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Total Body Massage
(TBM) is
a system of massage that addresses the body as a whole, rather than just
the sum of its parts. TBM promotes wholeness of body, rather than setting
aside parts of the body as unimportant or taboo.
TBM, by freeing the body, helps free the mind and spirit.
Relaxation, relief and release of stress, and healing (both
physical & psychological) are just a few of the reasons to receive
TBM. TBM combines many different techniques from several schools of
massage to cover 100% of the body's surface. Massage is one of humanity's oldest known medicines, dating back to
at least 3000 BC, when it was described in Chinese literature. If you would like more information on the history of TBM, please
link to, The History of TBM.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF TOTAL
BODY MASSAGE?
Massage can help you manage
the stress in your life, so that you can get more out of life. Massage promotes better circulation, eliminating tissue trapped
fluids thus enabling and enhancing your body's own healing process. Massage stimulates the tissues, allowing muscles to better absorb fresh
oxygen, and speed the removal of metabolic waste. This cellular waste is what causes our tissues to age rapidly.
Massage triggers the release
of your own body's natural painkillers, called endorphins, and has a
tranquilizing effect on the central nervous system. Massage helps eliminate lactic acid - the culprit that causes
muscle soreness and some kinds of paralysis. You can expect relief from
muscle pain, soreness, tension, spasm, and in some cases relief of
seizures and some kinds of paralyses. More energy, better sleep, better rest, and a sense of well being,
are all benefits from massage.
Total Body Massage encompasses all of these benefits, and more.
TBM creates a strong sense of whole body awareness, providing a
sense of being connected with your whole body. TBM encourages chi (energy) circulation smoothly and continuously
thorough your body. By using full body motions, and long techniques called cycles, TBM draws you together as a whole person
– body, mind, and spirit.
HOW
LONG WILL THE MASSAGE TAKE?
Unlike
other forms of clinical massage, TBM does not believe in a time limit. Most therapists schedule a one hour session, but we have found that
this is often woefully inadequate. Your
first massage will probably last at least two hours and may be as long as
three hours. A four-hour session is not impossible, depending on the
initial condition of your body. After
several sessions, the time required for your massage might decrease, but
will never be less than an hour for TBM.
Other
forms of massage take less time, because they are less involved. If you are having specific therapy massage - for back and shoulders
or for a specific injury for example - the massage time will vary and may
be less than an hour. In
general, your massage will end only after one of two events: You tell the
massage therapist to stop, or the massage therapist feels that your
massage is complete. Talk to your massage therapist about any time or
scheduling questions you may have.
WHAT
IS MY RELATIONSHIP WITH MY MASSAGE THERAPIST?
Your
relationship with your massage therapist is one of trust and
confidentiality. Anything you
say to your massage therapist, or anything the therapist may learn about
you during a massage, is a private matter between you and your therapist.
If you are a minor, your physical condition may be discussed with
your parent or legal guardian.
WHAT
SHOULD I DO BEFORE THE MASSAGE?
You
SHOULD NOT drink alcohol within 12 hours of the massage, perform any
strenuous exercise or take any caffeine (coffee, Coke™, etc.) within 4
hours of the massage, eat anything heavy or very filling within 4 hours of
the massage, sleep or nap within 3 hours of the massage.
You
SHOULD drink clean pure water, perform light stretching exercise or take a
walk, eat something light, and try to avoid stress. Immediately before a massage you will want to shower (or
bathe) and wash your whole body. The
water should be warm and comfortable, since cold water can cause your
muscles to tighten. You
should brush your teeth and blow or otherwise clear your nose and sinus
cavity. The cleaner you are,
the better you will feel. You
should remove any jewelry, including any piercing studs, and remove your
glasses or contact lenses. If
removing your contact lenses causes an inconvenience, please be sure to
tell your massage therapist that you are wearing contact lenses. When you are ready to begin, you should undress and lie on the
massage table. Your
massage therapist may have special instructions on how to prepare for your
massage.
WHAT
SHOULD I DO AFTER THE MASSAGE?
You
may want to shower, sleep, or have something to eat.
It is best not to have any definite plans after a massage.
A hot bath or a session in a hot tub or spa is also recommended.
You should not enter a sauna after a massage without first
discussing it with your massage therapist.
You
SHOULD NOT drink alcohol, take any caffeine, perform any strenuous
exercise, eat anything heavy or very filling for four hours after the
massage.
HOW
WILL I FEEL AFTER THE MASSAGE,
AND HOW LONG WILL I FEEL THE BENEFITS OF THE MASSAGE?
Most
people feel very relaxed and have a real sense of well being after a TBM.
You may feel so relaxed that you may want to wait awhile before
driving or operating any heavy machinery.
You should not plan to do anything active for four hours after a
massage. Many people are sore
after their first massage, and after any massage where Deep Tissue Massage
was done. You may have other
side effects for twelve to twenty-four hours after your first few
massages. These include
frequent urination, mild fever, and mild nausea.
If
you have any other problems that you feel are attributable to the massage,
you should contact your massage therapist immediately.
The
effects of the massage can last for as long as two weeks.
You will sleep better and feel better.
WHAT
WILL HAPPEN DURING THE MASSAGE?
Your
massage therapist will direct you to lay, sit, or stand in a certain way -
or he/she may move and position your body for you. Your massage therapist will begin by studying and feeling
your body in order to determine the best course of massage for you.
The therapist may ask you questions, which you should answer as
accurately as you can. The
massage will then begin. The
massage therapist will begin by applying warm massage oil and using light
strokes. Various techniques
will be used to work your muscles, joints, and skin.
Your massage therapist will ask you questions during the massage.
These are usually, "How are you?" and, "How do you
feel?" The former
relates to your physical state, while the latter relates to your mental
and emotional state.
It is impossible to discuss in detail all of the techniques that
may be used during your massage. Unusual
techniques or positions may be required.
You always have the right to ask the therapist to explain what
he/she is doing and why he/she is doing it.
If at any time during the massage you are uncomfortable in some
way, you should indicate this to your massage therapist.
You should always let your therapist know if you are cold, need
something to drink, need to relieve yourself, or just need a break.
If at any time you want the massage therapist to discontinue a
technique, or to stop the massage entirely, just say, "Stop."
You can then discuss your needs with your massage therapist. You always have the right to discontinue a massage at any
time.
WHAT
SHOULD I DO DURING THE MASSAGE?
First
and foremost, you should relax and enjoy the process of your massage.
You should pay attention not only to your feeling of well being,
but also to the fact that the massage feels good.
You should breathe normally and naturally, and follow the
directions of your massage therapist. Your massage therapist may direct you to breathe in a certain
way, and as best you can you should try to follow these directions.
Most people enter a meditative state during a massage, and it is
possible during these states that painful memories locked in your
subconscious may surface. This is a positive event.
It means that you are relaxing and letting go of even old stresses
and tension. Some people may
alternatively have dreams, visions, and/or hallucinations.
From personal experience, we feel that these are positive events.
While these things are rare, they are possible and you should pay
attention when they happen. If you would like to, you may discuss these
things with your massage therapist.
WILL
I FEEL ANY PAIN OR DISCOMFORT DURING THE MASSAGE?
Generally
a massage is comfortable and pain free.
You may feel some discomfort when the massage therapist works with
sore muscles or injured areas. Some
Deep Tissue Massage can be painful, but this pain only lasts for the
immediate duration of the concentrated work, and is immediately relieved
when the massage therapist releases pressure on the area.
Your massage therapist will work with you to make your massage as
comfortable as possible. Should
you feel any pain that you feel your massage therapist is unaware of, or
if your position becomes uncomfortable for any reason, you should inform
your massage therapist. At any time during the massage you have the option of telling
the massage therapist to stop.
CAN
A MASSAGE BE DANGEROUS?
No
one has ever died from having a massage.
A massage is only potentially dangerous if you have other physical
conditions. You should answer
all of the interview questions honestly and accurately. This will help your massage therapist determine if any
massage techniques should be precluded.
If you have any concerns that the massage may be harmful, you
should discuss these with your massage therapist.
WILL
I HAVE TO UNDRESS?
While it is strongly recommended, it is not necessary for you to
undress completely. Any
clothing will, however, interfere with the natural flow of the massage and
preclude the use of certain techniques.
Your body is your whole body - and an important part of your whole
Self. Your nude body is you in your most basic state.
A nude body is not a body lacking something (that is, clothing).
Rather, a clothed person is a whole and complete naked body, plus clothes.
In the end, the decision to be undressed during your massage is up
to you. If you have any
concerns, you should discuss these with your massage therapist BEFORE the
massage begins. If you would
like more information about the morality of nudity, please link to, Should I undress for my
massage?
WHAT
IF I HAVE OTHER QUESTIONS?
Your
therapist will be able to answer any questions that this site not
address.
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