The benefits of massage are endless. Relaxation and rejuvination are valuable tools involved in combatting increasing stress levels.

We know this.

Relieving tight muscles is an effective and holistic approach to decreasing pain and discomfort acquired by everyone on a daily basis.

We know this too.

Then why is it that most people choose to overlook massage therapy as a viable option for body maintenance? Many concerns involve not knowing exactly what massage entails and trusting someone with your most prized possession-your body.

If you have never had a massage, it is an understandibly formidable challange. Allow me to empower you with notions of modesty, knowledge and body image attitude so that you can employ the trmendous benefits of massage therapy into your own life.

Let's define modesty as keeping within bounds of proper behavior; displaying appropiate methods before, during, and after your massage. Your therapist will allow you complete privacy to disrobe by leaving the room. You can keep your underwear on. You are fully covered by a sheet the entire time of the massage. "Draping" is the technique of using the sheet to maintain your sense of security and create the boundary between therapist and client. You can relax knowing that your saftey and modesty are highly protected by your therapist. Knowledge can also play a key role in maximizing your massage experience. As a first time client, it is extremely important for your therapist to walk you step by step through the procedure before you get to the table. These include:

Where you put your things

What the massage will entail

How to get on the table

How to breathe and relax

Allow you to ask questions
By preparing you with the knowledge of what to expect, you are more able to let down your guard and relax. That's why you're here! A skilled therapist should stay in good contact with you about your comfort, warmth, and pressure of massage strokes. This is a time you have set aside for yourself. Utilize it!

Body image is another subject worth addressing. It deters people from enjoying the fullness of a massage experience. Massage is for everybody. Every shape, every size. There is no need to be self conscious. Massage therapists are admirers of the body's form and function, and work professionally to acheive developed goals for the session.

I hope to have shed some light on some of the lesser dicussed aspects of massage. I hope to have empowered you as a consumer to demand quality and professionalism from your massage therapists. I wish to convey the importance of modesty, knowledge and appropiate body image attitudes. And most of all, I encourage each and every one of you to experience the endless benefits that massage thearapy can provide. Thanks for reading!

Jennifer Myers

Licensened Massage Therapist

centeryourselfmassage.com