|
What
can you expect and how can you prepare for
receiving deep tissue massage?
There
are some massage and bodywork techniques which
are deep tissue by definition - for example,
rolfing. There are some which can be deep or
light, depending on the needs of the receiver,
like lomilomi or shiatsu. Warning Japanese love
hard shiatsu and will probably do that. Ask
them first. Finally, there are some massage and
bodywork techniques which are light by
definition, for example craniosacral therapy
and lymph drainage massage.
So,
let's say you wanted deep tissue massage.
Usually people who ask for that are athletic
and/or stressed out and have lots of tight
muscles that need releasing.
Deep
does not necessarily mean painful. It is
possible to go deep in a rather soft way,
sinking through the tissue - slowly. So, the
deeper we go, the slower it gets. If deep is
combined with fast, it can hurt. We try to
avoid that. If the receiver tightens, then
what's the point of having the massage? It is
not about a wrestling match between the
therapist and the receiver.
Sometimes
deep tissue massage can be painful, for example
when encountering knots or trigger points, or
very tight, thick bands. However, even that
pain is not something that makes the receiver
cringe and tighten. It is more of a
"good" pain, where the tissue feels
like releasing and melting.
Therefore,
keep your therapist informed and let them know
if anything feels like too much. To repeat: the
overall feeling is of release and relaxation,
letting go - not tightening up. The
therapist has to find the edge that is
challenging yet comfortable.
The
effects of deep tissue massage will be felt the
next day and maybe even longer. If the massage
was very thorough and a lot of tissue was moved
and released, the effects will be felt maybe
for the entire week, as the body adjusts to the
new structure. Prepare for that by taking steps
to ensure that the healing process
unravels.
The
massage itself is just the start of the healing
process that the body goes into. So,
immediately after the massage, take a walk, sit
for a while, meditate, go easy. Don't rush back
into activities. Don't have any other kind of
bodywork for at least 24 hours. The day of the
massage is not a good day for partying and
going wild. The day of the massage is good day
for being quiet, contemplative, and resting and
relaxing. A vacation day.
The
time after the deep tissue massage is the time
to detox. If you feel sore, just drink some
more water and eat more lightly, more fruits
and vegetables. Maybe soak in some sea salt
water or rub with sea salt. Since the tissue is
released on a deep level, all the stored toxins
and waste products will be leaving the body.
Therefore, drink a lot of water, urinate, eat
lightly, sweat, and have bowel movement. Get it
all out! Some old emotions or memories might
come back too. Just let it all go....
In
short: deep tissue massage is a powerful way to
remodel the body. Treat it with respect and you
will reap great benefits.
Telling it as it is, from a lot of experience
:)
|
