When you get massaged, a masseuse or masseur kneads your skin and muscles in order to give you a general sense of physical well-being. A message eases kinks and relaxes the muscles. It can be an act of intimacy, a prescribed medical treatment or a luxurious indulgence. A full-body message concentrates not only on the muscles in the back but also those in the head, face, limbs and feet.
Setting
Most full-body messages take place on a massage table. The table will be roughly two feet off the ground and have padding. Many massage tables have an opening on one end for someone to comfortably place her face in. A full-body message may take place in a private room or there might be other message tables in the immediate area. Expect to find a calming atmosphere with white walls and piped-in classical music. The room will be heated if it is cold outside.
Message Therapist
If the message has been prescribed as part of medical therapy, you will most likely see a message therapist. Message therapists complete a course of formal training in message techniques. If you are taking the message as part of an outing at a spa, the masseuse may have some formal training or may have simply spent time watching and learning perform messages on her own.
Time
A full-body message takes time. Expect to spend at least an hour or even an hour and half on the message table. A message technician or therapist may spend more time on certain body parts than others. If the therapist feels extra tension in your neck, for instance, she may take more time working on the muscles there.
Technique
The therapist or technician performing the full-body message will use a variety of techniques. She may use fan stroking, pressing her palm against your flesh in a gliding motion. A therapist may also use circular stroking, using both of her hands at once, or thumb stroking, placing her thumbs on your flesh while applying firm pressure. Other techniques used frequently include static pressure (thumbs placed on an area of your body and held rigid for ten second or so) and knuckling (knuckles rotating in a rippling motion and making circles on specific parts of your body).
Other Details
Expect to be asked to disrobe. You may be provided with a robe that allows the therapist access to your body. You most likely will be asked to remove your shoes as well. A full-body message includes a foot message. The therapist may use oils and lotion as she works through the message. The oil may be pleasantly heated. Any lotions and oils will wash off when you take a shower.
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