AP Massages

Aside from relaxation for the body and tranquility for the mind, massage therapy offers several more concrete benefits. It increases the flow of blood and oxygen to the muscles and helps remove metabolic waste, reducing soreness and increasing flexibility. Massage can also help reduce pain from past injuries, alleviate tension headaches, and heal chronic injuries.

Eat something light, possibly a snack, and have a drink of water. Generally heavy meals should be avoided about 1.5 hours prior to massage. It is also sensible to avoid alcohol prior to and immediately after. You should also limit your intake of caffine, sugar and other stimulants prior to massage.

Arrive 15-20 minutes early for your appointment. This will allow you time to complete any paper work (health history) and allow you time to relax.

Turn off all electronic devices upon arrival, unless it absolutely necessary for emergencies. Cellular phones/pagers/beepers are distractions that can and will take away from your massage exerpience.

This is your massage and your feedback to your massage practitioner dictates the direction of your massage. If you don't like the music, if you feel too warm/cool, if the pressure is too deep/not deep enough.. tell your practitioner and she will make adjustments to your needs. Never be afraid to speak up during your session.

Massage practitioners are trained to respect your privacy, and will keep your body continually draped (covered with a sheet) — uncovering only one part at a time in order to work on it. Typically, no clothes are worn under the sheet, but many people are more comfortable wearing shorts or leaving their undergarments on. It is completely up to you and your comfort zone.

You can chose to talk during your treatment or remain quiet. Your practitioner will follow your lead on speaking during the session, but generally will not start a conversation.

During a massage your parasympathetic nervous system is stimulated which causes the body to go into a calm state; massage also causes the body to release endorphins which are the body's natural pain killers. The combination of those two ooccurances will naturally stimulate anyone to fall asleep. Most massage practitioners find it a compliment when clients fall asleep during a massage session.

The products I use are massage oils, massage creams, massage gels, biofreeze and some aromatherapy oils/scents. If you have an allergy to fruits, oils or any other materials that may be in the ingredients please inform your therapist so that other arrangements can be made.

1. Be ready for your massage - this means you should be home, room available and furniture cleared for the massage table to be set up.
2. Please provide a quiet, distraction free atmosphere - this refers to children, animals and phone calls. These things should be handled by you prior to or at the arrival of your therapist.
3. Please be clean, showered, and jewlery free.

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After your massage, the  practitioner will leave the room and allow you to dress in privacy. Drink plenty of water afterwards, because massage breaks up toxins within the body and water will help flush them out of your system so that your organs do not have to over-work to remove them.