Massage
Effects of Massage:
Massage can be performed to help:
v reduce pain
v lower blood pressure
v improve lymphatic flow
v Improved circulation
v Reduced joint inflammation
v prepare you for strenuous activity
v relaxation
v sleep
It can also be used as a medium to imbibe essential oils offering healing according to the oil’s natural benefits.
Why are there so many types of massage?
One of the first answers is that massage techniques often originate from different countries, some styles can be dated back thousands of years. Others such as Deep tissue have their foundation in the 1940s and Swedish massage only a little earlier than that. the newer massage types are often based on the more traditional theories and re imagined and improved according to the founders’ preferred techniques and aims.
Is massage safe?
This is a great question, whilst most treatments performed by a well trained and qualified professional are safe there have been occasions where people have had negative experiences.
It is important to understand the possible side effects of any treatment.
I have seen cases where clients in pain have requested family members massage them or they have use implements such as wooden spoons or door frames to try and deal with aches and pains, before resigning to book a massage treatment. These are not usually the best massage methods, as they can lead to bruising and inflammation, I do however understand the desperation behind this!
Treating areas where there is existing injury can be very dangerous, so it is important to be honest with your Massage Therapist.
Is massage in pregnancy safe?
In most cases having a professional massage in pregnancy can be hugely beneficial, someone qualified specifically in pregnancy massage should understand the adaptations needed, if in doubt do check qualifications, it’s ok to ask questions, or to speak out if something doesn’t feel right. If you are concerned about booking a pregnancy massage, perhaps due to being a high-risk pregnancy, it is advisable to speak to a medical expert first, they may advise you as to if there is a stage of pregnancy, they would avoid treatment, or suggest you book for a light short treatment. Many women avoid massage in the first trimester.
What are the possible undesirable side effects of massage?
Massage improves circulation throughout the body this means you will feel some detox effects, these can lead to headaches, aching, feeling unwell; these are usually caused by underlying issues and maybe reduced through rest and hydration, in some cases a mild pain killer may be required.
Massage may also lower the blood pressure so it can be important to seek advice from your medical professional if you receive treatment for blood pressure related issues or if you are taking insulin or other life sustaining medication as you may find this is absorbed more readily after massage.
What should I wear:
Most massage is performed using oils directly on the skin, so any area that is being massage should be bare, the exception to this in an oil/cream-based massage is the bottom, it is usual for massage therapists so insist you wear underwear even if they are treating the buttocks, I would recommend something loose fitting if you have it. If you are only having a back massage you may choose to wear clothing on the lower body, in that case do be aware there is a small risk of oil getting on to your clothing, and you may be asked to pull the waist band to just below the hip, to allow access full access to the back.
There are some massage types, or occasions, where being fully clothed is an option or requirement, in this instant you should select loose fitting clothes, ideally ones that don’t generate static.
What does massage feel like:
This is a difficult question, the sensation can depend on factors such as massage type, pressure and personal nerve response. I always say to my client if it doesn’t feel right tell me and I will adapt my techniques, on rare occasions I may have to avoid an area all together (luckily, I am trained in other healing techniques, so can often offer techniques such as reiki or reflexology to treat the specific area if needed).
How do I know if a massage venue is offering a sexual treatment?
Firstly, it is worth looking at things such as if the treatment venue has a website, there may be clues there. Check out their social media, is there any suggestion on there? Ask around, it maybe that it is known locally. If they advertise in a newspaper, what section are they in?
As a massage therapist offering non sexual treatments, I would rather some one call or message and ask; e.g. ‘I’m looking for somewhere that offers a sexual service, is this something you do?’ or ‘I’m looking for a Massage but wanted to be sure I was booking with a qualified therapist, I am not looking for an erotic service’.*
I had a client tell me about having booked a treatment somewhere for herself and her husband, and realising when they got there that the venue offered erotic treatments, she felt really embarrassed. This could have been avoided by taking a few minuets to view the images on the providers website.
*Sometimes providers of erotic services are qualified massage therapists too, but I hope they would pass you on to another treatment provider, or make arrangements away from that environment.
~End notes~
I love massage, both receiving and performing treatments, there is so much to gain from having a well preformed massage.
I have experienced poor massage techniques and poor salon hygiene, even had a therapist get mad at me when I asked that she reduce pressure (I had stated during consultation that I didn’t enjoy the technique, which had caused the discomfort, I had asked several times, if the technique she was could be adaption for my comfort), this is a very unusual and I hope unique situation.
Whilst at the time these were awful moments, they helped me to grow as a therapist, never wanting to have a client feel the way I felt. So, I don’t get offended or flustered by clients speaking out when something doesn’t feel comfortable, and I aim to ensure my treatment environment is welcoming, comfortable and clean.
If you have any doubts, speak out! Massage can be a wonderful experience, but to someone new to it, or who has had a negative experience, it can sometimes seem intimidating, your massage therapist should be there to reassure you.
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