Not all massage is used to treat purely physical complaints. Some styles are more suited to address mental, emotional and spiritual issues or may be used for pure relaxation. The focus of these styles are more to do with the unconditional love and compassion which the therapist works with as apposed to the more clinical styles like sports or deep tissue massage. Because massage is not a common part of our contemporary cultural experience, many people do not get the most out of this type of massage.
One of the main reasons for this is that, ideally, you need to be nude. Clothing gets in the way of the most pleasant sensation of total wholeness and connectedness of your body. In our society with its preoccupation with sex and discomfort with nudity a lot of people may feel uncomfortable. This attitude is due to our sexual immaturity as a culture and the fact so many confuse nudity and touch with sex. Once you get use to receiving your massage nude you will feel very comfortable and wonder what all the fuss was about. In a professional massage situation you would normally be covered by a sheet or a towel to keep those “private” parts of our body covered. Normally only the areas being massaged will be uncovered.
There are certain medical conditions that may prevent you from receiving a massage so your therapist will have taken some medical history from you to make sure that there is no reason not to proceed. They will discuss any arrears of the body you don’t want massaged. Some people are very ticklish in various areas but generally a massage does not promote this sort of response.
Your therapist will leave the room while you get undressed and get onto the couch covering yourself with a large towel or sheet.
Your only job is to relax as completely as possible. Breathe deeply and regularly, allow your body to sink into the table. As the therapist’s hands locate areas of tension, consciously try to let go and release those tense areas.
Generally, talking during the massage is distracting. Good massage requires concentration on the part of the therapist. Great massage is the result of good “energy” between therapist and recipient. However, do give feedback if any particular stroke is uncomfortable or if you would like something done longer or differently. It’s your massage and you will only get the best out of it if you are comfortable. Any good therapist will be only to happy to provide the experience you want so don’t feel you have to put up with anything that you are not happy with.
Just lie there. Allow the therapist to move your limbs into whatever position is required. Be a rag doll. Don’t try to be helpful. Simply receive. The therapist is a trained professional who can be trusted to take good care of your body.
It is not uncommon for emotions to surface. If this happens do not be afraid to give them expression. Sometimes during massage these emotions will come up and it will benefit you greatly let go and work through them. This is all part of the healing process. People who are unaccustomed to such tender physical caring provided by this type of massage may express their emotion by crying. If this happens you should not be embarrassed. You will be accepted and understood. The body does hold these emotions within and they need to be released and lovingly replaced with good feelings. At the very least, don’t be afraid to sigh with relaxation or hum with pleasure.
Close your eyes. See with your sense of touch. Feel your body both inside and out. Closing your eyes during the massage tends to bring your centre of energy out of the head and into the body. Relax and enjoy.