***General Etiquette***
Hygiene: It would be nice if the client showers before the massage or at least same day. I understand that most people are trying to fit in a massage between activities so I'm not a stickler on this--read more for my gross out tolerance.
Underwear on or off?: You may disrobe to your absolute comfort. It makes no difference to me as long as you are comfortable. I can work with people who are fully clothed to completely nude under the sheet. I prefer less because I work with lotions and the long sweeping glides allow me to address the muscles completely. Either way--this is about your comfort, not mine and some people have cultural and religious reasons for not disrobing. Always be comfortable.
Moving during a massage: Yes please move around if you have an itch or your arms are uncomfortable and you need to hang them off the table or put them beside you. I will work with it. If you are face down and it hurts your lower back, pipe up! There are always modifications for your individual needs. In short, you don't have to lay there like a mummy unless you want to.
"Helping" the massage therapist:. I used to do this myself because I thought it would make the therapist's job easier and second I couldn't relax and let go of control. Let me give you an example so you understand what "helping" means. Sometimes when I get to massaging the arm, the client will give me their arm from under the sheet and leave it tense in my hand. Or when I bring a leg up to stretch, the client will activate that leg to lift it. This is where you can be a mummy--When I'm moving around arms and legs, necks and heads, it is to the client's benefit to be completely passive. You will get a better stretch and effect if you are passive. I will prompt the client for any movements where they need to be involved.
Music and other sounds: If the client doesn't like the music or would just like to have silence or the fan, I encourage them to let me know. I will not take any requests personally. Again this is about YOU! I'm so zoned in to my movements I usually don't hear the music or register outside noise.
Talking during the massage: I will not initiate conversation with the client unless they speak first. Then I will answer the question briefly. If someone needs to get something off their chest or they just have questions, they are absolutely welcome to talk every second of their massage--it's their time. However, I know for me I can't give a really stellar massage when I'm having a conversation. All the focus and energy needs to be in my finger tips, hands and body mechanics. The body speaks and I have to listen to where it is guiding me. The millimeters of knots and unhealthy fascia (connective tissue) is so subtle that the finger tips actually become hyper sensitive over time. My body is engaged in full on nurturing and feeling for the hidden nuances in the body.
Tipping: tips are not required, but the are appreciated. I understand that it's a lot of money to shell out $95 or $135 for a massage. So if you don't tip, I'm not keeping a ledger and cursing you under my breath. Just pass my information to anyone you know that may need body work. I appreciate that so much more than a tip. I love this work. If you have money to spare, I greatly appreciate it. But, life can be financially difficult and I will not think any less of you if you can't afford it.
***** Embarrassing possibilities ****
Massaging Live on Air. This is what I call fun!
Gas: let's get right to it. People pass gas every now and then during a massage. I really don't care--in fact that's a great sign that your body relaxing and the elimination process is kicking in. I had one woman tell me right up front "I always fart during a massage." She really didn't care. Listen people, I grew up with a twin brother who would fart on me as a form of torture and my dad's morning explosive fart signaled the beginning of the day. My gross out tolerance is VERY high. I'm not afraid to get my hands dirty or touch the body in whatever stage it is and I'm not scared of gas--loud, smelly, squeaky. Just say "excuse me" and own it. Laugh it off, be embarassed, it's a bonding moment ;) .
Pimples: Very little opinion here. I don't care. I only care if they are sensitive to the touch and then in that case I will avoid the pimple. I don't have any qualms about gliding over them. I had body and facial acne until I was about 20. It was very embarrassing and I'm sensitive to a person's reservation about being touched with blemishes. I'm more concerned with spreading an infection and your healthfulness.
Body odor: Again, I'm pretty tolerant. I might use some natural oils to cover up any smells. Still. I massaged some sweaty, sandy, sticky bodies in the heat of Costa Rica. You can't do this job if you have hang ups about bodies.
Body hair: I don't care or judge. I have no opinion about women who shave or don't shave. Hairy backs? Bring em on.
Erections: Yep I'm going there. They happen. Sometimes just blood flow and stimulation in a particular area (sometimes not even anywhere near the penis!) can cause an erection. HOWEVER, if the client's intent is to get an erection and is engaging in sexy thoughts, that is NOT OK. I will end the massage and ask the client to pay and leave immediately. But, I will give the client the opportunity to explain. I try to keep extra blankets/sheets around that area for the man's comfort.
Crying: it happens. People have emotional releases on the table where they start crying, laughing or have some kind of intense emotional reaction. The massage room is a safe place to express those things. I've had one myself. It is a sign that something is moving in the body and should be expressed in a safe place. It is a great compliment for someone on my table to have a release. It means we were working together and making change happen. However, if intense emotion arises that is overwhelming or feels like it is coming from the massage, then taking a break or stopping might be the best option. I will honor the lost time at another session.
