Massage Etiquette

[seXieleXie]

okay, i decided that to make up for the stress of this week i'm going to treat myself to a massage. the health center has a massage therapy place so i don't have to worry about going somewhere sketchy and not getting the type of service i was expecting (i know, i know, i watch too much tv/read too much porn).

anyway, i've never gotten a massage from an actual massage therapist so i have no idea what i'm supposed to do. can anyone share their experiances and explain what the general procedure is? (eg how much clothing you take off, etc)

 

[Guest]

I'll do that for free for you, you know.

 

[seXieleXie]

also, they offer two massages: a 30-minute one and a 60-minute one. an hour seems like an awfully long time, but maybe time would pass quickly?

 

[seXieleXie]

I'll do that for free for you, you know.

'kay, what time should i expect you?

 

[Rambling Rose]

Okay, I'm experienced in this one.

Panties are optional in even the most high end salon. If you feel more comfortable leaving yours on, then do so. You will be covered by a strategically placed sheet at all times.

The lighting is generally low and you can expect some ambient music.

It is kosher for the sides of your breasts and your buttocks to be manually manipulated. Don't be shocked if they start to rub your ass. Go with it. It feels great.

Tip your masseuse/masseur. 10% is acceptable. No less than $10, if it is a student facility.

Enjoy your treat, leXie! You deserve this!

Edited to add:

30 minutes is usually enough to relax you. If the price difference is not that much go for the full hour. Expect some muscle soreness afterward. It usually hits hard the next day but can be alleviated by an almost immediate post massage soak in salted water.

Drink copious amounts of water after your massage. It will also help with muscle soreness.

 

[Gord]

okay, i decided that to make up for the stress of this week i'm going to treat myself to a massage. the health center has a massage therapy place so i don't have to worry about going somewhere sketchy and not getting the type of service i was expecting (i know, i know, i watch too much tv/read too much porn).

anyway, i've never gotten a massage from an actual massage therapist so i have no idea what i'm supposed to do. can anyone share their experiances and explain what the general procedure is? (eg how much clothing you take off, etc)

check for needle marks , suss a quick way out , never take valuables in with you, keep an eye on your clothes , dont talk much, never reveal your PIN number - even under severe provocation

Enjoy

 

[CoolidgEffect]

I have no experience at this, but I think if they start getting undressed too there is something wrong.

 

[KillerMuffin]

Bathe first. That would be my guess.

 

[seXieleXie]

do they use lotions or oils or things like that?

 

[Guest]

Okay, I'm experienced in this one.

Panties are optional in even the most high end salon. If you feel more comfortable leaving yours on, then do so. You will be covered by a strategically placed sheet at all times.

The lighting is generally low and you can expect some ambient music.

It is kosher for the sides of your breasts and your buttocks to be manually manipulated. Don't be shocked if they start to rub your ass. Go with it. It feels great.

Tip your masseuse/masseur. 10% is acceptable. No less than $10, if it is a student facility.

Enjoy your treat, leXie! You deserve this!

Rose pretty much summed it up... I've typically had my massages done nude but like she said, there is a sheet comletely covering you at all times. And they will touch your behind so just be ready.

60 minutes may seem like a long time but everytime I get a massage done, it flies by way too quickly. Also, allowing 60 minutes (especially for a first massage) allows the masseuse to work any specific areas that really need it.. I carry stress in my mid back... I had a 60 minute full body sports massage done once and they spent 30 minutes or so working on that area... it's amazing the things they can do. So I'd say go 60 minutes..

Also be prepared to get massaged by hands, elbows, forearms, etc... some of it might seem unorthodox at first but it really all helps.

 

[Parklife]

sorry.. that was me...

 

[seXieleXie]

thanks parklife!

what part of the bay area are you from?

 

[seXieleXie]

30 minutes is usually enough to relax you. If the price difference is not that much go for the full hour. Expect some muscle soreness afterward. It usually hits hard the next day but can be alleviated by an almost immediate post massage soak in salted water.

Drink copious amounts of water after your massage. It will also help with muscle soreness.

heh. i couldn't possibly be much more sore than i am today. ugh. studying is hard on the neck and shoulders.

 

[CoolidgEffect]

do they use lotions or oils or things like that?

Kama Sutra Oils of Love

 

[Guest]

'kay, what time should i expect you?

It doesn't work like that, unfortunately. You gotta come to me.

 

[CoolidgEffect]

okay, i decided that to make up for the stress of this week <snip>

On a serious curious little monkey note. Midterms? How's Bio Psychology?

 

[Rambling Rose]

You say that now, darlin'. Trust me on this. You will experience soreness afterward. It's normal. Take my advice on the water things.

And yes, you can expect oils or lotions. Also eyepads and/or heated body pads may be used. It all depends on the place, the therapist and what they have on hand.

You will generally start out face down and there should be a padded face rest with a hole in the center for you to position yourself with. During the massage you will be asked to roll over onto your back - especially if you get the full hour treatment. They will hold the sheet up for modesty while you turn over.

You can also take your own CD if you have something soothing that you particularly like, but they will have a selection as well.

 

[Parklife]

Yep.. again, like she said.. they will often use oils.. though I haven't ever had lotions...

And I live in Sunnyvale..

I think the masseuse will also tell you about the water... it has to do with carry away all the bad stuff they massage out of your muscles..

Park~

 

[Jim_Henson]

Dunno but I'm looking forward to a long promised one.

Longest massage I had was 2 and a half hours... but I'm a sucker for that.

 

[Cheyenne]

I've learned not to stop for a massage on the way to someplace else. The oil will be not only all over your body, but all over your face and hair, too, if you let them massage your head (and I would.) After a massage, it is nice to go home and get in the shower to clean up.

Go with the hour, it is worth it. I like the deep tissue massage- really works the sore spots out of my upper back and neck.

 

[seXieleXie]

Re: Re: Massage Etiquette

On a serious curious little monkey note. Midterms? How's Bio Psychology?

biopsych rocks my world, but it was the hardest prelim i've ever taken. there was simply no way to finish the exam in the time allotted. also, the room was so overcrowded that i had to sit on the floor while taking my test. now we're talking about the evolutionary origins of sex.

i'm such a nerd

thank you all for your advice