Communication Will Improve the Quality of Your Massage Experience

I love this lamp. I cal it my Tabbatha lamp. The lovely and amazing potter is Tabbatha Henry of VT tabbathahenry.com

It is cold outside, but if you can make it to the massage studio there are blankets, pillows, a heated mat, hot stones and steamed towels.

I have been thinking about massage lately and what it is like to receive a massage. In my own experience of receiving massage and in life it is sometimes not always easy for me to ask for what I need. What!? Yeah super shocker there. I wanted to check in and let you know regardless of how many times you have come in for a massage it is always okay to:

Tell me about about what is happening in your world.

Not talk and have quiet.

Let me know if there is something you would like to change about our sessions.

Ask me for more focused time and massage on feet or hands, head and neck.

Ask for a blanket right away.

Ask for more bolsters or pillows to help support your body.

Let me know a certain position is uncomfortable for you.

Ask for less stretches.

Ask for more stretches.

If you like to begin your massage a certain way because it helps you to relax.

If you need to use the restroom during the session.

Ask for no essential oils.

Cry or be teary eyed before, after, or during your massage. I am not a neurologist, or therapist but I do have a theory that when the body has a place to rest and feel cared for there is an opportunity for the nervous system to feel safe, process and re-regulate from being out in the wild/life.

It is okay to tell me if the pressure is uncomfortable and not enjoyable for you.

It is always 100% okay to roll up feeling like a hot mess and flop on the mat and check out for a bit.

These are just a few ideas. My goal is to help you feel comfortable so your body can feel more at ease and safe, which then helps your nervous system enable you to feel more at ease.

I feel an important step towards this goal is through conversation. I think really what I am trying to extrude out of my brain and put into words is this … my wish for you is, for you to feel emboldened to ask for what helps make you feel comfortable when receiving a massage and to express what doesn’t work for you when receiving a massage. Whether you are receiving massage with me or any time you are receiving a massage.

My theory is by putting this practice into place when you receive a massage this will help to create a much deeper, richer experience. This massage session is for you. You are an invaluable partner in the process. The conversation is where the alchemy happens, and I can get a better sense of what works for you, what does not, and what you are needing that particular day.

I also want to make sure to express, If feeling at ease means minimal conversation, I’m here for that too!

thank you for coming to see me, thank you for showing up for yourself,

xo catie