You may also want to shower or bathe directly before your session, to help start loosening any tight muscles that you might have.

Before your session begins you will be asked to fill out a form regarding your medical history, physical condition, lifestyle, etc. Your practitioner may assess any problem areas you may have by checking for restricted or painful movement, gently pressing for tender areas and observing your posture, measuring for postural distortions.

Your session will be administered in a peaceful and quiet environment. Be sure to turn the phone off, put the pager away. Your practitioner will ask you to disrobe in private and drape yourself with a sheet on the massage table either face up or face down in the face rest. You may leave your undergarments on or take them off as you prefer. For ladies, the bra should be removed. Your practitioner will be sure to respect your privacy during your session. The only area of your body that will be uncovered will be the area your practitioner is working on at the time. Generally, the areas of the body included in a full body session are the neck, shoulders, arms, hands and fingers, upper and lower back, buttocks, legs, feet and toes, face and scalp. If there are areas you would prefer not to include in your session, be sure to let your practitioner know prior to the start of your session.

The areas of the body specifically not included in a regular session are the genital areas, the breast tissue on women, and in most cases, the throat. (for Lymphatic Drainage Massage the abdomen, rib cage, chest/sternum, and breast tissue are included. If you feel uncomfortable having any of these areas worked, the practitioner can teach you how to do the lymphatic drainage on yourself in these areas.)

Your practitioner will take a moment to ensure that you are comfortable. Be sure to inform the practitioner of anything that distracts from your comfort such as your position, room temperature, lighting, etc. Remember, this is your time so be comfortable. If at any time during your session you experience any discomfort, or uneasiness of any sort, immediately inform your practitioner. Massage therapy, when administered on healthy tissue, feels great. In the area of injury or muscle tension, massage therapy may, at first, cause some discomfort. When your practitioner locates these areas on your body, it will be your natural reaction to tense and hold your breath. It is very important that you consciously try to relax these areas and remember to breathe deeply and exhale slowly. This will help to lessen any discomfort you might experience from these areas. Massage is to be done to your tolerance level, so if the pressure needs to be more or less please inform your practitioner of your wishes. Massage and bodywork will be administered within your tolerance levels. Remember, less pain more gain.

If at any time during your session your practitioner works on an area or uses a technique you find particularly enjoyable, be sure to let your practitioner know right away. Don't wait till the end of your session. If time permits, extra time can be spent on that area or technique. Your practitioner will appreciate your feedback and will know next time to be sure to include extra time for these areas or techniques.

As your session begins, close your eyes and allow yourself to relax as completely as possible. Focus your attention on your breathing (which should be slow and even). Allow your practitioner to move your limbs into various positions. Try to go limp, like a rag doll. You do not need to help. Your practitioner is paid to take care of your body so all you need to do is relax.

Contrary to some notions in our society, massage therapy is a healing art, not a sexual service. Any illicit or sexually suggestive remarks or advances will result in the immediate termination of the session, and payment in full will be required regardless of the time already spent in session.

After your massage, unless you have a condition that would prohibit it, you should drink water (at least 1/2 your body weight in ounces within a 24 hour period to help flush out toxins released by your session.) (Failure to do so may result in flu-like symptoms, tired feeling, dehydration, headache, soreness, and tension.) Water is vital to the well-being of your body.

Avoid sodas, sugar, and caffeine, and red meat (these clog the system and add toxins). You may also want to take an Epsom or Rock Salt bath as well (including several drops of your favorite essential oil(s) will enhance this relaxing experience. If at all possible you may want to take the time to reap the full benefits of your session by taking a nap.

Be sure to ask your practitioner any questions you may have about massage therapy in general, or your session in particular. Enjoy!