It's fun to find out...

No Pressure

I was recently introduced to this clip of comedian Steve Soelberg talking about his first massage. While it's absolutely hilarious it made think about the words I choose prior to giving a massage. It is not uncommon for me to have a client in my office that has never had a massage before or a client that is not familiar to me. I have a habit of saying, "get undressed to what you're comfortable with." This is different for everyone. I have come into the treatment room to find many states of undress, and in one case a fully dressed man sitting on the edge of the massage table.

If you are a woman, it is helpful to remove your bra for me to adequately work your back and shoulders (it is NOT required, but helpful). If you are a man that wears boxer shorts, it is helpful to remove them for me to work on your quadricep and hamstring muscles of your upper legs (again NOT required). It is important that you are both comfortable and happy with the massage you are receiving. You are always covered with a blanket and I only uncover the part of your body I am working on. 

I am going to be more mindful going forward with my directions. 

The second part of Mr. Soelberg's routine is also very humorous, but not something that I ever ask. I have never asked a client what type of pressure they like prior to their massage (I have had many clients tell me up front though). Pressure is subjective. Everyone's body is different. I have been a massage therapist for 15 years and in that time I have learned that no 2 people want or need the same pressure or depth in their massage. I have also learned that some people think they want a certain level of pressure, but their bodies respond better to less or more. 

Enjoy the video!!!! ?

Ever wonder why I put a pillow on your eyes during your massage treatment? There are several reasons really. I started this practice many years ago when I had a regular client that would keep his eyes open during the massage. I thought, "well, he doesn't seem very relaxed." I added the eye pillow to my practice to help those who have trouble starting the letting go process at the beginning of a treatment.

Come to find out light pressure on the eyeballs lowers your heart rate by evoking the oculocardiac reflex and stimulates the vagus nerve, which regulates your heart rate, mood, and digestion. It helps your belly and brain relax and may make you a bit hungry (sorry, I don't provide snacks).

I also find it easier to relax in a darkened space than in a bright one and my new massage room can get pretty bright in the afternoon even with room darkening curtains. Now I use the eye pillow on everyone after I've massaged and stretched your head and neck to tell your brain that now it's time to fall into the massage.

I recommend getting an eye pillow for home & office use. It only takes a few minutes laying down on the couch or reclining in your desk chair to help lower your heart rate and get your belly ready for lunch ;)