My boyfriend bought me a gift card for a massage last Christmas, and between the stress of college and finding a job, I just recently got around to getting it. I regret not going to get it done sooner, but in any case, the experience was amazing.
I’m an overworked waitress with scoliosis, so you can only imagine how badly my back hurts after just one shift, let alone a double. So I decided to finally get massaged on Wednesday morning. Physically, my muscles were eased and I felt myself beginning to fall asleep on the heated table. But psychologically, a lot of things were on my mind as Kellie, my therapist, moved her hands all over my body.
Here is my advice for your first massage, and if and when I schedule my next one, I will definitely prepare myself.
1. Shave!
I rolled out of bed and went to my appointment without much preparation. Even though they’re probably used to it, my legs could have used a shaven beforehand. As soon as Kellie signaled that my legs were next, I had a mini, silent panic attack. I thought she was only going to work on my back! Shave your legs and armpits prior to a massage so you don’t feel embarrassed.
2. Shower!
Even though you’ll be loaded with lotion or oil by the end of your massage, I wish I showered prior. Kellie massaged my scalp and my face, two areas that deserved cleaning. Showering before and after might sound like a bit much, but I felt a tad grungy just laying on the glowing white sheets.
3. Be happy with your body!
Kellie, a 5’2 woman with a gorgeous physique, had to massage me, a 5’6 sweat hater who hasn’t seen the inside of a gym since last summer. Yes, I have hips and stretch marks and all the perks of womanhood, but I felt a little insecure when Kellie kept massaging those areas over and over. It was like a constant reminder that I had love handles. Make sure you’re okay with a stranger touching your body in somewhat uncomfortable areas.
All in all, I loved the experience but would do a few things differently next time. I still have money left on my gift card, so I’m thinking I’ll try a facial next.
Lovelies, have you ever been massaged? What is some of your advice to a massage virgin?
Images: 1, 2, 3, 4
guest
I think #1 is kind of silly. Yes, shave ‘em if it will help you relax, but not everyone (male or female) shaves their legs, so you shouldn’t feel obligated to for your masseuse.
I got a massage last semester. It was an excellent decision, and it was fairly cheap since it was through the school’s health center. =)
guest
Yes, I have been massaged before and thankfully, I did shave and shower before going. I’ve been massaged at places I had no prior knowledge to, I suggest taking recommendations from friends for spas/massage therapists they trust, and to ask for a masseur in the gender you are comfortable with. Even though I am not that comfortable with my body, and often self-conscious, after a few minutes in a dimly-lit room, aromatherapy and massage, you will relax and forget the concerns. Also, if you are not comfortable with the masseur massaging a particular area, speak up. It may affect overall effectiveness of massage, but that is far better than how you feel about it emotionally and/or mentally.
guest
uhhh yeah I would definitely shower.
guest
I fell asleep the first time I got a massage haha
guest
my husband is a massage therapist, and I usually don’t shower after because i like having soft skin from the oil, but I like showering before. Most massage therapists do NOT care if you are hairy, they massage hairy men all the time so a bit of woman leg hair is unnoticeable
guest
say no if they ask you if you want a happy ending.
guest
It’s a little ironic that one is be happy with your body and the first one is shave so you’re not embarrassed? really it’s not any of their business who shaves and I really don’t think they would care otherwise, you shouldn’t be embarrassed of body hair! everybody’s got it!
orchid / 103 posts
I’m not overly self-conscious but I still hate the thought of getting a full body massage. I just don’t like the thought of a stranger touching me. A facial or just a back massage would be fine, but legs and arms would make me really uncomfortable. I tend to stay on the modest side so a full massage would not be a very good gift for me. lol
sunflower / 255 posts
I’m a massage therapist and I can tell you that a true therapist isn’t looking or judging you for those love handles or stretch marks (or if someone has some extra weight, skin condition etc). Also, you expect your massage therapist to be clean, so extend the same courtesy and shower before hand.
guest
Eh, I’ve gotta a couple of massages, the first two by females, and then my most recent by a male. I didn’t sweat most of this stuff (though showering does seem like a good idea). I’ve never taken my underwear off for a massage, though. I still…don’t know if that is super weird or not, but I feel way way uncomfortable not wearing underwear.
guest
My aunt is a professional massage therapist and I have never had to worry my physical flaws while getting a massage. She has always cared more about my heath and happiness than small things like hair. I do suggest being clean before hand though. Maybe not fresh out of the shower clean but if you feel dirty and smell bad you should shower regardless.
The best thing anyone can do for them self is learn self love.
guest
I think part of being happy with your body, especially as a woman, is not having to worry about shaving your legs, armpits, or anything else.