WHAT TO EXPECT
Whether this is your very first massage or your hundredth, you can expect a professional, relaxing and nurturing experience with Bodyflo Massage.
Getting Ready for the Massage
- Avoid eating a big meal right before the massage. If your abdomen is swollen from being very full, you might be less comfortable laying face down on the massage table. We can always work side-laying, but it's something to keep in mind. Also, as most of the energy in your body will be directed at digesting your food, it is possible that you will benefit less from the massage as that energy will be unavailable to aid in the transport of toxins in your body. Finally, foods like sugar and caffeine might keep you from being able to fully relax and surrender during the massage. It is most advisable to not have too much to eat for about 2 hours prior to the massage. If you are hungry, a light snack is perfectly fine. Of course, drinking plenty of water before and after the massage is a good idea. Alcohol is strongly discouraged prior to receiving a massage, and serious intoxication may result in the cancelation of your appointment.
- Make sure you allow yourself plenty of travel time to get to Bodyflo Massage, park, and check-in. Arriving travel-stressed is no way to start your nurturing and pampering! Please keep in mind that our time together starts at the agreed scheduled time.
Checking in Before the Massage
- You will arrive at a clean, quiet and minimally decorated home. I will show you the location of the restroom, and offer you some water.
- If this is your first appointment with Bodyflo Massage, we will sit down together discuss your massage therapy needs. We will need to discuss the particular indications for your body. You will be asked to fill in a short intake form. An extra 20 minutes will be scheduled for this initial conversation, at the nomimal fee of $10.
- Prior to the massage, I will ask you about how you are feeling in your body on this day. Please tell me of any tension, soreness or injuries you'd like me to be aware of. Also please let me know of any things that tend to bother you during a massage (for example, some people do not want their feet or face touched), and also let me know of any special requests you have for the massage at this time. During this time, I may ask you to walk a few steps back and forth for me so that I can assess any points of tension in your anatomy. This pre-assessment will take about 2 to 5 minutes, depending on your needs, and is a part of your massage session.
- I will lead you to the massage area, which will be privately marked off by either a door or a heavy drape. I will ask you about your musical preference, if any, and put on the music of your choosing. I will show the massage table and instruct you as to how to get on to it.
- I will leave the room for you to disrobe in privacy. Massage is most effective with all your garments removed. However, you should disrobe only to your comfort level, and some clients choose to retain undergarments.
- I will let you know as I am about to re-enter the massage space, and then our session will begin.
During the Massage
- You will lie on a well-padded, comfortable massage table, in between freshly laundered sheets. Soft blankets will be available to keep you comfortable. the massage table can be heated at your request. Simply lying on this massage table is so comfortable that you may drift off to sleep quite early into the massage!
- A modesty drape will always be used to protect your privacy. Only the part of your body being worked with will be exposed. This drape will feel secure and safe around you, and each part of your body will be covered up before the next part is uncovered.
- There will be some movement required of you at times. Depending upon your needs and the type of massage you are receiving, I may pick up one of your limbs to give you a luxurious stretch. I may ask you to resist against me or slowly extend a limb in order to facilitate the release of tension in your tissues. At the very least, I will be asking you to turn over approximately half-way through the massage.
- Communicate your needs with me during the massage. This is a crucially important aspect of working together. Please do not fear offending me or hurting my feelings. Your communication about the massage empowers me to provide you with the most soothing, nurturing and healing treatment I can. let me know if you are too cold or too warm during the treatment. If the music of your choosing is not working for you, it can be changed. If you wish for deeper or gentler pressure, please ask for it. Let me know immediately about any discomfort you feel during the massage. Do not think that you must be in pain during a massage to get the most benefits. While some techniques can be uncomfortable, they should never hurt.
- Tell me when a method, technique or movement is particularly beneficial or enjoyable. If there is a specific spot we are working on that feels like it needs longer attention, please let me know. Your feedback ensures that you will receive the most beneficial treatment for you. Remember, the only person that can know how the massage feels in your body is you.
- Try to stay conscious of your breath throughout the massage. Feel where in your body it travels to. Follow it there. Pay attention to where it seems to stop. Try to lengthen it. Deep breaths will calm your mind, focus attention on your body, and allow your muscles to open up to deeper work and fuller movements.
At the end of the Session
- At the end of the massage, I will gently let you know that our time together is coming to a end. I will leave the room so that you may have the privacy you need to wake your body and get dressed.
- Please feel free to take a few moments to just lay quietly on the table, absorbing all the wonderful relaxation you have experienced. Consider opening your eyes slowly, and bringing yourself back from your meditative state by making yourself aware of the sounds and space around you. Move your hands and feet in slow circles.
- When you are ready to get up, please do so gently and carefully. roll onto your side and lay there for a moment. Sit up on the table, and allow your blood flow to level out.
- Once you are dressed, meet me outside the massage room. I will allow some time to answer any questions you may have. I am always open to any feedback you wish to leave. I will collect payment from you, and schedule your next appointment if you so desire. Please drink a lot of water to help flush out toxins after the massage.