10 Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Massage

Talk to Your Massage Therapist Tell the massage therapist your concerns, needs and expectations before you start. Let them know about problem areas, like a bad back, trick knee or the knotted shoulders caused by computer work, so they can avoid these areas or pay special attention, as appropriate. Be sure to express your environmental preferences, as well. Let the therapist know how you like the music, room temperature, etc. You dont want the ambiance jarring you out of your cozy zone. If youre an aromatherapy fan and have a specific preference, bring a sample with you. (Luckily The Body Shop free shipping deals apply to a variety of delicious products)

Dont Be Bashful In general, the less you wear, the fewer obstacles to a good massage. Your certified massage therapist is trained in sheet-draping techniques that will ensure your modesty is protected at all times. So remove everything, slide under those silky sheets, and dont waste energy worrying about what the therapist will think of your body.

Stop Thinking This may be the hardest part of relaxing into a massage. I find yogic rhythmic breathing prepares my body and brain. While the therapist is getting set up I perform deep breathing exercises, inhaling from the stomach, upwards through the chest cavity and mentally swirling the breath through my brain. On the inhale I gather all my thoughts, tensions and negativity into a gray smoke and expel it out of my body. Then I reverse the process, filling my body with pure air. Five cycles usually do it, then I repeat this process whenever niggling thoughts stop me from enjoying the massage.

Relax Your Body Dont engage your muscles to help the therapist maneuver a part of your body. This doesnt really help as it just tenses your muscles and makes the therapists work harder.

Talk Less. Listen to Your Body More Sometimes a verbal release is just as therapeutic as a muscle relax, but if youre chattering away during a massage youre not really concentrating on your body. Animated conversation makes your body tense up, so save the chit chat for lunch dates. Do talk, however, to give the masseuse instructions. Let them know when the pressure is too soft or hard; if youre feeling chilly; or if youd like them to work more on a specific area. Then head back to dreamland.

Recover Slowly Dont harsh your mellow by jumping off the table after the therapist has left the room. Take a minute to glory in your newly relaxed body. Slowly open your eyes and appreciate the rooms ambiance. Roll slowly onto your dominant side, push gently up to a seated position with one arm, and sit on the edge of the massage table for a few moments. The therapist should have left a glass of water, so take time to slowly sip the entire glass before donning your clothes and gliding back into the real world.

Drink More Water Flush those nasty toxins out of your system with plenty of water. Otherwise, you could end up with sore muscles and nausea -- making the massage a complete waste of time and money. While theres no magic number of ounces you should drink, the more water you consume the better youll feel.