Spa Treatments
Linda on July 6th, 2008 | Filed under Spa Treatments
(see also Massage 101) This is a continuation of information regarding how a treatment is conducted and what to expect, written especially for newcomers to bodywork and spa treatments in order to help them be more comfortable with their experience.
With the exfoliation products (“scrubs” usually with sugar or salt in them) or the wraps, I use towels to cover private areas– I have nicknamed it a towel bikini. When I help you off of the table to enter the shower, I hold up a towel to maintain your privacy from the neck down. A scrub will leave your skin polished, soft, and supple and many products are also moisturizing.
Wraps are generally done for detoxification or moisturizing purposes, depending on the treatment and the products being used. You are wrapped in a moisture-proof barrier, then covered with sheets and/or other materials to trap the heat from your body and help the products to penetrate the skin. The experience is very relaxing and comforting, and most people doze during the treatment.
PRESSURE : How deep or light is a good choice?
It’s all in the experience of the receiver. Some people like very heavy pressure or deep tissue work, and they will usually select that type of massage when they book their appointment. If you are very sensitive and do not want any deep work, you generally know that too and are likely to ask for a more nurturing treatment. Ticklish is usually not a problem since the strokes are firm.
The pressure can be modified from light to deep depending on what the client requests — and I check in with you. I make sure you understand that I can change the pressure either more or less at any time. Just ask please!
Communication between therapist and client plays an important role in the outcome of the massage. The pressure level I use during a massage is monitored so that the client never experiences discomfort above a “hurts so good” level, and they don’t leave my table feeling worse than when they arrived. In fact, they mostly are turned into jelley! And that’s how it is supposed to be, with relaxed muscles.
I don’t believe in causing pain to my clients, and I was taught a method of determining the level of discomfort so that there is no question. I am well able to do very deep tissue work in a way that is not painful. I believe that causing pain is counter productive because your brain is so busy saying “ouch” that the muscle will not release.
Everything is done to put you at ease and in relaxation mode, including soft music, lowered lights, and a warmer on the table — it feels yummy! I also use warm steamed towels several times during my routine. The best compliment you can give me is to fall asleep on the table: that means I did my job well.
SUMMARY
I hope that I have answered your questions and eliminated any raised eyebrows. Receiving a massage from a quality professional is a relaxing and pampering experience, and I encourage you to experience it if life presents you with an opportunity.
Please remember: if you don’t particularly like the techniques or touch of your therapist, try someone else. We are not all the same — we went to different schools, learned different techniques, have different philosophies, and are different people!
Thank you for taking the time to learn more about the world of massage and my philosophy with my clients. I look forward to seeing you soon!
Linda Williams
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