How Relaxation Massage Can Help You
Wondering about the benefits of massage? Here’s what you need to know about relaxation massage: what it is, what its benefits are, and what to expect before your first massage therapy session.
What Is Relaxation Massage?
Relaxation massage, also called therapeutic massage or Swedish massage, is a type of massage intended to be soothing and stress-relieving. It is usually a full-body treatment in a calming environment with music and soft lighting. You will lie on a comfortable massage table and get a long, indulgent massage.
Your massage therapist may use a number of different techniques for a relaxing, therapeutic experience. They may use a combination of long strokes, gentle kneading, and rolling of skin and muscle. Your only job during the massage session is to lie there and relax. You may be directed to move your arms or change positions occasionally, but for the most part, all you have to do is relax and let the massage therapist work on your muscles and soft tissues.
What Are the Benefits of Relaxation Massage?
It may seem simple. After all, “relaxation” is in the name! But there are a lot of reasons why massage is so therapeutic for the mind and body.
After a good relaxation massage, you’ll likely feel free of all the stress and tension that you were holding in your muscles. You’ll feel relaxed and healthy inside and out. This is because massage helps to improve a number of functions within your body, including circulation, lymphatic drainage, digestion, detoxification, healing, and more.
After a relaxation massage, you may find that tight soft tissue and stubborn muscle knots are gone. You may sleep better, experience fewer headaches, and feel more relaxed in the days following your massage. You may also feel a sense of emotional and mental wellbeing. Human touch is naturally comforting, and combined with a massage therapist’s techniques, it can be incredibly soothing and stress-relieving.
To Do Before Your Massage
Before your massage, be sure to avoid eating a large meal or consuming alcohol. You should also drink extra water to help your body flush away the excess waste that has accumulated in your muscles and tissues.
Give yourself plenty of time both before and after your massage so that you won’t be stressed about arriving on time or leaving on time. You don’t want to feel panicked and rushed because the goal is total relaxation.
Before your massage, be sure to answer all your massage therapist’s questions. Let them know if you are pregnant, dealing with medical treatments or injuries, if you recently had an operation, if you have any skin allergies, and if you have any broken skin anywhere on your body. This way, they are aware of any potential issues and can customize your massage session to your individual needs.
The last thing you should do before your massage is visit the restroom! If your mind keeps going back to your bladder throughout the massage, you won’t be able to relax peacefully.
What to Expect During the Massage
When it’s time for your relaxation massage, your massage therapist will ask you to undress as much as you feel comfortable doing and lie down on a soft, cushioned massage table underneath a sheet or towel. Your massage therapist will dim the lights and ensure that the room is quiet, private, and a comfortable temperature for you. They will respect your privacy, using the towel or sheet to cover you as they work on other areas of your body.
If you feel uncomfortable or self-conscious at any time, be sure to let your massage therapist know what the problem is so they can adjust their technique. If you experience discomfort or need to take a short break, tell them. After all, it’s your personal time to relax, and it’s important that it feels comfortable to you.
How You’ll Feel Afterwards
Many people experience the benefits of a massage for several days afterwards. To get the best relaxing benefits from your therapeutic massage, try to relax after the massage rather than immediately getting back to your hectic life. It is normal to feel sleepy after a massage. Rest and relax if you are able, and you’ll likely find that the mind-and-body benefits last longer!