Some of you may have received professional massage dozens of times, while others may have never experienced it at all. Regardless of your experience, the tips below will help you get the most out of a visit to an alternative therapy center or spa.

Massage is magical! It has been proven to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, boost the immune system, ease pain after intensive physical exercise, and even reduce fatigue in cancer patients. Because it significantly improves mood (touch makes us love ourselves more!), it also improves our relationships of all kinds.

So, if you haven’t experienced it, it’s never too late! And here are some tips to help you get the most out of a massage.

Before the massage

1. Avoid heavy meals. It is best to go for a massage with a relatively empty stomach.

2. Arrive on time. No one likes being kept waiting. The therapist will most likely get irritated if you are late, and this may affect the quality of the service you receive.

3. Take a shower. Bathing calms the body and mind and ideally prepares the body before the massage.

4. Inform the therapist about any health issues. A professional alternative therapist takes a medical history before starting the massage. To benefit from the session, and to avoid any potential side effects (which are very rare but still possible), inform them about the medications you are taking and any conditions you have.

During the massage

1. Be open and receptive to the experience. Keep your muscles relaxed. Don’t tense up.

2. Wear underwear during the session. Women are advised to wear a bra that unfastens at the back.

3. Say what you like. At the beginning (e.g., during the first 1–2 minutes), if you would like an adjustment in pressure (less or more), inform the therapist.

4. Remain quiet, relax, and surrender to the experience. If you feel the urge to talk to the therapist about a personal issue, do so at the beginning or at the end (although by then you may have forgotten!).