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Because massage is not a common part of our contemporary cultural experience, many people feel uneasy about receiving their first massage. Here are a few guidelines to help you feel at ease and to gain the greatest benefit from your massage therapy session.

The best way to receive a massage is with the body completely unclothed. The therapist is sensitive to the need for privacy and will keep your body covered with a sheet or blanket, except for the specific area being massaged.

When the therapist locates an area of pain or tension in your body, consciously try to relax that specific area. As you inhale deeply, visualize the breath flowing into the tense area and relaxing it. As you fully exhale, visualize the tension leaving the body with the breath.

Allow the therapist to gently move your limbs into various positions. Be limp, like a rag doll, and try not to help move your arms, legs, or head. The therapist is a trained professional who will not do anything to hurt you.

Very often, as the body releases tension during a massage, the mind will emotion. If you suddenly feel sad, angry, or joyful, do not be alarmed. Allow yourself to express these feelings by crying for laughing. At the very least, feel free to sigh with relaxation or hum with pleasure. Tune in to your body and sense what it is telling you.

Many people fall asleep during the massage, as an indication that the body and mind are releasing stress and tension. The therapist will gently wake you when it is time to turn over or end the session.

We hope that your massage is both enjoyable and beneficial and that this will be the beginning of a lifelong practice to help you enjoy the best possible health and relaxation in your busy life.