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Body Massage

Offering up your body to almost any kind of Body Massage  has to be one of the most relaxing and stress-busting pleasures available to man! 
    
I have tried almost every form of massage, in many parts of the world, but the one I remember most vividly was given to me behind a curtain, on a beach table, in Bali in 1989!   The masseuse had been recommended to me as 'very very special', by the concierge of the Tandjung Sari where I was staying, and accepting his advice, she came to work on me.  She was tiny, skeletal,  incredibly old (or at least she looked it), had five teeth  and spoke only four words of English.   The words were  'Good' and 'No good' (used randomly, and rather worryingly often, as she worked on various parts of my body) and  - 'President Nixon'!  

On discussing this later with the conciege, I discovered that the highlight of this woman's life had been a recent invitation to massage the former President on not just one but TWO occasions whilst he holidayed locally, and the experience had so overwhelmed her that his name had become her mantra.  For the duration of the long massage she persisted in leaning over me at approximately five minute intervals to smile into my face, nod and repeat 'President Nixon' several times only stopping when I opened my eyes, looked up, murmured 'President Nixon' and nodded back!  To begin with it was quite a lengthy process but eventually I got into the routine!   Being absolutely fair I do recollect that her Deep Tissue massage was quite amazing.  She had incredibly strong hands that she 'walked' over my back -almost as though they were feet - and to this day I remember them with appreciation as the closest link that I am ever likely to have to a President of the United States!   

Body Massage there are many alternatives to choose from, the most common being :-

Deep Tissue Massage     
(clothing to be removed from areas being treated)
Sports (Swedish) Massage                
(clothing to be removed from areas being treated)
Aromatherapy               
(most clothing usually removed as oils and creams are used in treatments)
Shiatsu Massage            
(wear light clothing - it need not necessarily be removed for treatment) 
Thai Massage                 
(wear light clothing -  it  need not necessarily be removed for treatment)
Reflexology                   
(only feet and ankles need be unclothed)
Indian Head Massage     
(involves head, upper back, arms, neck and face - with or without clothing being worn)

Because each of the above massages has its own dedicated section on this site, the following notes are only a  brief outline of what body massage involves.

Benefits common to all forms of massage. All massages tend to have the effects of improving circulation, assisting in the regularisation of sleep patterns, relieving muscular tensions, reducing stress - and generally giving you an overwhelming sense of well-being!  In addition, each type of massage offers its own individual health benefits.

Will massage hurt?  Generally massage is gentle and does not require any great pressure to be exerted, to be effective. Too much pressure can actually make muscles seize up!

Most bodies are not perfect so don't be embarrassed about yours!   Some forms of massage can be delivered whilst you are wearing light clothing - as indicated above.     If there is something about your body that you don't like, your therapist will not be concerned unless it is causing you discomfort or it means that massage is not recommended for you at this time.  On the first occasion that you visit a masseuse, you are unlikely to know that person, so as you sit with her, to go through your medical history, decide how comfortable you feel  and if necessary ask that your first therapy be a lightly clothed one.    Don't let any worries get in the way of you having a wonderful massage.  On later visits you will generally be far more relaxed and confident and you will become much less inhibited. 

How can you be sure that you are going to a legitimate massage clinic that provides the kind of massage you are expecting?    If you have real concerns that the massage clinic you are about to choose may employ sex workers, do ask the following questions when you book your appointment.   Do you offer therapeutic massage?  Are your massage therapists certified or licensed?   Will you be taking me through a health questionnaire before my treatment?     If you receive a 'No' response to any of these questions, book your massage elsewhere!   If the salon offers services you do not require and you have made the intention of your visit completely clear you will not be offered an appointment in any event, as it would be a complete waste of time for all concerned!

General notes and tips
1. You don't have to talk to your therapist during treatment - lie down or sit and close your eyes and your masseuse will get the message!
2. Don't suffer in silence - if you feel too hot, too cold or experience any pain - say so!
3. Feel free to ask any questions.
4. During massage, the parts of your body not being treated are generally covered with a towel.   Women tend to continue to wear briefs or a thong and males wear briefs during therapy.  Occasionally men prefer to wear elasticated swimming trunks in order to minimise evidence of partial or full erections.  These can occur when gentle touch is applied to any area of the body, as touch activates the parasympathetic nervous system.  Therapists of both sexes understand and ignore this perfectly normal reaction so please do not feel any embarrassment.

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