Suggestions for Clients

Before Booking

1. Massage is not for everyone, check with you doctor before receiving massage.
2. Ask the therapist questions, such as:
   1. Are you licensed, trained, certified?
   2. What are your rates?
   3. Where are you located?
   4. What is your cancellation policy?
   5. Do you use oil or lotion?
3. Eat more than one hour before the appointment. Massage on a full stomach is uncomfortable.
4. Exercise sometime before the appointment. The massage will help relax and soothe your tire muscles after a workout.

Before the Appointment

1. If the appointment is an outcall/not at your home, map out the directions to their workspace. www.yahoo.com has great map functionality.
2. Plan to arrive early. Bring a book in case you are too early. This will give you some quiet time and arrive ready to receive the massage service.
3. If paying with a gift certificate, provide the gift certificate number to the massage therapist.
4. Bring a bottle of water in case the therapist does not provide you one when leaving. It is important to drink a lot of water after a massage to wash toxins from the body.

During the Appointment

1. Very important to communicate with you therapist before and during the massage. If anything is painful or uncomfortable immediately tell the therapist. They want to know. The service is about making you feel good.
2. Tell the therapist about any injuries or places that the therapist should avoid.

If possible, rest or take a walk after a massage to allow some time to adjust to your new relaxed state. I find this helps me get the most out of a massage.

Here are some useful questions you may want to ask before going to a massage:

Is this type of bodywork done fully clothed?

How much does it cost?

How long are appointments?

Are you willing to do this work at my house?

Do you have a waiting room?

Is this a non-sexual type of massage?

Is this a gentle massage?

What is your cancellation policy?

Do you use scented oil? What type of oil do you use? (Note: some massage such as Feldenkrais do NOT use oil.)

Different types of oils can really affect a massage. If you have sensitivities to smells, be sure to ask for unscented oils or oils that agree with you. Some oils have herbs (lavendar is very common for relaxation). Others are said to have healing properties such as Emu oil. Depending on what works on you, you may request specific types of oils or bring your own.

Here are some tips for during the massage:

If the massage is too light or too hard, ask to have the pressure changed. Some massages are only light (Rosen, Feldenkrais, etc.) but asking is appropriate.

If you are uncomfortable (need heat turned up, less blankets, light moved), say something.

Tell the practitioner where you hurt. This way the massage can focus on where you need it most.

Spending time during the massage being grateful can help one make huge changes.

Often breathing deeply can help you get the most out of a massage. Breathe into every cell of your body.

Combining either aromatherapy or flower essences can enable even more change if so desired.

Here are some tips for after the massage:

Drink lots of water. This helps the body release toxins that you were able to release during the massage.

Plan to take the first 20 minutes after a massage lightly. For example, go on a short walk or sit quietly. This allows the massage to settle into the body.

After many massages, a nice warm bath is very refreshing. (Note: after pranic healing this is NOT recommended.)