Massage Frequently Asked Questions
All The Fun Stuff you Are Curious About, but Just Not Sure How to Ask..
if you’ve never had a massage before, or If you are A Seasoned Massage Aficionado, allow me to answer some of my most frequently asked questions about massage;
along with sharing some insight before and after A Massage Session.
There are 3 Basic Things that should be done after a Massage Session.
(1) Hydrate
Many of my clients have asked me why I encourage them to hydrate following a massage session. There are several important reasons to stay hydrated not just after, but prior to receiving bodywork. Most of us don’t drink enough good, old-fashioned, plain water. As a result, we’re usually somewhat dehydrated. Just a 2% drop in our body’s hydration can trigger symptoms. Thirst is an obvious sign of dehydration; fatigue, achiness and lack of mental focus can be others.
Remaining hydrated before and after a massage session is important because:
- Plumped-up body tissues (including muscles) are more pliable. This allows for a more satisfying and more effective massage. Pliable muscles are also better at releasing toxins (such as a build-up of lactic acid) that are trapped within them.
- When you are properly hydrated, you are less likely to feel “bruised and battered” following a massage. If you’ve ever experienced flu-like symptoms following a particularly long or deep massage, it may have been due in part to dehydration.
- Water helps the circulatory system work more effectively. This, in turn, benefits the lymphatic system, which “piggybacks” a ride in the pulsation of the circulatory system. The lymphatic system is essential in the body’s ability to fight, manage and eliminate infection.
- Water assists in the body’s waste elimination processes (urination, defecation, perspiration and respiration). Toxins in the body – including those in your muscles and lymphatic system, are eliminated via these processes.
Avoid caffeine, sugary drinks and alcohol prior receiving massage. These are dehydrating. Plain water is the very best way to hydrate. In general, doctors recommend 8-10 servings of water a day. A serving is equal to one measuring cup. If you’re doing strenuous activity, working outside in the heat or strenuous gym work outs, you may need a few more servings; ask your doctor for his recommendations.
Space your water intake out throughout the day
(2) Avoid Alcohol and Narcotics
Do not drink alcohol or avoid over consumption before and especially
after your massage session.
This removes water from the system and can actually intensify the effects of the alcohol. Remember Rule 1 Hydrate.. alcohol dehydrates you… Narcotics are obviously not something you want coursing through your system when you're receiving massage, and it is both unethical and dangerous to massage someone under the influence of alcohol. In fact, it's best to avoid alcohol entirely for 24 hours before your massage. If you've had a fair amount to drink, massage can actually get you re-drunk (I've seen it happen). The last think I want to do is put a drunken client in their car to go home
(3) Do Not Shower, bathe, get in a hot tub, pool, lake or any water after a massage for 3-5 hours
I know that a lot of massage therapist, says Shower facilities after A massage, but In Fact this is THE WORST THING YOU CAN DO AFTER YOUR MASSAGE.The basic Art of A massage is to help allow the body to release toxins, and flush the body. Tissue manipulation triggers the body to go into A vasodilatation mode, where your Arteries, Veins and Capillaries dilate, this actually causes your body to dehydrate, but more importantly it allows for basic toxins (naturally occurring chemicals, and Amino acids to be released in the blood stream. Some of these are Lactic acid (the Amino acid that is produced after a strenuous exercise or work out this is what is responsible for making you sore. (Uric Acid, the Amino Acid responsible for Gout everyone has it in their body, its part of cellular respiration.. it only becomes problematic in High quantities, and in area of poor circulation such as toes, or feet).. hot water will increase your dilation, thus overriding everything that just happened during your massage session… this will make you really tired, it will also cause muscular tension from muscles that was just relaxed. If you Opt for A Cold shower, you could be at risk for damage by making your muscles, and tendons, and ligaments tense up and then you're much more likely to pull, tear, or rip something ( Neither You nor I want this to Happen) Also it will wash/erode all the beneficial oils, from your skin your skin need time to completely relax from being massaged and your skin and muscle will benefit from being able to absorb the oils that are left on your skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Shower before your session. Either before you leave the house or at my massage studio It's common courtesy, and it makes the experience better for both of us!
Speak up if something isn't right. Many folks like to relax and "tune out" during their massage, but if something is not to your liking please let your practitioner know. They won't take it personally and you'll get A better experience. Your massage shouldn't be something you have to endure; it should be something you enjoy!
DON'T:
Come in if you're sick or have a contagious condition. There are 3 main reasons for this:
- I don't want to catch what you have.
- I don't want My other clients to catch what you have.
- Massage can greatly worsen the symptoms of a virus or cold.
Is it okay to talk? Yes, it is okay to talk, but you may get more benefits from a relaxation massage if you let go of your everyday worries or concerns. If you are nervous about the process of receiving massage and need to talk to feel safe, As your therapist I understand. I'm trained not to talk to myself during your session, I do need to stay in constant contact with you regarding pain levels and measuring relief. Because it's important that you offer specific feedback to Me but its Okay if You drifting off.
What if I am embarrassed about my body?
Remember that as A massage therapists I'm A Professionals who is
sensitive to possible client issues with touch and I'm non-judgmental
about your body weight, amount of hair, skin conditions, scars, disabilities, medical conditions, or personal history of trauma.
Why Am I Becoming Congested During A Massage Session
Well if You are becoming Congested... Well Guess What that Means that the Massage Is working..
Having A Massage in the face down position stimulate two aspects of congestion: histamine release that increases fluids in the nasal area and sinus fluid release from the gravity of being prone.
Have you ever wondered why you get a stuffy nose while laying face down during a massage? It is because as your therapist I'm pushing a lot of fluids and toxins throughout your body while treating you. These toxins are looking for a way out of the body and the sinus cavities are an excellent avenue for this process, especially while laying face down. That is also why it is so important to drink a lot of water before and after a massage to flush out these built up toxins. This stuffy feeling usually goes away soon after you flip to your back
I’ve never had a massage before – how long of a session should I book?
This is a common inquiry about my massage sessions. My most common session is 90 minutes. I suggest all of my new clients start with an hour and a half massage session. That’s enough time to cover the entire body. An hour is only enough time for a specific area or two – such as back and neck.
A lot of people prefer to come in for an 2 hour and I also offer 2 ½ session, as that way they can get the full body massage, with extra time on any problem areas.
Do I get the full 90, 120, or 60 minute sessions
Yes. If you book a massage for an hour, you get a full 60 minutes of “table time”. The same is true for Hour and Half and 2 hour session . We do ask that you arrive 10-15 minutes early to allow a comfortable amount of time for you to complete the intake form and use the restroom in order to ensure that you get your full amount of actual massage time. The only exception to the full massage length policy is if you are late to your appointment.
What happens during a massage session?
You’ll start the session by answering A few basic health questions, such as if you are diabetic, on blood thinners, and If you have had any recent surgical procedures. If you have EVER Had any Orthopedic Surgeries, what procedures was performed and how long ago. So Please Tell ME your massage therapist about any major surgeries or injuries you've had. Yes, in your entire life. That thing you're thinking, "They need to know about that?" I do. It has bearing on how I will choose your course of treatment. (I have had massage clients even fail to tell me that he had been in a car accident the night before!
What should I wear to a session?
Wear whatever you are comfortable in. Some people that come straight from work like to bring a change of clothes for after the massage.
Do I need to disrobe completely Can I be nude during the Massage will you Be Nude During the Massage.
This is a frequent massage question that a lot of people want to know, but don’t always ask. You only have to undress to your level of comfort. You will be on the massage table, with sheets and towels… Most of My Clients ask to be nude, and that is perfectly expect able as all of your body will be worked on unless, you request otherwise. This allows for easier body access and moving a towel can sometimes be very distracting to you… If you are not comfortable getting undressed all the way I have techniques that I can use through your boxers, underwear or whatever you choose to leave on. It is always your choice on how much clothing to take off or leave on, and if request I can/will always properly draped you for your comfort level.
What if I feel uncomfortable about being nude during the session?
First Realize that often the primary basis of this inquiry relates to feelings of inadequacy and vulnerability. While these are issues with which you must come to terms on your own, rest assured that they are more common than you could possibly imagine.
So many people who feel that they are not "body perfect" fail to realize that this description fits only a very, very small percentage of the population. There are many instances when a great deal of self-acceptance can be achieved if we just learn to overcome this stumbling block. Bodies come in all shapes, sizes and colors with a vast array of endowments and physical attributes.
Know from the very beginning that I am not here to "pass judgement" on you or to compare your physique with (so-called) "better-than"s. In my opinion, they simply don't exist.
As to the vulnerability aspect, this is the reason that I offer you the option of me being nude during your session as well. This sort of removes the stratus from the experience, operating on the same level (so to speak).
Every effort is made to make you feel comfortable and at ease during your session for obvious reasons: the more relaxed you are, the more you will enjoy and benefit from your experience.
If you still have reservations about nudity, we can perform the session with either or both of us being partially clothed. I remind you that the room is kept very dimly lit, since I need a minimum of light to perform the session. Of course, we can further discuss these issues prior to the start of your session and operate according to your greatest degree of comfort.
Trust me I have seen it all. Everyone is the SAME.. The Parts might just be a little larger, smaller, different shaped, color or size. It's all Good! I'm not in Practice to see Nude Bodies. I am in the Practice of helping Nude Bodies Relax and have an amazing massage experience beyond words.
What happens if I get an erection during the session?
Believe it or not, I am just as often presented with the opposing inquiry,
"What happens if I don't get one?"
To be absolutely honest with you, in the 15+ years that I have been practicing massage therapy, I could probably count on the fingers of one hand the number of times when I had a client who did not experience an erection at some point throughout the session.
First of all, realize that if what you are seeking is a "quick back rub / hand job," you'd probably do better searching elsewhere for someone to satisfy those needs.
However, if what you are looking for is:
* a chance to access and nurture your entire physical, psychological, mental, spiritual and emotional being;
* an opportunity to address and resolve tensions and stress;
* to become better acquainted with your own personal energies and feelings ; and
* to explore these energies and feelings in a nurturing, supportive and caring environment then we have a fantastic opportunity to share a wonderful experience with one another.
I firmly believe that your genitals and your sexual physiology are as integral to your being as your heart and your lungs and your neck, arms, and little toes. They are a part of your body - a part of your being - that perhaps have received too little or too much attention without balancing their needs with those of the remainder of your body.
I am not going to ignore any part of your body unless you specifically request it. Your genitals will be treated with the same respect and the same reverence as any other part of your body.
It is quite common for men to feel uncomfortable when experiencing an erection in the presence of a stranger. I simply allow it to be a part of the experience. I honor it and treat it as such.
Is this a "sexual" massage?
Brace yourself. All massage has a sexual aspect, whether people are aware of it or not—and, trust me, most people are. Massage therapists are whole beings and we take our sexuality, along with our intellect and emotions, into everything we do. We, like everyone else, cannot divorce ourselves from an aspect of our very being. But the fact that a sexual component is present in a massage doesn't mean that the session necessarily will culminate in a sexual act. While it is impossible not to communicate during a massage, it is possible to misconstrue or be unaware. The body is a veritable minefield of erogenous zones. This is an area where I believe the client and I have a shared responsibility for accurate communication of boundaries.
Is it appropriate for me (the client) to touch you or to talk with you during the session?
Realize that if during the course of the experience you feel you have a need to share and re-circulate the energy which you are enjoying with me, that it could actually be very uncomfortable for you not to make physical contact with me.
Some men feel comfortable touching or caressing my legs as I move about the table. For others, any type of physical contact serves the purpose of completing that cycle of energy. However, I do remind you that if you feel that by touching me, you are detracting from your own "relaxing" then I recommend that you simply lie there, relax and enjoy the experience.
With regards to verbal communication during the session, I reference an old saying that goes, "Grunting and groaning are permitted, welcomed and highly encouraged."
Most men find that they are so "in" to the experience that they have no need or desire to do anything but enjoy it. But feedback is always welcomed and appreciated.
BUT I Do NOT keep a good supply of duct tape available if a client gets too "handy". So relax and enjoy
What happens if I begin to become aroused to the point of orgasm?
At this point it is important to clarify the differentiation between experiencing an orgasm and the process of ejaculation (speaking particularly JUST of men in this context). Quite frequently, people transpose and/or confuse the two terms and processes.
Ejaculation is the physical release of the seminal fluid and all of its components, a process usually brought about by a state of arousal. For most men, once you have ejaculated, you experience an anti-climax as ejaculation usually releases that climatic energy from the body.
On the other hand, an orgasm is the actual apex, or pinnacle, or peak of the arousal energy. Sometimes this is stimulated by sexual excitation. However, it can also result from mere physical contact or a sense of well-being, closeness, friendship, or comfort
In most instances, as one begins to experience the build up of that orgasmic energy, they choose to maintain it for only a second or two before quickly releasing it from the body via the process of ejaculation. Imagine being able to hold on to that climatic energy for as long as you like - 2 minutes, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 20 minutes, 1/2 hour, 45 minutes - or even longer. Is this possible? Oh very much so!
Even more magically, you can learn to channel this energy from the area of your genitals (where it is often "trapped") throughout the rest of your body so that you experience the orgasm - the arousal energy - the climax - in your stomach, chest, arms, hands, fingers, thighs, legs, feet, toes, shoulders, neck, face, all the way up your spine into the very top of your head and your scalp this is Most Prominent During A Prostate Massage
I believe that feeling this surging, climatic, arousing energy move and swirl and flow throughout the very core of your being is one of the times when we are closest to feeling "True Ecstasy” While this is not always the easiest of feats to attain on your first attempts, learning how to manage and enjoy this erotic energy throughout your body is such an ecstatically enjoyable sensation that each time you practice it, it becomes more and more natural.
If it is appropriate to the circumstances of your session, I will help to guide you through these steps. However, not everyone responds to physical nurturing in the same manner. For many men, the process of this physical excitation leads to a totally different sensation of pure euphoria, one in which the sexual and erotic energies simply move throughout the entire body on their own accord, naturally and easily, so that the "urge" to ejaculate never comes to fruition.
Is there anything I need to do to prepare for my session?
It helps to be well hydrated, so be sure to drink plenty of fluids the day before and day of your massage. Basic Hygiene and the rest is Common Sense!
How often should I get a massage?
That really depends on what your goals are, and your budget. I recommend getting a massage at least once ever 5 to 6 weeks as the effects are cumulative. A few of my clients come in once a week, some clients come in every other week, some every 3 weeks, and some once a month. All of of my clients recognize the importance of self-care, and the health benefits that they enjoy from receiving massage on a regular basis.
Will I be sore after my massage?
Possibly. It is very important for you to let ME your therapist know if I am using too much pressure at any time. We do not operate under the “no pain – no gain” theory, so please don’t “take” the pressure or pain thinking that it is supposed to be that way. Sometimes working with an injured area might be painful, but even that should be within a good tolerance level…think “good hurt” vs. “bad hurt”. If you are not used to receiving massage, it is similar to not being used to working out. Just as you can feel sore after a good workout, you might feel a little sore after a massage, but that feeling should not last more than a day or two. Again, communication is key to getting your best massage. Do not plan heavy duty activities as you will feel great and you will want to maintain this.
Do not nap on the couch as you will likely sleep much longer than anticipated and can create soreness from the uncomfortable position.
What if I’m ticklish?
I've all worked with people who were ticklish. I simply adjust the massage technique by varying the pressure, depth, and pace of the massage strokes so that you won’t feel tickled.
Am I supposed to tip?
Tipping is a matter of personal discretion. Some clients do tip, some do not. You will get the same level of excellent service whether you tip or not. Tips are never required, but always appreciated. An excellent “tip” is your referral of friends and family to me for A Massage session!
****Tell your friends!!!! I am always trying to grow my Practices, so If you like what I have done Please tell your friends. It's the highest compliment you can give Me your practitioner, and the good karma will surely come back to you.****
Remember It's Like Vegas What Happens Here Stays Here. I haven't been in Private Practice for over 15+ years by telling other's about people's massages. Your Secrets are SAFE with Me!!!
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