A great massage can result in you feeling better both physically and emotionally in about an hour. What a wonderful outcome in a relatively short amount of time. But the idea of taking off your clothes and allowing a stranger to rub on you may seem daunting, especially if you have never had a professional massage!
I believe that a well trained, experienced and ethical Massage Therapist partnered with a confident and well informed client make for a wonderful and productive massage session. Many clients of massage experience such great health and relaxation results they maintain a vigilant massage schedule.
The Mayo Clinic also recognizes the health benefits of massage, emphasizing studies have found improvement in stress relief, managing anxiety and depression, pain, stiffness, blood pressure control, infant growth, sports-related injuries, boosting immunity and cancer treatment.
In the past I have owned a facility with Licensed Massage Therapists (LMT), frequented many spas and eventually became a LMT. So my opinion comes from an Owner, Client and Practitioner perspective. I know from experience that massage therapists are like everyone else – some are nasty and dirty, I know what it is like to wonder what undergarments I should have left on as I lie on the massage table and I also know what it is like to smell stinky feet as I rub them!
Please feel free to ask ANYTHING, I will answer sincerely. Nothing is embarrassing to ask or answer.
Please note that this advice column contains opinion and should be used as a guide and should not be used to replace medical instructions by a physician.
I want your massage experiences to be safe and enjoyable. After all, if it stresses you out to even get on the massage table, what’s the use!
In Touch 4 Health,
Dianna Ivey, LMT MA#40660
Florida Licensed Massage Therapist
I have really bad seasonal allergies. Is there a type of massage that will help open up my sinuses and keep them flowing?
Thank you for asking such a timely question!
You know what is even worse than receiving a massage with bad allergies? Giving one with terrible allergies! Last week mine were so bad that I actually broke down and took an OTC anti-histamine. But let’s face it who wants to hear their massage therapist sniffling, snorting, sneezing and coughing during their massage.
By stimulating your sinuses to drain you can avoid congestion and possible infection. Your normal massage works with the lymphatic system, and can assist your sinuses with drainage. Prior to your massage you may want to consider using a neti pot to irrigate your nasal passages.
You can request that your massage therapist give additional attention to your paranasal (facial) sinuses. He or she will apply gentle pressure to your forehead, along your eye bones, along your cheek bones and along the jaw. Many clients experience the ability to breathe clearly immediately!
I often add essential oils to a carrier lotion to open up sinuses. My clients seem to enjoy a combination of peppermint, lavender, eucalyptus and tea tree oil. Biofreeze or Cryoderm can also be a quick addition to my lotion for the body only (avoid the face, too strong), giving clients both sinus and sore muscle relief.
If you suffer from allergies or nasal congestion here are some things to request during your massage:
1. Start the massage face up with your upper body elevated with a wedge or pillows (my table can recline).
2. You can request to be massaged side posture rather than face down.
3. Have water available to keep hydrated.
4. Have facial tissues available, where you can reach them.
5. Request that candles and aromatherapy be avoided.
Remember, your massage therapist wants you to have a good experience; they’ll appreciate your requests!