Here you will find answers to common concerns regarding the massage experience from the Receiver’s point of view, and ways to best prepare for the session.
Receiving a massage seems pretty easy. Go in. Lie down. Relax…
Piece of cake, right?
Yeah, well, some people are not familiar with the massage process and don’t know what to expect.
This page was created for people who have never gotten a massage or have had very little massage so that you can know what to expect and be more comfortable so that you can relax more.
Before the Massage…
- If you are going to the massage therapists office, arrive 5 minutes early so that you can fill out an information form or update the Giver on how you feel.
- If the massage therapist is coming to you, be very clear about directions, parking and any flights of stairs the therapist may encounter. For tips on preparing the space, please read this page. Don’t forget to leave sufficient space for a massage table AND at least 2 feet in all directions around the table for the massage therapist work.
- Be very clear about your boundaries. For example, if you don’t like your feet massaged, please say so. The giver won’t know until you mention it.
- Disclose any current (and relevant past) medical issues, especially those dealing with circulation, pregnancy, skin, chronic diseases and injuries. Also, read this page.
- Explain any allergies to massage or essential oils and/or nuts
- Drink lots of water… Staying hydrated will help flush out toxins during the massage.
- You might want to take a hot shower or sauna before the massage, which will warm up the tissue and allow the therapist to safely go deeper more quickly.(As a side note, please be conscious of personal hygiene and odor. It is really unpleasant to massage someone that just age an entire bulb of garlic or haven’t washed their feet recently. If the Giver is uncomfortable, it is most likely that you will be, too,)
During the Massage…
The most important thing to know is this…
ALWAYS EXPRESS WHAT YOU ARE FEELING, ESPECIALLY IF YOU ARE UNCOMFORTABLE. IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY, SAY IT!
I apologize for emphasizing this, but it is so important for the Receiver to speak up. When the Receiver expresses their needs it makes the Giver’s experience so much easier and more pleasant. Everybody has a better time when the Receiver is comfortable.
Here are some things you might want to request during the massage:
- Drink of Water
- Temperature change in room (too hot or too cold) or blanket
- Massage is too deep or not deep enough (but please read about Deep Tissue in regards to this one)
- A break from the massage to go to the bathroom
- Body repositioning or extra cushioning
- A tissue to blow nose (especially when lying face down)
And don’t forget to breathe during the massage. You’d be surprised how many people hold their breath. Breathing slowly, consciously and rhythmically will help you relax more quickly.
FAQs about Receiving a Massage
Do I have to be naked? Will I be exposed?
For most types of massage, the experience is best received when fully undressed, however you should never feel exposed. The Giver will cover you with a sheet (called Draping) and will only expose the body parts being worked on at that time. The sheet will fully cover all private parts. If you are uncomfortable with being fully undressed, undress to the point that is comfortable to you. I should also mention here that many laws require that you keep your underwear on when receiving a professional massage, but in practice many massage therapists do not enforce the rule. Besides, the gluteal muscles and hip area are some of the most important muscles to work on. So, from a massage therapist point of view underwear can restrict our ability to fully work on the body in a way that will free it up the most. Your genitals will never be touched in therapeutic massage. If they are, stop the massage and leave. More on this on the boundaries page.
What if I become aroused?
Erections are not offensive to most therapists. They are a natural by-product of massage because blood circulation is increased with massage. It is sexual behavior with the erection that is offensive and grounds for the therapist stopping the massage immediately. There is no reason to be embarrassed for being aroused, but don’t make the therapist deal with any sexual energy. Most of the therapists I know consider their work very sacred and will kick anyone out that crosses their boundaries.
Other bodily functions that may occur are…
- Nausea or dizziness
- Urge to go to the bathroom (especially during abdominal massage)
- Gas and gurgling from the abdomen
- Hunger
I started to cry during a massage once. Is that normal?
Our bodies contain “cellular memory” which records feelings from our past when they aren’t released properly. Massage can release these feelings sometimes, which can evoke a range of emotions. It may seem like that’s crazy because there is no obvious reason for the emotions, but what the body is doing is cleansing the body of the emotions from that past experience. When something like that happens, the best thing to do is stay calm and allow yourself the space to feel what you are feeling.
(However, if this is happening every time you get a massage, it is best to seek out someone who is better trained to deal with the emotional body, like a counselor or psychologist.)
What if the therapist is making passes at me during the massage or touching me inappropriately?
This is a challenging topic to cover briefly. The most simple way to state how I feel about this is ALWAYS TRUST YOUR GUT FEELING. Stop the massage immediately and explain to the therapist how you are feeling and why. Depending on how the therapist reacts or how offensive the touch was, you may leave immediately or you may consider continuing the massage as long as the therapist fully respects your boundaries and you feel that perhaps the intent was misread. But if your instinct tells you to get out, or if the therapist continues to touch or act inappropriately or crosses your boundaries, leave immediately.