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Massage Tips and Info
Daves answers to some frequently asked questions.
What are the benefits, both mentally and physically, of your various services?
The benefits of massage are too numerous to fit here. An extremely basic list of benefits reads like the following.
- Improved flow of lymphatic fluid throughout your body for better cleansing of toxins.
- Improved breathing so as to provide a rich supply of oxygen to your blood as well as to
balance your nervous system.
- Relaxation of your nervous system allowing for the production of endorphins, which
play an important role in healing and pain management.
- Improved flow of nutrient rich oxygenated blood throughout your body.
- Improved mobility and flexibility as well as reliefe of muscle tension and stress.
- Improved balance in your Body, Mind & Spirit.
These are just some of the basic benefits. Above all, after a session your mind is more
clear, quiet and focused. When mixed with the above, one turns on the bodies natural
healing & stress managing power.
Why should I drink plenty of water after my massage?
Massage is well known to increase circulatory functions in the body. This combined with the squeezing and flushing of the muscles causes any stagnant toxins to move toward the liver and kidneys. Drinking plenty of water afterward insures that these toxins don’t build up and linger in the kidneys.
In addition to the above, drinking extra water helps to re-hydrate the muscles, enhancing the vibrant and rejuvenating effects of the massage.
Why is it recommended that I take a short walk right after my massage?
Massage has a powerful effect on the nervous system, which controls special glands that release certain chemicals into the body that determine whether you feel stressed or relaxed. When you are stressed, you are feeling the effects of too much adrenalin in your body. Massage reduces the production of this chemical and stimulates the release of other chemicals known as endorphins, which make you feel relaxed.
After your massage, you will feel very relaxed. In some cases, you will feel sleepy, because your brain thinks that this relaxation means that it is bed time. Taking a short walk after the massage allows for a slight release of adrenalin back into the system. The result is a relaxed, but wide awake and rejuvenated feeling.
What if someone doesn't feel comfortable getting undressed?
It is quite common for a new client to have reservations because she or he doesn’t want to be undressed in front of the massage therapist. It’s also a common public misconception that it is absolutely necessary to disrobe while getting a massage. Any seasoned veteran to Massage & Bodywork will tell you that there are lots of variations to massage that don’t require removing your clothes. I will go over these variations right away, but first, in fairness to the “disrobing” styles, I would like to make a brief statement.
The traditional Swedish Massage along with some other popular Bodywork styles incorporate lotions on the skin. It goes without saying that clothes would get in the way in those cases. It is important to consider that, even though the client disrobes down to their underwear, they do this in a private room while the therapist waits outside. Once the client fully covers him or herself with a thick warm sheet and blanket the therapist re-enters the room to begin the massage. Throughout the session, the sheet & blanket are carefully folded and tucked to gain access to specific areas, such as the feet, arms, back, etc. The client’s privacy and comfort are the top priority. Never is a private area exposed.
I work on a wide range of clientele from all walks of life. Some clients, for example, don’t want me to touch their feet, so they wear socks and I leave their feet out and focus elsewhere. No questions asked. From the feet to feeling too overweight; I’ve heard it all,. My main objective is to have the client relax, and if that will help achieve the goal, then I’m happy to accommodate.
Now… One great alternative to the “disrobing” kind of massage is to enjoy a Shiatsu style massage which can easily be received while wearing sweat pants and a tee shirt. Traditional Shiatsu & Acupressure are based on the same principles as Acupuncture. Instead of inserting needles, the Shiatsu therapist uses gentle massage & finger pressure mixed with breathing and stretching to revitalize your whole body and mind.
Another great alternative is Reflexology, which focuses, almost fully on the feet and hands to refresh your entire system by pressing reflex points that connect to other areas in the body.
There are endless variations and alternatives to disrobing that can be offered by, not just me, but any experienced, professional and ethical therapist. I invite anyone with questions to feel free to call me to discuss it further.