a really good massage

There is nothing more satisfying than a really good massage. With all the little "quickie" massage places springing up, I've discovered that finding a really good massage is harder than I thought. I've tried full body massages, swedish massages, hawaian lomi lomi, clothes on and off, chair massages, mall chi gong and sports massages after athletic events.

If you've never had a massage, the idea of taking all your clothes off and being touched all over can be pretty intimidating. My first time was in Hawaii. We met an instructor of a local school on the beach who invited us back to her studio. Being in my swimsuit, with only a pair of jogging shorts, I didn't see how this would work. What did one wear to these things?

She assured us we could change there, and it wasn't a problem. I had my first lomi lomi by her husband as my finicky husband wanted the lady instructor to do him. Go figure that one. You learn pretty quick how adept you are at relaxing to the mood and atmosphere of the room and masseuse. To me, the most important part of the experience was giving in- so to speak- to the person's qualified hands. The amount of pressure, their level of expertise all become apparent in how they handle your body. There is also an exchange of energies between the two of you. I know as a dental hygienist that when I am cleaning a stressful person, I sense and pick it up. Likewise, if I am tense, it comes across in my hands touching the patient. So trust is an issue here for sure. Chatting away through a session is tempting, but you lose out on the whole spirtual, calming effect of the candles, music and aromatherapy. If you are using a qualified calm technician, you will relax easier and get a better massage. They will ask you what level of comfort you like ie, deep tissue, pressure points, lava stones and other ways of coaxing your muscles into giving up their knots and tension.

I tell them whatever you think I need. This allows me to ask them to back off a bit should it get painful. I prefer oil to lotion as it tends to stay on my skin longer allowing a better flowing of the hands on my body. Oil also warms on the skin which helps me to let down and enjoy the whole experience. Once I find a capable person, I go back to them a few more times to make sure I really like their style. An hour is a typical length, but I prefer an hour and a half session. My back is always tight and that allows more time to focus specifically on these muscles, and still do the rest of my body. I also like my hands and feet massaged. Many of the massage-in-a-box places did not offer this. Again, this is a personal touch that really helps me. Having your hand held is usually a pleasant experience and having sore spots kneaded from your hands and feet can be extremely relieving.

I was self concious about my skin, moles, and fat on my body. They drape your body very nicely with a sheet and only uncover the part of the body that they are actively working on. However, if you have sciatica in your buttock and leg, you would do better to have your underwear off so they can work this larger muscle with a whole sweeping motion from the leg to the buttock to the back. After you start seeing people of all shapes and sizes entering and leaving the rooms, you realize your body is just one more mound of flesh for them to dive into and find knots to knead. I remember one sports massuese telling me she loved sporting events because all the athletes had great muscle tone, the muscles being clearly defined and easier to isolate and manipulate. Nothing like coming in from a 100 mile bike ride to a waiting sports massage. You practically drip off the table like melted butter.

Back to my first time, I took everything off, got modest, then put my running shorts back on. This felt comfortable for my first time and I recommend doing your own comfort level. I used bikini underpants only after that for new places and au naturale for regular trusted masseuses. Sometimes your favorite operator leaves the spa or starts doing favorite clients in their homes. Some even came to my house. Again, personal preference here and some financial advantages add in. Having massages done in their home saves on overhead costs and the discount is usually passed on to you. I could afford a longer massage for the same price as a one hour at a spa or salon. Having them come to my house cost slightly more, but is nice if you are injured or want to shower and fall asleep in your own bed afterwards. However, my boys didn't understand why mom was undressing for that strange man in my bedroom even if he was setting up a massage table. Their constant attention at my bedroom door did not help me to relax and made me re-think timing on any future massages at home.

Mall massages are wonderful despite what people might think. You are in and out in 15 to 30 minutes. It's better to wear a longer shirt or t-shirt so they can access your whole back easily without a lot of clothing to work through. Your face is buried in a cushion so no one walking by knows who you are. The focus is mainly on your back, neck and shoulders but this is where most people carry their tension so it can be very effective. The people doing these often do not seem to speak much English, yet they instinctively know exactly where all the knots in your back and spine are. Again, experience shows up here. They tend to use elbows, forearms, knees and lean their whole body into you to really dig into those tired, achy muscles. They can tend to be on the rougher side, but through my experience, I've learned to breathe through the "rough" spots until the tension leaves; or wave my hand to show them to back off a bit on the pressure. It's definitely amazing what they can do through clothing to still increase your blood flow, circulation and elevate your mood through tension release. I highly recommend them as well.

Finally, I always tip as generously as I can. This is a very personal service and if you plan on coming back, they will most certainly remember you. This does two things. They like you more next time and are willing to give you the same or a better massage. Their positive feelings about you will translate across into a powerful energy exchange in the massage. Secondly, if you have more knots than normal, they are more likely to extend the time, just to be nice since you were good to them. These are all positive benefits for you, the recipient.