Massage Tip

When receiving a massage, uncomfortable sensations are often divided into two main categories, “hurts so good”, and “ouch that hurts”. If the sensation is “ouch that hurts”, the pressure is likely too much, or the technique is too aggressive. When I perform a massage, my goal is to either encourage sensations that are rewarding or pleasurable. A pleasurable sensation is self-explanatory, but a rewarding sensation is one that feels like it is “doing something.” A rewarding sensation can be pleasurable, “hurt so good”, feel like nearly nothing, or in some instances can be “ouch that hurts”.

Communication is essential in a massage. The only thing a massage therapist concretely knows about your experience is what you directly tell them. Sure, they may have intuition, a library of knowledge or even considerable experience, but all of this is worth nearly nothing without your input. When I talk to my clients, I often tell them I may know a bunch of stuff about massage and pain management, but they have lived in their body their entire life, we just met, so I need their expertise to serve as their tool to help them feel terrific.

When people come to me for pain management massage, I do my best to help them develop their communication skills, specifically in regard to the sensations they experience throughout their body. I have found people often enjoy a modicum of pain relief simply by discussing how they feel. In the beginning of a session, I always create space for my client to talk about the sensations of their body. With this information I will create a plan of action for the massage. Then, throughout the session I adapt to their needs based on what they communicate to me.

If you are performing massage at home, it is especially important for you to communicate with the person you are massaging. If you are in a relationship with this person, it will provide you with a wealth of insight into how they feel when you touch them. It will offer you the opportunity to learn their nonverbal cues, and it opens the doorway for you to develop new ways to communicate.

If you are a student learning the ropes to professionally practice massage, talking to your lab partner is especially important. I know how challenging it can be to break through the shyness of your partner, or even overcome your own, but if you want to be a phenomenal massage therapist you need to let go of this reluctance. The only way you can improve is with open and honest feedback. How can you know how your touch and techniques feel if no one is willing to share with you?

Whether you are studying to become a massage therapist, or if you are trying to provide some peace and ease to someone you love, be encouraging with the way you speak. Invite them to share, listen to them and be in a space that reveals you actually care.

When someone tells you they hurt, ask them to articulate how that hurt specifically feels. Dive into the details and guide them to become more aware of their body. Over time you will develop techniques that are effective to their specific sensations. Over time you will become a lantern bearer that leads others to live their greatest life, by providing them with an inspiring and illuminating light.

Experience the ease, comfort and serenity you need at Jennifer Brand Spa.  Feel the outside world float away as your senses are soothed, replenished and revitalized.  Discover how it feels to be the center of the universe, to live with harmony, and embrace peace.