Introducing Whole Body Massage

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of introducing a young woman to the benefits of her first massage.  I love doing this, showing a person how much relaxation can be achieved within an hour’s time.  I also enjoy seeing a person’s body soften as I do my work, releasing tension and stress from the muscles.

There have been many times I have given a person their second massage, after hearing about the “horrible” experience they had with the first one.  Too many times it happens that the first session is with a therapist doing Deep Tissue work.  Most people don’t know that there are different styles of massage, and they should ask the massage therapist about this before getting on the table.

Because I have heard this story so many times through the years, I keep an open channel of communication with my clients during our sessions.  I give them permission to speak up when something  feels uncomfortable if I should use too much pressure.  I allow them to ask questions.  I give them suggestions on how they can keep muscle tension at bay, and stay more relaxed in their day to day lives.

I live in an artist colony which has a large tourist season that starts around Labor Day.  Because of this I see many people just one time.  Besides the occassional marriage proposal, I am usually asked if I will travel to their hometown to become their massage therapist.  Since long road trips for work are not my thing, I like to inform them on the best ways to find a massage therapist once they return home.

It’s like choosing a family doctor.   You make appointments with those available in your area and find the one with whom you feel the most comfortable and gives you the best results.  You then can start to build a relationship with this therapist and reap those benefits massage therapy brings into your life.

Massage therapy holds it’s own when we look at preventative health practices.  It has become an accepted method of stress, tension and muscle release.  As I watched the young woman leave my office yesterday, with her shoulders relaxed into a more natural position and a peaceful look on her face, I took the satisfaction in knowing I had made a believer out of another person.