The benefits of a massage are near limitless. From its ability to reduce stress and anxiety to the way it helps improve circulation and range of motion, there’s little doubt that the experience is good for you. But not all massages are created equal. Since receiving a massage isn’t exactly commonplace, it’s understandable if you might be concerned about what type of experience you’ll have when booking one. After all, one bad experience can leave a lasting impression. Fortunately, with a few simple tricks, your next massage experience is sure to be nothing short of amazing.
Ask For a Licensed Masseuse
You never know what you’re getting into when you go for a massage, unless you ask for a licensed practitioner. And while this is true for any service, it’s especially important when it comes to your health. This isn’t to say that all unlicensed practitioners are bad. However, it is to say that you have no way of knowing who is good and who isn’t, or even if they are clean and free of infection, until after the fact. There are several levels of certification, so make sure to ask which level your practitioner holds. If they refuse to answer, find someone else.
Try Aromatherapy
While there are a number of different massage modalities and techniques, many massage therapists will incorporate aromatherapy into their sessions. While aromatherapy is nothing new, there are a number of different scents and oils you can incorporate into your Toronto massage. What scents you choose depend on your condition. For example, if you’re experiencing anxiety, peppermint is a great choice. It has a cooling effect that can help eliminate feelings of anxiety. It also has a beneficial impact on circulation and can help to reduce muscle tension. If you’re going for a relaxing experience, lavender is a great choice. It’s often referred to as the “gentle giant” due to its positive impact on both the nervous system and the circulatory system.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for What You Want
This is especially important if you have a condition or injury you’re trying to address. While it’s always important to be respectful of your masseuse, it’s also important to be honest. If you have a condition or injury that you are trying to treat, it’s important to let your therapist know. Not only will they know to be extra careful when treating you, but they can also be better equipped to recommend certain techniques and modalities that will help best treat your condition. Once you let your therapist know what you’re trying to achieve, don’t be afraid to ask for more pressure or a different technique if what they’re using isn’t working for you.
Getting a great massage is one of the most luxurious and relaxing experiences you can have, so it’s worth putting in a little bit of research first. A good massage should leave you feeling refreshed, relaxed and even lighter on your feet. It shouldn’t be painful or leave you with sore muscles. Luckily getting a great massage in Toronto is easy if you know where to look!
