by Kat Kim, LMT
A good therapist will have the skills to read your body and get in tune with you. However, since you are IN your body and they are not, a little direction always helps!
You’ve booked your appointment. Here’s how you can help take it from a massage to an amazing massage.
1. Time management will help you relax. Schedule a time when you know you can get there hassle free, as well as having a buffer to get your next destination. Arrive a few minutes early to ensure your full amount of time on the table. If it’s your first time at a new establishment, arrive 10 minutes early to fill out paperwork.
2.Tune out the world. Turn off your phone and give yourself a break from the emf’s, incessant ping of calls and messages, and the feeling of needing to be available. Most likely, everything will be fine if you keep your phone on airplane mode for the duration of your massage. Let someone know where you will be in case of an emergency. You’ve carved out the time for yourself so own it!
3. Tune in to your body. We live in such a stimulating world, we often forget to really tune into ourselves. Do your best to shut off the chatter and try not to over-analyze the situation. Relax and receive. Allowing yourself to receive the best the therapist has for you will help them get in touch with you and give their best. Use the opportunity to honor your body and recognize where you may be holding tension. Pay attention to any emotions, visions, or sensations you feel and see what you can learn from them.
4. Communication is key. Clearly communicate your needs to your therapist so they can best serve you. Be specific about areas of concern so they can truly customize your session. Some people may want an orthopedic, medical, or sports style massage to address specific aches and pains while others just want stress relief and relaxation. Massage is great for both. Also feel free to let your therapist know if there’s areas you prefer not to have worked on at the time.
5. Breathe deeply from your diaphragm. Deep breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system, allowing you to deepen into relaxation and enhance the benefits of massage therapy. It will also help your therapist to sense areas of difficulty so they can help facilitate release.
6. Get comfortable and speak up if you need to. If anything regarding music, your temperature, pillows, scents, or anything is irking you, let your therapist know. If you feel like you’d like more or less pressure in any area of your body, let them know as well.
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