Massage

Physically massage provides:
Deep relaxation and stress reduction.
Relief of muscle tension, spasm and stiffness.
Relief from entrapment of nerves in muscle.
Greater joint flexibility and range of motion.
Better circulation of blood and lymph fluids.
Reduced blood pressure, relief of tension related or eye-strain headaches.
Healthier, better nourished skin.
Improved posture and general health.
Faster healing from strained muscles and other injuries.
 

Mentally massage provides:
Relaxed state of alertness and a calmer mind.
Greater ability to monitor stress signals and respond appropriately.
Increased capability for clearer thinking.
 
Emotionally massage provides:
Feeling of well-being.
Reduced levels of anxiety.
Increased awareness of mind-body connection.
Enhanced self image.
A sense of being unified and in harmony.

Precautions

Massage is not recommended for certain people:

• infectious skin disease, rash, or open wounds

• immediately after surgery

• immediately after chemotherapy or radiation, unless recommended by your doctor

• prone to blood clots. There is a risk of blood clots being dislodged. If you have heart disease, check with your doctor before having a massage

• pregnant women should check with their doctor first if they are considering getting a massage.

• massage should not be done directly over bruises, inflamed skin, unhealed wounds, tumours, abdominal hernia, or areas of recent fractures.
   

Additional tips
Don’t eat a heavy meal before the massage
Be sure that your massage therapist has your complete health history, because people with certain conditions should not have massage.
If you feel discomfort at any time, let your massage therapist know.

10 Embarrassing Massage Questions
Adapted From "Your Guide to Alternative Medicine" by Cathy Wong

Do you tip? Are you supposed to be nude? Do you say anything if the pressure's not
deep enough? What if you're self-conscious about your body?
Here are the answers to ten massage questions you want to ask, but may be too embarrassed to.
 
1) Am I supposed to tip my massage therapist?
Tips are not included in the price of the service. Tips are voluntary and dependent on how you felt about the service. However if you enjoyed the service we recommend a tip of about 20% to 25%.
  
2) Am I supposed to take off my underwear when I get a massage?
Many people prefer to keep their panties or briefs on during a massage, while others prefer to be completely nude. It's up to you.
If your problem areas are your lower back, hips, buttocks, or groin, tight-fitting underwear can sometimes get in the way of massage work, but a thong for women or briefs for men should do the trick.
If you do remove your underwear you will always be properly covered by a sheet or towel. Only the area being massaged will be uncovered.
  
3) What if I realize I've drooled during the massage?
Many people fall into a peaceful slumber during the massage but when they wake up, they notice a pool of drool on the pillow or massage table. This is very common. It often happens when people are being massaged while lying face down on the massage table. Don't be afraid to ask the massage therapist for a tissue.
 
4) Will the massage therapist be there when I undress?
The massage therapist will leave the room so that you can remove your clothing and lie on the massage table (usually face down) under the top sheet. Don't rush or worry that the massage therapist will walk in on you, the massage therapist will always knock and ask if you are ready before entering the massage room.
 
5) Should I talk to the massage therapist during the massage?
Although some people prefer to talk throughout the massage, don't feel like you have to make conversation with the massage therapist. After all, you're having a treatment, you're not at a cocktail party!
Feel free to close your eyes and relax, which is what most people do.
Deep tissue massage and sports massage are just some of the types of massage that require more feedback. The massage therapist often works on deeper layers of muscle and will want to ensure that the pressure is not uncomfortable.
Be sure to speak up if the room is too hot or too cold, you experience pain, you have any questions related to the massage,  there's anything you forgot to mention.

   
6) What if I get an erection during the massage?
Some men don't get massage therapy because they worry that they'll get an erection. Or they get the massage, but are unable to relax during the massage because of this fear.
But there is no reason to be embarrassed. It's perfectly normal for men to get an erection during a non-sexual, therapeutic massage. Gentle touch administered to any area of the body can activate the parasympathetic nervous system and cause a partial or full erection. Your massage therapist understands this and will ignore it. The massage therapist will not come into contact with your genitals during the massage.
   
8) The pressure isn't deep enough, but I don't want to insult the massage therapist's technique. What should I do?
Communicate openly with the massage therapist. Keep in mind however that it's a myth that massage therapy has to hurt to be effective.
Some of the most effective types of massage therapy are gentle and do not involve deep pressure or pain. In fact, too much pressure can cause muscles to seize up.
Here is a good rule of thumb -- on a scale of one to 10 where one is no pain and 10 is extremely painful, the pressure should always be less than seven.
   
9) I'm self-conscious about a certain part of my body and don't want the massage therapist to see me. What can I do?
People are self-conscious for various reasons. Some of the more common concerns are:
I'm overweight.
I have excessive hair growth on my body.
I've got acne on my face or back.
My feet are ugly.
I have scars.
Being self-conscious should never keep you from seeking health care, whether it's visiting your doctor or seeing a massage therapist.
If you're self-conscious about a certain part of your body, you can ask the massage therapist to avoid that area.
Just remember to provide complete and accurate information on your health history form, so that the massage therapist is aware of any precautions or contraindications.
 
10) I'd rather see a female massage therapist. Should I request this?
Some men don’t feel comfortable having a massage by a male massage therapist. It may be due to outdated social and media stereotypes of the profession or the fear of getting an erection during the massage. At Hampi Wasi Inca Massage we currently only currently employ female massage therapists.