Getting Ready for Your Massage Therapy: Things You Need to Know How to Prepare For a Massage? When you are thinking about getting a massage, you will want to think about the different things that you have to consider. By taking the time to consider these things, you will be able to make an informed decision. You have to think about what type of massage you want, how often you want to get massages, where you want to go, and what you want to get out of the massage. There are so many options that you have when it comes to getting a massage. It is important that you know what to look for in a massage to make sure that you will get the right kind of massage. Brief History of Massage Massage therapy is the use of touch and pressure to improve the circulation of blood, lymphatic fluid, and other body fluids. It has been practiced for centuries and has been used in many cultures and religions as a form of healing. Massage has also been used as a form of relaxation and stress relief. The earliest recorded evidence of massage dates back to 5000 BC when Chinese physicians began to massage their patients to improve circulation and increase metabolism. In China, massage was performed using heated stones and mud. The ancient Greeks believed that massage would strengthen muscles and aid in digestion. Ancient Egyptians massaged their bodies to reduce stress and promote good health. During the Roman Empire, people were massaged to treat various ailments. During the Middle Ages, people were massaged to relieve pain and ease childbirth. The Chinese and Indian cultures have used massage to promote health and prevent illness. In Japan, massage has been used for thousands of years to help relieve muscle aches and pains and to promote good health. Massage in the Modern World In modern times, massage therapy has been used to treat many ailments such as arthritis, rheumatism, muscular dystrophy, cancer, diabetes, fibromyalgia, headaches, chronic fatigue syndrome, and even insomnia. Two Main Types of Massage There are two types of massage therapy: Swedish massage and Deep Tissue massage. Swedish massage is generally done with the hands and uses light pressure. Swedish massage focuses on the superficial layers of muscles. This type of massage is often used to relax sore muscles and joints and to promote circulation. Deep tissue massage uses deep pressure and is usually done with the hands, elbows, or forearms. This type of massage is used to release tension from muscles and tendons. Deep tissue massage is usually more effective at relieving pain than Swedish massage. Why Do People Get a Massage? Many people enjoy getting a massage every few months to keep their bodies feeling healthy and relaxed. Some people feel better when they receive a massage once a week or once every two weeks. Others prefer to receive messages only when they are having an acute problem such as a sore muscle or joint. When you are getting a massage, you may want to think about what you want to get out of it. If you are going to a spa, then it is important that you think about the type of treatment that you want to receive. Some spas offer more than others. Some offer a combination of different types of treatments. For example, you can get a full body massage and then have a facial afterward. You can also get a full body massage and a facial and then a manicure afterward. Massage Preparation Tips Before you decide to get a massage, you should make sure that you are healthy enough to receive a massage. You should also ask your doctor about any medical conditions that might interfere with massage therapy. If you have an injury or condition that will limit your ability to receive a massage, you should discuss this with your massage therapist. Decide About the Type of Massage If you are healthy enough to receive a massage, you may want to discuss what type of massage you would like. Your massage therapist may recommend a massage that is appropriate for your condition or he or she may suggest a type of massage that will benefit you. Be Aware of Proper Massage Posture or Position When you are receiving a massage, you should avoid lying down with your head hanging over the edge of the table. This position puts pressure on your neck and can cause serious injury. When you are lying down, you should place a pillow under your knees to support them. Wear Comfortable Clothing You should not wear clothing that restricts movement during a massage. Wearing tight clothing can restrict blood flow to the skin and make it difficult for your massage therapist to apply the correct amount of pressure. You should remove all jewelry and other items that can scratch or cut your skin. Follow the Therapist’s Instructions If you are receiving a massage from a professional massage therapist, you should follow his or her instructions. If you are receiving a massage from someone who is not a licensed massage therapist, you should ask him or her to stop if you experience any discomfort. Final Thoughts on Massage It is important that you know what to look for in a massage to make sure that you will get the right kind of massage. Another thing that you need to think about when you are choosing a massage is how often you want to get them. If you are going to be doing this regularly, then you will want to think about whether or not you want to invest in some sort of massage chair. These chairs can be very expensive and they are great for people who are getting massages frequently. When you are getting a massage, you may want to think about what you want to get out of it. If you are going to a spa, then it is important that you think about the type of treatment that you want to receive. Some spas offer more than others. Some offer a combination of different types of treatments. For example, you can get a full body massage and then have a facial afterward. You can also get a full body massage and a facial and then a manicure afterward.