Take a warm shower
First, the warm water will begin allowing your mind and body to relax making it more open to receiving massage. By cleaning your body prior to a massage, you can also mitigate some personal hygiene insecurities, if you have any, plus it is greatly appreciated by your massage therapist.
Do not eat a heavy meal or drink a large amount of liquids in the hours before your massage. Deep tissue massage requires intense pressure, which can be uncomfortable if your stomach is full or trying to digest a large meal. For a deep tissue massage to be effective, you must be relaxed.
SCHEDULE STRATEGICALLY
“It's very hard to jump back into the fast pace of your daily routine after a soothing massage, so I suggest getting one in the evening or on the weekend, when you know you can kick back and chill when you get off the massage table.”
We spoke to two etiquette experts, who suggested leaving a 15% to 20% tip, if you're able. Twenty percent is generous for the massage therapist and easy on the brain, which may be feeling more relaxed than ever after a massage. The math is straightforward. To find 20%, start by finding 10%, then double that amount.
Since tips are standard protocol for massage therapists, you should assume a 20 percent tip in any massage or spa treatment situation (unless a self-employed therapist specifically tells you their rate is all-inclusive). Not sure? When in doubt, always ask, says Post, who says tipping is always appreciated.
First do no harm – to yourself!
Whether you receive an oil massage, aromatherapy, or reflexology, the answer is to not shower before a massage or after. Leave a few hour buffer period before doing so. When in the shower or a bath, the surface of the skin has increased blood circulation, which after a massage can lead to surface congestion.
No you do not have to take your underwear or bra off during a massage. As always, you (the client) only undresses to your comfort level. If you want to take everything off that's up to you – whatever you're comfortable with.
For a full-body massage, you can opt to keep your pants on or go completely in the buff. You'll find that most massage therapists are very skilled at protecting your modesty and making you feel comfortable; you'll never have to uncover anything you'd rather not.
You don't have to wear anything out of the ordinary, whatever is comfortable for you. Some people prefer to wear a sweatsuit to be comfortable and others come in their business suit and heels. Your massage therapist has no preference so whatever you prefer is perfectly fine.
That includes sexual touching, sexually explicit comments to or any sexual act whatsoever. Every well-trained massage therapist understands – or should understand – the guidelines that follow.
In general, the 20% rule applies to tipping your massage therapist. So, if you're wondering how much to tip for a $100 massage, you'd want to tip $20. If you're considering how much to tip for a 60-minute massage (that costs $100) – you'd still tip $20. However, generosity is generally very appreciated.
This is where water comes to the rescue to flush your system and help the toxins clear your system. It is also important to remember that alcoholic, sugary and caffeinated beverages are all diuretics (they dehydrate you) and should be avoided or limited post massage.
Typically massage therapy should be at least 50 minutes to one hour for a general full body treatment to be effective. Some establishments offer forty-five and fifty minute sessions.
How much should you tip for a $50 massage? The standard tipping rate for a massage is 20%. So, for a $50 massage, you can tip $10. You can increase or lower your tip depending on how satisfied you are with their services.
To keep your body in good condition and maintain health, we recommend getting a massage every 3-4 weeks. This will help to prevent injury, pain, and tension build-up in the muscle fibers, as well as address any other issue before it becomes serious.
Talking keeps the brain waves from moving into “theta”, which is the beginning state of when the parasympathetic response begins to do what it does. This is why we as therapists should always encourage as much silence during the massage as possible.
First things first, it's ok to fall asleep during your massage! It's your body's way of getting into a deep relaxation, and a sign that you were due for some extra self-care time.
“Most massage therapists prefer to be tipped in cash,” says Rose, adding that you can give the cash directly to the therapist at the end of your appointment. “Cash is immediate, so you don't have to wait for your paycheck, and they don't take taxes out.”
A full-body massage is good for your heart as well. The vasodilation produced by massage increases your venous return which, in turn, increases blood flow and delivery of oxygen to all your organs. Your entire cardiovascular system relaxes and circulation throughout your body improves.