Getting a massage is an investment in your wellbeing. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your service.
Hydrate BEFORE your service.
We often hear people suggest you drink water after a massage, but it’s more effective to hydrate before your service. Our muscles, joints and skin are all impacted by our level of hydration. Drinking plenty of fluids in the days leading up to your massage can help you get more relief from your massage.
For maximum stress relief, decrease sympathetic stimulation before AND after your massage.
Stress causes a physical reaction in our body and it takes time to recover. It’s hard to avoid stress, but there are practical ways we can decrease it to maximize the results achieved by your massage service. Avoid feeling stressed during your drive by giving yourself extra time to arrive. Skip that extra cup of coffee or caffeinated beverage. When possible, schedule your service on a day that will allow you to spend some time relaxing after your massage.
Make sure your physical needs are met.
Physical discomfort can cause distractions during your massage session. Before your service, it’s a good idea to visit the restroom. Also, consider your meals to avoid discomfort cause hunger or bloating.
Help yourself relax during your massage.
Start by making sure you’re comfortable. Inform your therapist if you need adjustments to temperature, music, body positioning, massage techniques, etc. Your communication is vital to customizing your service so you get the most out of your service.
If your brain is being too busy to let you relax, try these techniques to help your body move into a parasympathetic state faster:
- Taking deep, even and slow breaths helps stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system response.
- Tell your brain it’s time to relax and it’s okay to let these thoughts wait.
- Let thoughts come and go like butterflies, clouds or leaves floating on water.
- Visualize a place you find relaxing and imagine what you can see, feel and hear.
- Concentrate on the sensations you are feeling in your body (without judgement) as the massage techniques manipulate your tissue.
- Imagine your body growing heavy and feel it sinking into the table.
- Some people find humming in a low vibration tone helpful in achieving relaxation.
Be patient with yourself. Some days our nervous system is more overstimulated than others and can take longer to calm. It’s okay if your brain is busy. You are still going to benefit from your massage service.
Practice relaxation.
Relaxation is a skill and the more you practice, the better your body will get at responding to these techniques. Getting regular massage can be useful in strengthening this skill, but it shouldn’t be the only time you practice. Try a variety of relaxation techniques to find the ones that you enjoy and then practice them often. The more you do these techniques, the more effective they will become. Over time, you can develop a toolbox to be used to help you manage times of stress.
Ready to relax?