How To Talk to Your Massage Therapist

As a professional in the alternative health field, I can tell you the importance of communication with my clients. Perhaps nowhere is this more important than in the massage studio. If you have had massage, you know there is a difference between a massage and a sensational massage. If you havent had massage therapy, what are you waiting for?

I once had a massage client tell me she didnt want to hurt my feelings by asking for something specific. I feel great when I give a spectacular massage and I can do that better if you tell what you are enjoying and if there is anything that you dont love. Im not wild about having my ears massaged, gives me a few extra moments to rub your head or squeeze a little more tension out of your shoulders.

Before the massage, tell your therapist if there is any area of your body where you would like special attention. And, if there is any part of your body you dont want worked on say your feet are ticklish or you dont want oil in your hair let your therapist know at the beginning.

During the session, feel free to zone out. You are there to relax and receive. If you dont want to talk, you absolutely dont have to. However, I find that a little feedback during the first massage goes a long way. Be specific: Could you work a little deeper in that area? Could you lighten the pressure there please? That pressure is perfect for me. If a particular stroke is fabulous, say so! If you get cold, ask for a blanket. If you get too warm, ask to have your feet and shoulders uncovered. If you find the music jarring, ask if it can be changed.

Sometimes while a therapist is working in one area (for example your shoulder) you may feel it in another part of your body (maybe your hand or ear). Following the sensation around the body can be an effective tool for tracking down and releasing hidden tension, so tell her what you are feeling.

Finally, a note on tipping: If you visit a salon or spa, it is customary to tip the therapist. He is being paid a portion of what you paid for your massage. $10 is a nice tip; $20 said you really loved the work. If your therapist has her own practice, tips are appreciated but not expected in the same way. The best compliment you can pay a massage therapist is to refer your friends and family to her!

Heather McKenzie MacGumerait is both a Massage Therapist and a Colon Hydrotherapist. Visit her online athttp://www.ojaicolontherapy.com

A Career As A Massage Therapist
Massage can be one of the most relaxing and stress relieving gifts to give yourself or someone you love. Few activities result in such a feeling of physical and emotional well being at its culmination. But for those giving the massage the massage therapist an hour-long massage can be incredibly grueling work.If you consider the amount of strength...

How to Become a Massage Therapist
If you are searching for a career and like working with people, massage therapy may be right for you. There are many ways you can find out how to become a massage therapist. You can search through the myriad of resources online or contact a massage therapy school to get the information you need. First of all you must graduate from school with a hig...

A Skilled Massage Therapist Can Give You A New Life
The ever-increasing fame of massage therapy among people worldwide has introduced a powerful and lucrative career in the field of massage therapy. People are looking forward to become a massage therapist and provide adept services in this industry. The process of massage therapy can be extremely grueling and tedious for a massage therapist but ther...

Sports Massage - When Should You Get One?
If you are an athlete or exercise frequently, you might go through muscle cramps or fatigue after attempting a new type of exercise routine or if you have been inactive for some time. A sports massage might be just what you would need to make sure your muscles are loosened up and prepared for your next game.Technique DiversityIf you have already su...

Getting A Great Massage: New Jersey
If you are looking for the perfect massage, New Jersey actually provides you with a number of qualified, excellent massage therapists that will provide you with just the type of massage you want and need. There are many different types of people that do massages, though. Some are not licensed and they provide just a standard rubbing down of the b...

Massage Therapists Specialize in your Wellbeing
Massage therapy has been around for centuries, and is quite a prolific field. From the ancient Greeks to modern day society, massages have been given and received forever. Recognizing that there are so many stressed, tense, and ailing people out there, massage therapists can carve out quite a niche for themselves. As long as there are people in ...

Massage Therapist Schools
If you intend to become a registered massage therapist, you must graduate from an accredited massage therapist school. Here you will learn the fundamentals of massage therapy - a treatment that focuses on the health of the body by manipulating the muscles and joints. As part of the course, you learn how to manipulate the connective tissues to help ...