Have you been holding off on a massage because you are unsure what to expect? Are you maximizing the benefits of a massage by taking the proper steps after a massage? Here are a few pointers to follow before and after your massage to make the most of your experience.
How to prepare for your massage:
Hydrate!
This is important not only before your massage but also after your massage. During a massage your massage therapist loosens your muscles, your body begins breaking up and releasing the built-up toxins throughout your body. Even though a massage helps with oxygen circulation throughout your body, a massage, in general, can be a dehydrating process. You want to make sure you stay hydrated before and after to help flush those toxins released throughout the massage process.
Dress comfortable and in loose clothes
Dressing comfortably and in loose clothes helps you prepare for your massage and feel more relaxed and comfortable after your massage. When you go to your massage room, you’ll be asked to undress to your comfort level. For some, that may mean removing all of your clothing; others may feel more comfortable keeping their undergarments on. Wearing loose clothes helps make undressing a little easier. You’ll then find a warm blanket on the massage table that you slip underneath. After your massage is over, slipping back into comfortable clothes makes it a little faster, easier and helps keep tight clothes from pressing against areas that may be a little tender from the massage.
Give yourself time
A massage should be a relaxing time. A chance to let the stress and tension be released. Making sure you know where to go, where to park, and give yourself enough time to get there will help put you in more of a relaxed state of mind throughout the entire massage. At Buffalo Holistic Center, we are centrally located in the heart of Kenmore. We have parking in front and the rear of our building, plus street parking.
During your massage:
Breathe…
Breathing is an important part of relaxing, and a relaxed body will benefit the most from a massage. Your therapist will be working on loosening your muscles, which may cause moments of added stress and tension. Our first instinct is usually to hold our breath and tense up. As hard as it is at times, breathe through the massage. Your therapist can feel when you are holding your breath and will encourage you along the way.
Communicate
Though it may feel like your therapist is a mind reader, they can only tell so much. Make sure you keep an open dialogue with your massage therapist. Do you want an area of your body worked on more than others? Do you like a firm massage to work out all the muscle soreness, or do you want a more relaxing massage? Keep the lines of communication open to get the most out of your time.
You may fall asleep
Please do not fear falling asleep during your massage. This is more common than you think. Massages help provide relief and relaxation, so if you fall asleep during the process, we are flattered we helped bring you to that state of relaxation you doze off.
After your massage
Take a moment
Never feel rushed throughout the process of your massage. After your massage is over, please take your time to get dressed, and we will meet you at the front desk.
Hydrate
We mentioned in preparing for your massage. We have water available for you, but make sure you keep drinking throughout the rest of the day. You want to get the most out of your massage, and that includes flushing out the toxins that were released.
Schedule your next massage
As you leave, make sure you schedule your next massage!
