Issue link: http://cp.revolio.com/i/57427
Taking this short preliminary step to prep you for the massage to follow will relax you even more. Of course, you can augment this so you do it during the fi rst few minutes of the massage and it can be just as effective. For myself, I use this technique when in traffi c, a few times a day when I feel like I need a little vacation, and sometimes even during a massage when the client is particularly quiet. I use that time to quiet my own mind by repeating, (inhale) "I am" (exhale) "pure health." If you think this is something you might want to incorporate into your massage time, let your therapist know that you'd like an extra minute or two to get ready in the treatment room before he enters, or that you'd like the fi rst fi ve minutes of the massage to be quiet time so that you can do your mini. Remember, the only time they don't work is when you don't do them. VISUALIZE RELAXATION Another thing that can help you relax during your massage is visualization. If you can picture the muscle the therapist is working on and imagine it melting or softening, it can help with the treatment. If you're having a relaxing Swedish massage, picture your body melting into the table or turning to jelly. If you want to visualize during your massage, let your therapist know that you'd like quiet time during the massage; perhaps she could even lead you through a visualization while you're on the table. There are many stock scripts, or you could write your own to use for your treatment. The next time you have a massage, try a mini, work in some visualization, and make sure you share any injuries and needs with your therapist. Incorporating your mind during bodywork can create an even more enjoyable and relaxing experience. B S Kathy Gruver, PhD, is a massage therapist, Reiki Master, and public speaker. She's been involved in healing since 1990. Contact her at www.healingcirclemassage.com. Finding Your Voice During your massage, fi nding your voice is incredibly important for relaxation. Have you tried to struggle through a massage where the aromatherapy was too strong, you were cold, or you had to use the bathroom? It's not a fun or relaxing experience. If you are cold, hot, uncomfortable, can't stand the music, or the pressure is wrong, you need to communicate that to the therapist. Make sure you are very specifi c about any injuries or concerns you have. There is nothing worse than doing a foot massage on someone who forgot to mention she kicked the dining room table that morning. We need to know about injuries to protect you and give you the safest and most pleasurable experience we can. We, as therapists, are here for you. We will gladly adjust room temperature or music if it will make you feel more comfortable. Believe me, you won't hurt our feelings. We want you to have the best experience possible so you'll come back. Body Sense 9