You book a massage to feel better. But how do you feel better?
It's not just up to me, as your massage therapist to make you feel better. You, your brain, your nervous system, all play a big part in whether or not you feel better.
What am I talking about? Interoception, it's body sense, the perception of sensations that come from our nervous system. It's believed by many, that our awareness of how our body feels is the most ignored sense. I may feel your muscles soften and relax, but if your brain still perceives muscles to be tight, you will still feel tight.
Awareness - Those few minutes of verbal intake prior to starting your massage are important. They educate me on why you are there and what your goals are, but they also invite you to reflect on exactly how you feel so that we can create a treatment plan together.
Comfort - As you lay there, on your stomach, I will ask if you are comfortable. I may place a towel under your shoulders or hips and ask how that feels, better, worse or the same. This is to ensure we start your massage as comfortable as possible.
Control - Throughout your massage I will check in with you regarding the level of pressure I'm using. Maybe you like firm pressure on your back, but light pressure on your legs. If we are using warm stones, the temperature is important. If we are cupping, the degree of negative pressure should feel effective but not painful. You are in control of the pressure, temperature and every decision of your massage.
Sensations build our experiences, emotions and behavior. If you sense that you have been heard, are safe, feel comfortable enough to relax and have control of your massage, you are more likely to feel better.
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