Your First Massage
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If this is your first massage, your only job during the session is to breathe, relax, and to be nurtured...
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Breathe: During the massage there are a few things to choose from as far as your attention goes. The music, my hands, the sensations on your skin and muscles, etc. At any given time if you are not sure where to place your attention –your breathing is always a good choice. That doesn’t mean you’ll be hyperventilating or “trying” to breathe in any particular way. Just notice how you are breathing, pay attention to it every now and again.
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Relax: If you are not familiar with massage you may have some image of someone hacking away at your muscles with “karate” chops. Or, beating your muscles into submission or bending your body into a pretzel. This is not what the methods at Kneading Wellness or most other modern massage techniques look like. It is about relaxing while your muscles benefit from many years of experience, so. My table is very comfortable, the aromatherapy oils are designed to help you further relax and the music will help to carry you away.
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Be Nurtured: That's your job during the session. This is YOUR massage, time you've set aside for some well deserved nurturing. A Guru once told me “If you are too busy to meditate, you are too busy.” That’s how I feel about massage. If you keep thinking “I’ll relax and take time for myself tomorrow…” You will find a huge store of yesterdays filled with pain from accumulated stress much more quickly than you ever imagined. Or, perhaps you are already there...
Tips: Here are some suggestions and things to remember for a pleasant massage experience. Read more>>
Temperature: If you are cold or too warm, please let me know. Be aware that during a massage the lotions and oils that are applied to your skin can pull the heat out of your body or simply make it seem cooler in the room. If you are chilly, I can add a blanket, turn up the heating pad on the table or adjust the ambient temperature with a space heater. If too warm in the summer we can always open a window or possibly have a fan available. If you think the room may not be warm enough be sure to mention it on the phone when we schedule the appointment so I can be sure to bring a heater.
Conversation: Your massage is YOUR massage. This is time set aside for you. If you wish to ask questions during your session, please feel free to do so. If you prefer silence that's fine too. Be aware that during some types of massage some level of communication is required to provide you with the desired outcome. But, do not feel obligated to carry on a conversation during the massage - you can relax more if talk is kept to a minimum and I will be able to focus on the work. That being said, a little feedback about pressure, trigger points, or an occasional "grunt" about how you are doing is always welcomed.
After the Massage: Hydrate after your massage session with plenty of water (enough to make your urine clear). Your body weight in ounces is recommended on a daily basis, this is even more important after a massage. Most people who feel achey the day after a massage either forgot or ignored my reminder to drink plenty of water in the 48 hours after the session. If you don't drink enough water, you may feel worse the next day, like a cold was coming on or very fatigued. This just means that your body is still cleaning itself out. To further prevent soreness your Kneading Wellness massage session should be followed with a bath in epsom salt, baking soda, and sea salt (about 1 cup of each) or a bath in apple cider vinegar (approx. 1 pint). This will assist the body in removing toxins and any physical soreness that resides after the treatment. You may also want to refrain from vigorous exercise for 24 hours after a massage, unless your massage is designed for a pre-determined sporting event. Proper stretching is helpful in maintaining the increased flexibility that you may experience after your massage.
