Maximizing Massage
By Ariana Vincent, RMT, MTI
Massage can be a powerful tool to help your body optimally perform its countless functions in its goal to maintain a healthy balance. Why not do everything you can to get the best possible results from every massage? There are some things you can do before, during and after your massage therapy sessions to enhance and prolong the beneficial effects.
BEFORE YOUR SESSION… Clear communication is the key to every successful relationship. Be prepared to tell your massage therapist about anything that may be affecting your health, well-being or mobility. Tell your therapist if there is an area that is particularly sensitive or if there is a special area where you might be feeling tension or tightness. Let your therapist know if there are techniques that you don't like or something you especially like. Select the type of therapy that you feel will be most beneficial to you. Leave yourself enough time to get to the massage studio in a relaxed manner. Be as receptive and open to the process as possible.
DURING YOUR SESSION... Share what’s going on. If you have a tender spot or an injured area, bring it up so it can be addressed. If you feel you need more pressure or a lighter touch, please say so. Specify your preferences and report any discomfort, whether it is from the massage or due to any distractions related to the environment, e.g., room temperature, music volume, or lighting. Quiet your mind by focusing your attention on the session — really get in tune with your sense of receiving touch. Don't think you have to carry on a conversation. Sometimes talking can be a way of externalizing feelings, unburdening yourself and opening up. Sometimes being silent can be a way of letting go of thoughts. This is a time to relax, refresh and rejuvenate as well as to feel, breathe, and visualize healing. If you find your thoughts are racing, quiet your mind by mentally following the hands of the therapist and focusing on how healing and relaxing touch feels. Slow, deep breathing will provide your body with much-needed oxygen, while signaling your body to let go of its tensions. Relaxing inhales and exhales send a chemical message that triggers muscular as well as emotional relaxation. Breathe consciously during your massage. Visualize letting your tension go with each breath, if you're ready to let go.
AFTER YOUR SESSION... Allow for some relaxing, quiet time after your massage. Give yourself time to integrate and absorb the results of the massage session. This allows the massage to settle into the body. Drink plenty of water. Massage releases waste products and toxins from your muscles. Increasing your fluid intake lowers this toxicity. Your muscles like to be moist.
Take responsibility for your own healing. Schedule your next session. By treating yourself to regular massages, you will be helping yourself to function at optimum level. The therapeutic effects of massage are cumulative, so the more often you receive massage, the better you will feel and the more quickly your body will respond. In the long run, you stand to enjoy much better health gains through consistent sessions. Come back often. Nothing is more important than your well-being, so make taking care of yourself a high priority.
Ariana Vincent, RMT, MTI
Ariana Vincent Massage Therapy
POB 684036
Austin, TX 78768
512-921-9319
avincent1@austin.rr.com
www.arianavincent.com
This article was posted by Ariana Vincent
