Maximize the benefits of your massage with these simple tips from our body care experts:

1. Breathe. Deep breathing during your massage centers your mind and relaxes your body.

2. You’re the Boss. This massage is all about you. Massage therapists appreciate specializing a session based on your needs. Silence is not golden in the massage room.

3. Be specific. Do you want more pressure? Less? Is the room too cold or too warm? Would you like the entire session on your neck, back, shoulders, hands and feet? The more you tell your therapist, the better he or she can customize the massage to fit your needs.

4. What to wear. You don’t have to go to your closet many times to figure this one out. It’s best to wear extremely comfortable clothes to and from your massage. For the massage, you generally take everything off, as most therapists will use proper draping, which means no part of your body that is not included in the massage will be exposed at any time.

5. The good hurt. Go with the pressure that gives you a good hurt. You should enjoy this pressure but still be able to visualize the kinks being ironed out. Always breathe through the tender areas, visualizing your own body assisting the therapist in the release. The bad hurt involuntarily has you fighting against the therapist, which results in a long, uncomfortable massage, as well as possible muscular damage and strain. One session is not going to rid your body of years of built-up stress, so there’s no reason to try to conquer it all in one day.

6. Release and let go. Avoid helping your therapist by turning your head or lifting an arm. The therapist is working, not you. This can take practice. If you find yourself doing it during a massage, go back to number one and breathe deeply; visualize yourself relaxing that body part, as well as others.

7. Be there. Enjoy the moment. Stop formulating your to-do list, or thinking about where you’re off to next. Focus on your body. Feel the touch and allow yourself to get lost in it.

8. Get all emotional about it. If during your massage you experience a sudden flow of emotional thoughts or feelings, accept and listen to them. It’s very normal for a massage to release memories. If you feel overcome with emotion, communicate with your therapist as to whether they should leave the room, pass you a tissue, continue the massage, or just wait a few moments in silence.

9. Shop around. A good massage therapist will want you to have the best massage customized to fit your needs. There are many different modalities of massage and various styles among therapists. Massage is very personal, and once you find someone who fits your needs, keep seeing that therapist. But, until that time, keep looking. Massage therapists vary in style and technique, and are just as unique as you are.

10. Finished? Massage moves the fluids in your body more quickly than usual; it is very stimulating to the circulatory system. Drink lots of water to replenish your supply—especially if very specific, concentrated, or deep work was done. We want you to avoid that after-massage-soreness as much as you do! Don’t be afraid to ask the therapist what he or she noticed. A good therapist wants to educate you on what was found– it may confirm or draw attention to something you may want to put further effort into correcting. Lastly, be conscious of what you liked and didn’t like so you can communicate your preferences to your therapist during your next visit.

Spa Smiles,

Destino Spa