massage? Some clients like to keep their underwear on, and some prefer not to. Clients are left alone in the treatment room to undress and get under the sheets and/or covers that are ready for the client on the massage table. The linens are called draping by Massage Therapists. The client always has privacy. If you are uncomfortable with this, tell your massage therapist. There are techniques that can be used while the client is fully clothed, such as a compression massage, acupressure, reflexology and Shiatsu.
Should I have an hour or half hour massage? The most benefit will come from an hour massage. Client’s often think ‘My shoulder hurts’ and would just like their shoulder worked. However, it is common that your shoulder hurts because your hip is too tight, for example. This is why Massage Therapists recommend an hour massage. Often, people are accustomed to tension in their bodies. Clients are frequently surprised at areas of tenderness where they thought they had none. This is good for the client, since they have a new awareness of their bodies after the massage. Be sure to ask your therapist any questions you might have after the massage so you don’t go away wondering about something.
How often should I get a massage? Some people get one once a week, some once a month! A monthly or bi-monthly massage is a benefit for most people. If you have specific areas that need to be worked out through massage, it may be hard for your therapist to tell you how many sessions that could be. This is because everyone’s body is different and reacts differently, making it difficult to predict how long it will be to resolve a particular area.
I have or am going to have joint replacements. Can I still get massage? To regain movement after surgeries such as knee or hip replacement, targeted massage both before and after the operation is the most beneficial. The massage before the operation brings tone and increased blood flow, thus increased nutrients, to muscle tissue surrounding the joint. Massage after does that same thing, and helps break up scar tissue which means smoother muscle and better movements.
Why do you use oil to massage? There are many products that can be used for massage. Lotions, oil, oil blends and water based blends are all available. Your therapist probably assumes that you don’t have a preference if you don’t say anything. In general, oil is best for relaxation massage, since it allows for the longest, smoothest strokes. Gels are a combination of oil and lotion, so they work best for a combination of nice gliding stokes and shorter, more focused strokes. To therapists, there are many different levels here, and a therapist’s choice of medium for massage may also include spiritual reasons as well as tactile ones. Most therapists use organic products that pamper your skin at the same time.
Lastly, skin is the largest organ in the body. It keeps our body’s temperature even, is the first barrier against infection, and holds our body together. Take good care of your skin and it will take good care of you.
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BLOSSOM MASSAGE |
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42 Spring Street Unit 9 Newport, RI 02840 401.849.3099 |
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Relax & Renew |