I have never had a body massage before and was wondering about the basic procedure, particularly in respect of privacy and body oils.:) I'd appreciate if someone could let me know about these, in relation to having a massage in a salon. I suppose I'd have to ask the particular salon but I would like an idea of what to expect before asking them. Are the body oils greasy so a shower is required afterwards? Can you choose what type of oils?
Sorry if these questions seem very basic but as I say, I just have no idea about it.:confused: Any idea of an approximate cost would also be helpful - a full massage.
many thanks
Moonfairy
x
Hi MoonFairy,
A full body massage can cost around £35-60 depending on where you are. It will take 45-60 mins and you will need to have a consultation before hand to make sure there are no contraindications and to make sure you recieve the massage that you want , holistic, relaxing etc. If you are having an aromatherapy massage we would recommend that you do not have a bath or shower for the rest of the day to benefit from the full effect of the oils , allowing full absorption of them, as this would be part of the treatment.
All clients I have I ask them to remove all but their pants and to cover themselves with a large towel I leave for them , lying on their front on the couch. I allow them to change in privacy. Ladies can keep their bra on and then I just untie it when massaging the back, and retie when i have finished. Only the area being massaged is ever uncovered, to maintain privacy/dignity and warmth. All clients I have get redressed in privacy.
It is a good idea not to arrange to do anything after a massage as although many feel energized by one often people feel very relaxed and it is good to be able to just relax. Make sure you drink plenty of water afterwards and enjoy the experience. I am sure you will become hooked as it benefits the body and soul, enjoy it and let us know how you get on,
Jane:)
Hi Moonfairy
What a treat - a full body massage is the bee's knees and you will love it! Personally, I love aromatherapy massages. Most therapists will ask how you're feeling and then recommend a blend of oils to either relax or energise you. My own lack of modesty leads me to take ALL my clothes off - I believe it's easier for the therapists to massage properly if they don't have to worry about bras and pants - but that's entirely up to you. My thought is that we are all girls together so what the heck! I hope you have a great massage - I'm sure you will be hooked very quickly. Enjoy.
xxx
IMO there are many different methods out there, and a good start is deciding what YOU want from the massage. then at least you can choose the right one that fits.
Do you have any requirements?
INDO
Thanks everyone for your input. I'm getting a better idea of what it might be like and it is allaying the concerns I've been having.
Indo, I can't say I have any specific requirements. I just want a chilling and relaxiing massage, maybe with aromatherapy, but not necessarily. My idea is to be soothed and calmed - to remove any vestiges of stress that I may have.
Indo, I can't say I have any specific requirements. I just want a chilling and relaxiing massage, maybe with aromatherapy, but not necessarily. My idea is to be soothed and calmed - to remove any vestiges of stress that I may have.
Most complimentary massages will defo soothe and calm you, as for removing stress i doubt it, try a thai massage for chilling and relaxing....unless you feel like being pampered which the former will do.
Have fun 😉
as for removing stress i doubt it,
Have fun 😉
Not remove stress? Are you kidding?:p I have yet to come across someone who doesn't feel totally relaxed and and de-stressed after a full massage - (well, one of mine anyway)!:D And it certainly has that effect on me...... :sleep:
Hi Moonfairy
You ask,...
Can you choose what type of oils?
If you choose to have an aromatherapy massage the oils will be selected for you based on the consultation, however, if you do have a preference i.e. floral, spicey, woody, herbs you could mention that to the therapist who will take that into account. For example you may not like one of the sedative oils such as Ylang Ylang, as some find it cloying and a bit sickly.
Sometimes the oils we are most drawn to, or have an affinity with, are the ones that we need at that moment.
The therapist would usually leave the room whilst you are undressing and dressing.
Binah
x
Not remove stress? Are you kidding?:p I have yet to come across someone who doesn't feel totally relaxed and and de-stressed after a full massage - (well, one of mine anyway)!:D And it certainly has that effect on me...... :sleep:
Yes, that's what I thought Treacle.;) Doesn't the massage find knots or what ya call 'em which have been caused by stress, then these are worked on??
Binah, thanx for the info about aromatherapy oils. It sounds like my idea of heaven. Oh, as well as lovely chill-out music playing in the background.:) There are 2 salons near where I live so I'll be having a shufty at them soon.:D
And another way of looking at stress relief Moonfairy, is that even if someone is stressed with things going on in their life, the hour they spend on that massage table will usually relax them enough to forget about their worries - even if it is only for a short time. Still beneficial in my opinion. 😉
And another way of looking at stress relief Moonfairy, is that even if someone is stressed with things going on in their life, the hour they spend on that massage table will usually relax them enough to forget about their worries - even if it is only for a short time. Still beneficial in my opinion. 😉
Ahhhh...i think you mean a massage to relieve the symptoms of stress....not a massage to relieve the stress itself...i get it 😉
Indo has a good point - if I understand you correctly Chris. Do we therapists management stress or should we be looking at and helping clients to change their circumstance and/or perception of stress.
I suppose a de-stressing massage is better than drugs, alcohol, neurotic and psychological escapist activity. Which reminds me that I've been on here for too long tonight :dft005:.
RP
The oil I use is of neutral fragrance, not greasy, and washes off you and out of your clothes easily. Unless people are very hairy (which is where you need a lot of oil sometimes!), you don't generally need a shower, although some people might prefer that anyway. Where I work there are showers available for the clients' use if they wish, but most don't.
If you have a strong preference for a specific (type of) oil, you can bring your own and ask the therapist to use that.
I leave it up to the client if they want to get undressed completely or not. In my opinion a full-body massage includes the buttocks too, and that is of course easier if the pants are off. 😀
But I respect the client's wishes at all times of course, so always make sure I understand what they mean by full-body (a lot of people actually mean everything apart from the buttocks and the front of the torso!) and they can keep on as many items as they want. I leave the room for them to get undressed and dressed. And I use a drape, uncovering only the areas I'm working on. I place a small towel over the breast when I get to the stomach area. Do you know the trick where you pull a table cloth from underneath the tableware without them even moving? Similar thing: towel over the breasts, then pull sheet away from underneath so they don't get exposed. 😀
For a full body, if you want a bit more than just very gentle (or rushed!) stroking, I would recommend booking 1.5 hours or longer, especially on the first visit where some chatting will usually precede the actual massage. I would also recommend seeing a qualified massage therapist, and not going to a beauty salon, as they are usually relatively expensive, and many (not all) of their therapists have only had a basic training in massage, alongside all the other stuff they have to learn. They often only apply light pressure, which is of no help if you want some knots sorted out in the process. 🙂
I would also recommend seeing a qualified massage therapist, and not going to a beauty salon, as they are usually relatively expensive, and many (not all) of their therapists have only had a basic training in massage, alongside all the other stuff they have to learn. They often only apply light pressure, which is of no help if you want some knots sorted out in the process. 🙂
I was going to suggest this too without being mean to beauty therapists. Most beauty therapists that I know admit disliking giving massages.
Good luck & I hope that you enjoy your first massage.
we are all girls together
Speak for yourself, Sunanda! Apart from that, though, you're quite right about everything - as usual. Feel I could do with a de-stressing massage right now after an annoying no-show this afternoon...