When you decide to have a massage it can be a little daunting. Don’t worry as most people are a little nervous about having a massage for the first time. No doubt you are asking yourself a lot of questions, the first one might even be “what have I let myself in for?” don’t worry, if the masseur is good it can only be a positive experience. To put your mind at rest I will try to answer some of the questions that might be going through your mind at this time.

The massage therapist will need to know your medical history, what problems you have and even what problems you have had in the past. The therapist will need to know if there is any specific medical condition that has brought you to them or if you just need a relaxing massage. Even if you only want a relaxing massage they will need to know your medical history to make sure that all the techniques they use are suitable for you. If you start to feel uncomfortable or embarrassed you need to tell your massage therapist so that they can rectify the problem if possible.

While questioning you about your health the massage therapist should also explain the procedure he or she will be using. They should ask you about your sensitivity to determine how deep the massage should be. If you are treating a sore area you may find the massage slightly uncomfortable but otherwise you should not feel pain or discomfort during the massage.

Exposing the area of your body that is being treated will help the therapist to work more efficiently, however, it is not mandatory to undress. While it is preferable to drape the areas not requiring exposure with a sheet or towels it is possible for the therapist to work on you while you are fully dressed although this is not ideal. If you do not feel comfortable without clothing be sure to opt for clothing that is not tight or restrictive as it will interfere with the treatment.

The massage therapist should leave the room while you undress, or else there should be a screen for you to undress behind. A large bath towel should be provided so that you should not feel embarrassed being undressed. Your warmth and privacy are of paramount importance.

The massage table will probably be padded and bolsters or rolled towels will be used to get you into a comfortable position for your massage. Sometimes when people are lying on their back they can get backache this can be prevented just by putting a pillow, bolster or rolled towel under their knees. At times the therapist will ask you to move position so that they can reach different areas, if having a full body massage you will spend time on both your back and your front so that all areas can be massaged. Remember unless you tell your therapist that you are cold, uncomfortable or embarrassed they do not know, so do speak up and let them know how you are doing.

Although all therapist work in slightly different ways, they will all want you to have the best experience possible that way you will be back again. Relaxation is a great part of massage so often the lights will be dimmed, sometimes there will only be candle light. Scented candles are often used so if you do not like them or have a problem with a particular scent do tell the therapist. Soft music will often be played, again if you do not like it say so, as what is relaxing music to one person is not to another.

Oil is usually applied to reduce the friction of the massage and you may be asked for your preference of scent. The massage therapist should help you remove the oil before putting your clothes back on so they do not stain.

We are all different and some people chat all the way through the massage for others it is a time of peace and quiet and they do not say two words. The therapist will take your lead and will chat if you want to but will be quite happy not to if that is what you prefer. Of course they may have to ask you to move into a different position at times and they may ask how you are doing but the rest is up to you.

A good massage therapist should make you feel comfortable enough to ask any questions you have about the procedure and respect your privacy and level of comfort while treating you. Ask for recommendations and meet with the therapist to discuss their methods before booking your appointment.

Should you pay for a massage, or are you just wasting your money. Some people may say why pay just to have your back rubbed. But if your masseur is well trained, then there are hugh benefits to be had by having a massage. Unless you have a sports injury it doesn’t matter what type of massage you have as the benefits are very similar with all of them.

Well, what are these benefits? and is a massage worth the money? Although massage therapy was used for thousands of years by the Greeks, Egyptians, Romans and Chinese as part of their healing tradition, in the Western world it is fairly new. This therapy has only been used for a couple of hundred years in Europe, and for the majority of that time was only available to wealthy people.

In traditional healing, medicines would have been given, as well as advise on diet and exercise, and often massage with oils was also reccommended. Sometimes massage was given as a stand alone therapy and a variety of oils would have been prescribed.

Although the west accepted the traditional methods of massage, over the last century massage in the west has evolved into a blend of traditional and modern techniques. Massage has been incorporated into main stream medicine as the scientists have proved that there are real benefits to having a massage.

If asked the majority of people would tell you that massage is used to relax you, but I have to say that it does far more than that. Although saying that the benefits are similar for every type of massage, each method does bring their own unique technique to create healing in the body.

It is important to get used to listening to your body, we are all individuals and are changing all of the time. Maybe you have tried massage and thought that it was ok but didn’t find any real benefit, then maybe it was the wrong type of massage for you at the moment.

One of the primary benefits of massage is relaxation, which can be very difficult to achieve, that is unless you happen to be into meditation. You live in a very stressful world and you were never designed to live your life as you do, rushing around and never finding time to relax. Yes of course your ancestors had stressful lives, but their stress came in short bursts, not continuous all day every day like yours is.

Today’s stressful world causes you a great deal of harm, there is a hectic pace of life, where you may feel you must be doing something all the time, this takes a toll on you both mentally and physically. You may often feel exhausted, but feel you have to carry on for fear of loosing your job to someone else.

Environmental pollution in the air, and chemicals in your food puts toxins into your body, putting even greater strain on your body. Fortunately, a good massage works to help the body get rid of toxins and allows the body to relax, taking tension out of the tight muscles.

On the physical level a good massage will leave you feeling invigorated, when you have finished your massage you may feel as if you are walking on air.

When there is a build of of toxins in the body the excess is placed into cells to stop the toxins from harming the body. Problems arise when the cells themselves cannot function properly due to an overload of toxins, health problems then start to develop. When you have a massage there is an increase in your blood and lymphatic circulation, this in turn helps the body to excrete any toxins so the cells do not get to the point of overload.

When you have a massage there is a lot of physical manipulation of the muscles, this can reduce stiffness, release tension and increase mobility. Due to the nature of this physical manipulation, massage is very good as part of your regular exercise regimine, as it can help in the prevention of muscle injury.

Many scientific studies confirm that massage therapy can:

Reduce heart rate.

Lower blood pressure (if high).

Increase blood circulation and lymphatic flow.

Stiffened and tense muscles are relaxed, and weak and inactive muscles due to lack of movement when you have an illness or an injury are stimulated.

Endorphins are increased.

There is a reduction in anxiety and tension.

This list is very impressive, but I am sure over the next few years the scientists will find even more benefits of massage.

The type of treatment offered by skilled masseurs combines healing techniques which work with the natural healing powers of your body to bring about wholeness to your mind, body and spirit.

Of course, it is recommended that anyone with any severe condition or chronic pain should consult with a licensed medical professional before embarking on a massage. Also any well trained massage therapist will be able to tell you if it is wise for you to have a massage or not.