So What Keeps You from Getting that First Massage?
By Susan Santi
HTF Columnist
What holds you back from getting that first massage? Is it fear of the unknown? Do you wonder what goes on during a massage? Do you wonder if you have to take all your clothes off? And what happens if you fall asleep during the massage? Will you miss out on how it feels? Or, maybe you just don’t like to be touched. Ewww!
Taking baby steps will help conquer fear of the unknown. Do you have a therapist in mind? Call them up and simply ask them about their massage. What can you expect while on their table? Do they start you face down or face up? Will they omit parts of your body if you know it will be irritating or ticklish to you? What does the therapist drape you with, a sheet, a towel? Sometimes just talking to a therapist helps calm your fears.
If you are still not sure about lying on a table, let them know this would be your first massage. Ask them if you can leave your clothes on or maybe opted for a chair massage instead. This chair is designed specifically for people to sit in and receive massages. Your clothes stay on and you can experience the therapist’s touch and what massage is about in a really safe environment for you. The areas worked are determined by you and the therapist, at the beginning of the session. The possibilities are your head, neck, back, arms and hands. Also keep in mind chair massages are generally shorter than a traditional massage. The longest one I commonly give is 30 minutes.
What if you fall asleep during the massage and you’re afraid you will miss something? I’ve had this happen to me and all I can tell you is, it’s wonderful! Believe it or not you are still aware that you are getting your massage. You are just very relaxed, ahhh… How I did I know I was asleep? I woke myself up with my snoring! Think of it this way, if your goal is to get some relaxation then the ultimate is to fall asleep while being massaged. It also means you have a massage therapist you trust and can be relaxed with while on their table.
But what if you are someone who doesn’t like to be touched? That’s okay, it just means you will probably never get a massage and that’s okay too, it’s who you are!
So take baby steps, call a therapist and ask lots of questions. Next, try a chair massage and see if you like it then maybe a table massage won’t seem too overwhelming. And lastly, don’t sweat it if you fall asleep, that means the massage is relaxing – which is the point! Now go and enjoy!
Susan Santi is owner of Ahhh Massage in Virginia, MN. She can be reached at 218- 410-2144.
