Holistic Massage School Shares: Six Secrets to Receiving a Great Massage

“By now, most people know that a massage therapy can substantially soothe your mind and body, and are aware of its impressive health benefits”, said Harmony Curtiss, Director for Healing Hands School of Holistic Health – Laguna Hills. “Since few therapies are as up-close-and-personal as Massage, we thought it could be helpful to share the inside scoop on how clients can enjoy the best possible massage experience. Toward that end, we asked our community of Massage Therapist/Healers for their top suggestions to clients, see them below:

#1 – Take a Warm Shower Before Your Massage

For the best possible therapeutic massage, take care of yourself before you arrive at the massage clinic. One of the easiest ways to prepare for a massage is with a long, hot shower.  The effects of a warm shower on your mind and muscles will help you to deeply relax during the session, which benefits you and your therapist. In addition, feeling clean helps clients relax, and  something your therapist will appreciate!

#2 – Request the Style of Massage You Need

While Massage Therapists are trained to help your mind and body, they can’t read your mind.  Therefore, when dealing with a Massage Clinic or Spa, it is best to tell the Receptionist if you have any preference of therapists, pressure, or massage types when you book your appointment. This will help ensure you’re matched with someone who will be able to best work with your needs—for example, relaxation vs. deep tissue injury work, or , if necessary Trigger Point work to release taught muscle knots.

# 3 – Know it’s Natural to Get Naked

Practitioners understand that it can be a little uncomfortable to completely undress for someone you’ve never met, but it’s totally normal when it comes to massage. Healing Hands students are instructed to advise clients to “Undress to your comfort level”. As trained Professionals they know how to keep private areas covered with sheets, a process called ‘draping’ to ensure clients modesty.  Since undergarments often get in the way of long strokes or pressure points, taking them off ensures you’ll experiencing the best massage possible.

# 4 – Don’t Be Afraid to Say “Ouch”!

Some body-parts may be more sensitive than others requiring different amounts of pressure from your Practitioner.  For example, some people may need strong, aggressive pressure on their shoulders, but may be extremely sensitive to pressure on their thighs.  If too much force is provided, the muscle tightens up more and creates even more pain, bruising, or muscle damage. Healing Hands teaches students to be acutely aware of their clients’ reaction to their pressure. However, if at any time you experience pain during a massage, don’t be afraid to let the Massage Therapist know, immediately! A good Practitioner will be happy you spoke up and respond by lessening pressure and/or opting for an alternative technique to address the area of concern.

# 5 – Don’t Forget to Breathe
When your massage therapist is working out a particularly taught knot, or sore area of muscle, it’s natural to tense up a little bit and hold your breath. When receiving deep tissue work, it’s essential that you breathe fully and deeply when difficult areas are being worked on.  This will help to oxygenate your blood supply and aid tense muscles in releasing.

# 6 – Drink Lots of Water After Your Massage

It’s especially important to hydrate post-massage. As like most physical workouts, your muscle tissues can become dehydrated during a therapeutic massage. Therefore, drinking plenty of water after your massage is essential to proper rehydration.  It will also assist in building healthy muscle tissue and removing metabolic wastes that accumulated when muscles were being worked on by the Practitioner.

Does a career as a Professional Massage Therapist sound like something you might enjoy? If so, there’s never been a better time or better school than Healing Hands School of Holistic Health.   Healing Hands has been serving residents throughout Southern California for over 27 years.  To date, their top-notch Faculty has prepared more than 7,000 students for rewarding careers and can do the same for YOU! To learn more, go online to www.HealingHandsSchool.com  or call us at (858) 505-1100 in San Diego (Kearny Mesa), (760) 746-9364 in Escondido, or (949) 305-2722 in Laguna Hills.

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