10 Ways to improve Your Massage

I did not write this piece, but found it helpful and cannot find who wrote it. So enjoy. 

1. Breathe. Throughout the massage, breathe slowly and deeply using your diaphragm. The easiest way to do this is to imagine you have a beach ball in your stomach. When you inhale the beach ball inflates, expanding your tummy, and when you exhale, the ball deflates. The chest and shoulders should move very little. This will help you relax and creates better oxygen exchange.

2. Communicate. Be sure to communicate. Let her/him know how much pressure you like, when to use less and when to use more. Remember: its your massage so make sure you enjoy it.

3. Stay present. Yes, your desk isn’t that far away. But try to distance yourself from it in the few minutes you are in the chair. When outside thoughts stray into your mind, acknowledge that they are there and that you will address them after the massage. Then refocus on the sensations in your body.

4. Take a break. All it takes is five minutes after your massage. Take a walk outside for some fresh air or sit down in the break room and clear your mind before going right back to work. Enjoy the way you are feeling.

5. Breathe.

6. Drink water. When you get massaged, toxins are washed out of your muscles and into your blood stream. Drinking lots of water before and after your massage will help cleanse your body of those toxins. And NO, a soft drink does not count!

7. Be timely. Getting to your appointment on time (or even a little early) will avoid the feeling of being rushed and your body will relax faster once in the chair.

8. Let go. Give yourself permission to let go of stress and tight areas. Allow yourself to soften more and more into the chair with each exhale. Allow yourself to feel good.

9. Listen. Listen to your body by focusing on the area(s) being worked on and then scan your whole body for areas that may be holding tension. Once you find these areas, let them go (refer to #8).

10. Breathe.