How to prepare for a massage+ Aftercare tips! | featuring Massage Heights!

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Hey guys!

Today I wanted to share with you a little information about the benefits of a massage, what you should do to prepare for it and how to take care of yourself afterwards to make the results last as long as possible. I received a complementary massage service from Massage Heights in return for writing a review

I am a big advocate for massages a few times a year not only for relaxation purposes, but for health benefits, mind benefits and body benefits. Getting a massage is a great way to clear your mind, recharge your muscles, and rejuvenate the soul. My ideal would be getting a massage once a month but I usually go 3-4 times a year. I usually have 2 different types of massages I like to get, full body in a traditional massage spa or a spiritual massage. I have a family friend who gives massages in her home but also aligns your chakras and recharges and cleanses your aura. I love these types but I know they aren’t for everyone. In this post I will be talking about your traditional massage.

Massages can be expensive so instead of wasting money trying to find a good masseuse in my area I like to go on LivingSocial or Groupon and search for massage places in my area at a deep discount. This way I can try the place out without breaking the bank and if they are great I will feel better about paying the full price.

I recently got a massage at Massage Heights in the Cleveland area (check out their locations here) and it was amazing! Massage Heights has such a nice airy atmosphere. It feels like a luxurious spa! The lobby is well lit with comfortable seating, walls of products and friendly staff! They not only offer massages but also facials,  and add ons to their services. I went in for an hour massage and was able to add on either a face massage, foot scrub, or hot stone massage. I have never gotten a hot stone massage so I chose this option. My masseuse was super nice and gave a great massage. She used the stones to deep massage my body then left them on pressure points until they cooled. I was worried they would be too hot but they weren't. They never felt too hot or uncomfortable. You also get free aromatherapy with every service. You can choose from 4 different scents: lavender, eucalyptus, lemongrass, and citrus. I chose eucalyptus. This scent wafted through my room and kept me relaxed and refreshed. I highly recommend checking out Massage Heights and if you are in the Cleveland Area I recommend the Strongsville location. 

To prepare for a massage I like to get there 15 min early. This allows me to sign in, introduce myself to the masseuse and let them know about any needs I have. You don’t want to get there late or right on time as this can cut into your overall massage time. I like to have a few min to get undressed and clear my head before it begins so arriving early really helps. I also recommend eating before you go. When you are relaxed your body will digest better so if you go on an empty stomach it might growl during the quiet relaxing time. If this doesn’t bother you that is fine but it distracts me so I try to eat beforehand. Plus if you are hungry you won’t be able to get as relaxed as you want. Also make sure you go to the bathroom before. You don’t want to interrupt your session or be distracted holding it for the whole time.

I also advise not wearing makeup if you can. You will be face down for a lot of the massage and getting makeup all over your face and the towels isn’t going to help with your relaxation. I like to go with a clean face, hair in a ponytail and out of the way and shaved legs. Don’t feel like you have to shave beforehand but I always feel better about myself when I know the person isn’t feeling my prickly hairs while they are rubbing my legs. Sometimes they will even massage the face or scalp so not wearing makeup or having your hair done will help you not worry about messing anything up. I also wouldn’t wear jewelry as necklaces can get in the way of a neck massage, earrings can get caught in hair, rings can get in the way of a hand massage and bracelets can move around when getting an arm massage.

I also advise wearing comfortable loose clothing before and after the massage. You don’t want to struggle getting undressed before or put tight restricting clothes on after. You want to stay in that relaxed state of mind for as long as possible. I like to wear, depending on the season, leggings, a sweatshirt and t shirt. I try to make sure I take the rest of the day to relax so that I don’t worry about looking like a slob.

Once you are in your room strip down to a comfortable level. You can keep your bra and underwear on if you are more comfortable but just remember they are going to rub your back so the bra might get in the way. I keep my underwear on and that’s it. I find that the less the masseuse has to move out of the way the better the massage.

Usually they will ask but make sure you let them know about any injures, sore or tender spots or just anywhere you would like them to focus on. It is their job to help your body recover so don’t be afraid to speak up. I always tell them to focus on my back and shoulders. They will still do your full body but will focus a little more time and attention to these areas. They also ask what type of pressure you would like whether it is light to heavy. I like a medium level and find this works my muscles enough without over working them. Also during the massage let them know if the pressure is wrong or something hurts. They aren’t able to feel what you are feeling and are trained to adjust when you say something.

Don’t worry if you fall asleep. A lot of people do and the masseuse is trained to keep going. Afterwards make sure you sit up slowly as you have been laying a while and your circulation has been moved around. If you get up too fast you might feel dizzy and lightheaded. Since the massage moved around your lymph nodes and flushed toxins out of your body make sure you drink a ton of water the rest of the day. This will help release all the toxins and make your muscles relaxed longer.

After a massage I try to stay as relaxed as possible the rest of the day if I can. I go home and lounge around and try not to do anything too physical. I want my mind and body to rest as long as it can.

I highly recommend looking into getting a massage. The benefits are fantastic and you won’t regret it! Check out Massage Heights HERE

How often do you get a massage? Let me know down below! XOX Chan