Anyone ever had a massage?

[MooseIBe]

I went to my sister's hen do the other day and we had a 'pamper day' at a local spa. It was pretty cool, swimming pool, jacuzzi, gym and sauna, followed by a massage and a facial each. And then a champagne lunch :).

Anyway this was the first time I had ever had a professional massage and it was nice, though a bit painful in places actually! The facial was even better and came with a scalp and shoulder massage. Does anyone here get these things done regularly?

[Petra]

...we had a 'pamper day' at a local spa. It was pretty cool, swimming pool, jacuzzi, gym and sauna, followed by a massage and a facial each. And then a champagne lunch :).

My idea of a perfect day. No doubt about it. :)

Anyway this was the first time I had ever had a professional massage and it was nice, though a bit painful in places actually! The facial was even better and came with a scalp and shoulder massage. Does anyone here get these things done regularly?

/me settles into old timer's storytelling mode. :grandma:

I used to live at Byron Bay and Mullumbimby in Australia - during the winter months on the beach in a hostel; and in summer in the bush around Wilson's Creek, in the hills above Mullumbimby. Anyway, across the road from the hostel (both places were right on the beach, and the road was dirt) was a place called "Relaxation Haven", which was owned and operated by the people who lived in the house that the business was operated from. So it wasn't much of a relaxation haven for them. My place in the bush was; as humble and spider infested as it was. So between the hostel owner, the relaxation haven owners and I, we struck a deal. I'd stay in the hostel from Friday afternoon till Monday morning and help clean up a bit as payment. The relaxation people would stay at my ramshackle leanto in the bush, with it's otherside-of-the-property longdrop and it's stolen electricity and pioneer ambience for the weekend. I'd get a deep tissue massage after spending an hour in the float tank, every Monday morning for free. I'd then walk off their property onto the beautiful beach and roam aimlessly, wonderously, and completely at peace with myself and the world, until about Wednesday. *sigh* Good times, good times...


Love it while you can, Moosey! It is truly a beautiful thing. :cool:

[MooseIBe]

Yeah it was nice :). Didn't think much of the sauna though! Antti was very amused when I told him that..

[Petra]

Why didn't you like the sauna? Hell, it can be heaven y'know. Lather yourself in assorted fragrant, cleansing, moisteurising creams - all over your bootilicious bo-deh - and then sweat for a while. 'Till the sweat not just drips, but runs right off ya! Then quickly wash off and plunge your-good-self into something very frikkin' cold. Bliss! :cool:

[SharonDee]

I had a massage once. After a big project I had successfully implemented--having been left holding the bag after the original programmer was lured away by Y2K dollars--my company showed its appreciation by footing the bill for a massage and aromatherapy session.

Sweet ... :pleased:

[godfry n. glad]

Up until recently, I got a massage almost weekly.

Cost is starting to impinge upon how frequently I can enjoy this pleasure.

I'm a veteran of years of hauling trash and consequently my back is a source of almost constant aching. Plus, it was recommended by my grief counselor as a means of obtaining legitimate touch in the absence of my wife. A massage is a joy of healing. My shoulders and feet particularly enjoy the workout. It's all rather easy for me, as well, as my across-the-street neighbor is a licensed naturopathic physician who worked her way to her degree as a licensed massage technician, so all I have to do is arrange an appointment and wander across the street at the appointed time.

'Tis nirvana.

[MooseIBe]

I found the sauna really too hot. I don't know what temperature it was but it wasn't pleasant. There were ice cold showers located immediately outside which was nice - plus after we'd rinsed the sweat off we went back into the pool - but I didn't find sitting in it all that fun. Maybe it's just practice :).

A massage a week would be lovely! Mind like I said the facial massage - shoulders and scalp as well - was rather better for me.

[Dingfod]

Sauna too hot? Does this mean you won't be joining the 300 Club? You know, the Antarctica residents that strip naked and go from a 200°F sauna to -100°F outdoors and run around the South Pole.

[curses]

I had a friend a few years ago who went through massage therapy school, and always needed 'guinea pigs' for her study time. It was lovely.

/me wonders whatever happend to said friend, she was a nice girl....

[Dingfod]

I used to regularly go to the Utah College of Massage Therapy for the low priced ($10) student massages. The only problem was they were inconsistent. Sometimes they would be afraid to use enough pressure, occasionally, they were spectacular. One massage I received there was the most erotic experience I've ever had, short of actually having sex.

[LadyShea]

I once had a deep tissue massage and it felt like I was being attacked and maimed. I will never do that again. Spa massages, though few and far between, are usually nice and relaxing.

[MooseIBe]

yeah, that's why there AREN'T many Antartica residents ;). Natural selection at work - get rid of the terminally stupid.

[Dingfod]

I once had a deep tissue massage and it felt like I was being attacked and maimed. I will never do that again.I'm in need of a deep tissue massage right now. If it hurts a bit, that's okay by me.

[LadyShea]

It doesn't hurt a bit...it hurts a LOT. I would rather get another tattoo than another deep tissue massage. It was horrible.

[Beth]

I love deep tissue massages. They don't hurt me, I have a high pain tolerance, so I normally ask for it to be harder. But I've noticed that if I don't drink lots of water as recommended, I am very, very sore for the days following.

[Crumb]

So has anyone ever got a "happy ending"? :dotell:

[Dingfod]

Well, yes, of course. If, by "happy ending", you mean I felt wonderful afterward.

[Crumb]

:rolleyes:

[SharonDee]

Happy ending? Oh yeah ...

I had taken the rest of the day off to run errands after my massage. But by the time it was over, I was so relaxed that I couldn't get home to my recliner fast enough. I haven't felt that good in a very long time.

Hmm ... maybe I should make an appointment ...

[Dingfod]

I take it that you meant something else, perhaps something sexual, like orgasm?

[Plant Woman]

I go in for physical therapy on my arm and shoulder and part of it is deep tissue massage. It hurts like the dickens but it is the only thing that is helping me after years of pain. Definately need to drink lots of water after deep tissue massage.

I wish I could afford the spa kind of massage, mine are always for therapy, like Godfry. So good for you.

Dingfod that reminds me of one time I was being massaged by a woman and I was getting turned on. And I am heterosexual even, with no desire for women. I was a bit perplexed by that!

[MooseIBe]

I dunno if it was deep tissue massage .. it hurt a bit on occasion but it wasn't agony! More like a back run maybe?!

[Shelli]

I've always wanted to try a professional massage, but now some of you have me wondering if it's not quite what I thought it was with all this pain I'm reading about.. :pardon?:

[livius drusus]

There are lots of different kinds of massage, Shelli. Teep dissue is good for athletes and physical therapy. You wouldn't just sign up for a massage at a spa and find yourself in the middle of a hardcore deep tissue massage. I say go for it, maybe one of those cool Haiwaiian rock massages or some aromatherapy thing. :massage:

[Shelli]

There are lots of different kinds of massage, Shelli. Teep dissue is good for athletes and physical therapy. You wouldn't just sign up for a massage at a spa and find yourself in the middle of a hardcore deep tissue massage. I say go for it, maybe one of those cool Haiwaiian rock massages or some aromatherapy thing. :massage:
Ah, okay. Thanks for the info., liv. :thankee:

[godfry n. glad]

Yeah, Shelli... What I prefer is generally known as a 'Swedish massage'. My massuesse will go deep when she locates a particularly intractable muscle, but that's pretty rare. She's a petite woman, so she does the elbow routine to get in a bit deeper.

I have not yet convinced her to walk on my back. A good walker can really get down into those muscles and crack out my back, but they've got to be petite.

[Shelli]

That sounds more like what I'm after, godfry. I've really got to treat myself to that someday soon. :peace2:

[quiet bear]

I've never had one.

Given a few.

[MooseIBe]

Yeah she used aromatheraphy oil and it really wasn't that painful .. just the odd twinge in places :). I am guessing that it is NOT what is being referred to here as a deep tissue massage!

The only thing that unnerved me a bit, and you're all gonna think I am a horrible prude here, was stripping to my knickers in front of a stranger. Though she did look away, obviously.

[LadyShea]

The deep tissue was at the chiropractor's office a few days after I threw myself out of whack so bad I could barely move. They are therapuetic in nature only.

I love spa massages, though they are pricey and only for special occasions.

[Shelli]

The only thing that unnerved me a bit, and you're all gonna think I am a horrible prude here, was stripping to my knickers in front of a stranger. Though she did look away, obviously.
Then I guess I'm a prude too... unnerving indeed. :blush:

[Plant Woman]

Here they step out of the room while you undress then you get on the table and put a sheet over you.

[godfry n. glad]

Here they step out of the room while you undress then you get on the table and put a sheet over you.

Yeah, that's the protocol here, too.

[Shelli]

Here they step out of the room while you undress then you get on the table and put a sheet over you.

Yeah, that's the protocol here, too.
Much better. :phew:

[MooseIBe]

well that's sort of what was done here too - I had a towel over me - and then she told me to turn over for the facial. She wasn't looking - and I don't suppose it would have mattered if she had been really - but i just felt a bit weird.

[godfry n. glad]

My massuesse stands to one side of the massage table and lifts the sheet from the other side and has me turn over (and actually slide down a bit, because she dispenses with the special head rest when when works on me with me on my back), so she sees nothing and I don't inadvertantly pull the sheet off myself rolling over. That way, all modesty is preserved, despite the fact that I'm starkers underneath that sheet.

[MooseIBe]

Heh yeah it was something like that :). just felt a bit weird to be that stripped down, even when I had a towel over me. I guess you get used to it though.

[Shelli]

I guess you get used to it though.
Yeah, eventually... :blush2:

[Beth]

I think it's kinda sensual to be nude with just a thin sheet or towel covering you while someone is massaging your body with oils. I need a massage.

[Plant Woman]

I always wore my panties, its whatever you are comfortable with.

The young man (Josh) that is doing therapy on my arm is very respectful in regards to my modesty. Although I wear a camisole because he is only working on my arm and shoulder area, when I turn over he puts the sheet over me much how Godfry describes it.

I think the ones I have had massages from are more respectful than some doctors I've gone to. Of course massage for me is not so much a luxurious spa choice, more as therapy.

Anyone experience emotions coming up during or after a massage? I have, and talking with Josh about it, he tells me it happens frequently.

[SharonDee]

Anyone experience emotions coming up during or after a massage? I have, and talking with Josh about it, he tells me it happens frequently.It happened to me. I felt really teary right after but was okay again by the time I drove away. Weird, that.

[godfry n. glad]

Anyone experience emotions coming up during or after a massage? I have, and talking with Josh about it, he tells me it happens frequently.It happened to me. I felt really teary right after but was okay again by the time I drove away. Weird, that.


I always feel teary. But that's just because the massage is over.

[Johnny Pneumatic]

Years ago - when I was a kid - I'd get terrible leg cramps. Guess it was the growing phase or something. Anyway, my mother would massage my legs to make them feel just a little better so I could get to sleep. Other than that? - no. I'm not old and decrepit, so I don't need them.

[Beth]

I'm not old and decrepit, so I don't need them.Blah to you, neither am I. I was hurt in an accident.

[Annie]

Anyone experience emotions coming up during or after a massage? I have, and talking with Josh about it, he tells me it happens frequently.

It happened to me. I felt really teary right after but was okay again by the time I drove away. Weird, that.

Yes, people 'store emotions' all over their body.

Annie

[Dingfod]

I'm not old and decrepit, so I don't need them.Blah to you, neither am I. I was hurt in an accident.Even without an injury, a massage is therapeutic, for the mind, if nothing else. It feels good to have another human being rubbing on you. If feeling good isn't reason enough, I don't know what is.

[angrybellsprout]

The american airport security in Frankfurt Germany gave us all nice little massages...

[Dingfod]

The american airport security in Frankfurt Germany gave us all nice little massages...I got much the same treatment in Tulsa, Oklahoma. That's what I get for buying a one-way ticket to Salt Lake City, I guess.

[angrybellsprout]

I'm just jealous that the lady behind me got the foot massage as well. My feet were hurting that day, and I could have used one.

Though I do need to start getting some real massages to help realign my spine and maybe fix some of the damage done to my back.

[Plant Woman]

Other than that? - no. I'm not old and decrepit, so I don't need them.

How rude! Not too worry though, your day will come soon enough. :ugly:

[Johnny Pneumatic]

Even without an injury, a massage is therapeutic, for the mind, if nothing else. It feels good to have another human being rubbing on you. If feeling good isn't reason enough, I don't know what is.

Well, just normal rubbing is nice, but not all that muscle squeezing and someone-whacking-their-hands-on-your-back-crap. I've had people try to give me massages, I don't like it. If it floats your boat though, more power too you.

[Miss Shelby]

You know, the Antarctica residents that strip naked and go from a 200°F sauna to -100°F outdoors and run around the South Pole.
I think I saw that on a movie once.

[Smilin]

The 300 club?

[godfry n. glad]

I'm not old and decrepit, so I don't need them.Blah to you, neither am I. I was hurt in an accident.Even without an injury, a massage is therapeutic, for the mind, if nothing else. It feels good to have another human being rubbing on you. If feeling good isn't reason enough, I don't know what is.

Amen, brethren!

I'm "old and decrepit" and proud of how I got there. Even when I'm feelin' fine, though, a nice shoulder and back rub is nirvanic.

In thinking about this whole thread, and reading another about tattoos, I think I finally found a decent reason for a decent tattoo on my body. I could see a really nicely done compass rose, centered on my regular sore spot on my back (upper left back, just to the left of the spine, below the shoulder, just before you get to the shoulderblade). Then I could use it to direct my massuesse to the desired spot for focused attention.

Kewl.

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e208/jannypie/COMPASS_ROSE.jpg

Man...There are a lot of them!

[ms_ann_thrope]

That is an awesome idea, godfry! :1thumbup:

I really like the one in the middle of the top row, but in order to get that level of detail in a tattoo, it'd have to be, like, 3x the size shown. Not that I'd mind!

[Dingfod]

The 300 club?http://penguincentral.com/300Club.html

[MooseIBe]

Hmm you know I really reaaaaaaally want a massage right now .. can just feel someone's hands on my back, would be lovely.

Oh well, Antti's coming over on Friday, maybe then :)

[Sweetie]

I went to my sister's hen do the other day and we had a 'pamper day' at a local spa. It was pretty cool, swimming pool, jacuzzi, gym and sauna, followed by a massage and a facial each. And then a champagne lunch :).

Anyway this was the first time I had ever had a professional massage and it was nice, though a bit painful in places actually! The facial was even better and came with a scalp and shoulder massage. Does anyone here get these things done regularly?


I had to go for quite a few last year, my muscles were just a mess. I went one day and my masseuse was like, "wow, what you doing to yourself girl?" hehe. I weren't doin' it, my spine and muscles were. :shrug:

Anyways, not only do I enjoy them, even the occasional deep tissue ones, I have decided without question that I am going into massage therapy as a living. It's decided, just got to do the paperwork. I'll do that for a few years to tide us over and then hopefully it will be a good profession to work around that can eventually land me in University one day.

Just a thought about deep tissue massages, I had my chiropractor work out a muscle in next to my tailbone, but he warned me that it would hurt, and it would hurt for days. It did of course, but what he said the point of it was is that we sometimes get adhesions with our muscles, and they become gluey or something, and you sometimes have to work them out to get them to heal, or something. Just a thought about the potential benefits of the pain of it. I too though, have a high pain tolerance.

Too, my understanding is that generally good massages for the first time are more painful than pleasurable, but your muscles adjust to them and they can become much more enjoyable.

[Sweetie]

Well, just normal rubbing is nice, but not all that muscle squeezing and someone-whacking-their-hands-on-your-back-crap. I've had people try to give me massages, I don't like it. If it floats your boat though, more power too you.

The massages I've had involved neither squeezing nor "back-whacking", for the record.

[MooseIBe]

Massage therapy would be a fun thing to do for a living I think .. how do you get into that?

[Johnny Pneumatic]

Massage therapy would be a fun thing to do for a living I think .. how do you get into that?

Well, I think you go to a masseuse school. After you've gotten your diploma, you buy one of those beds with the face hole in it and advertise your services in various places (newspaper, online, phone book etc.). Or you go to work at a place that hires people with such skills - namely spas or high end hotels in big cities.

[MooseIBe]

I hadn't thought about people doing it independently .. I suppose the trouble is that there is a stigma attatched to people advertising themselves as massueses. Doing it at a spa would be really good though I think.

[Blake]

This thread has been terribly interesting to me. I'm not a massage therapist, but I'm a professional (Alexander Technique teacher) lumped together in the same overall category of "bodywork" or "alternative wellness."

First of all, not everybody in this thread who has claimed to have given or received a massage necessarily has. Amateur backrubs are not in the same class as a session with a qualified professional, costing $30 or $60 or whatever the rate is in your part of the country. The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) has been quite active as a national organization, possibly more so through its state chapters, to regulate and license massage therapists. Institutes that train and certify massage therapists have become increasingly regularized, and it's something of a phenomenon: huge numbers of people are doing it (few courses are longer than 500 hours, and continuing education isn't hard to complete), in more and more places (such as chair massage, in malls, airports, etc.).

I've gotten and given lots of "massages," only a few of them professional. I've had maybe a half-dozen Swedish massages, which is the most common basic style. I've also had shiatsu, which left me in a remarkably similar relaxed state to a good Swedish massage, considering my muscles hadn't been palpated. I understand a lot of the variations are based on Swedish (like most of the recently popular "hot rock" massages), but there are quite a lot of Chinese, Japanese and other disciplines as well.

I think almost no professionals self-identify any more as "masseuses." That inevitably carries the connotation of deliberately erotic massage, and therapeutic massage professionals have been at pains for a long time to achieve legitimacy by completely distinguishing themselves from any sort of prostitution. By and large, they've succeeded, though there are still the occasional county (or even state-level) misunderstandings that unjustly prevent massage therapists from earning a living.

Massage is a great thing, and I wish I could do it more often--with a good person. I've had a couple of student massages, and there's a huge difference between someone still learning the minimum and someone who's completed good training and practiced for a couple of years. (Lotta bullshit body theories out there, so my two cents is to focus on the experience, not so much on the person's explanatory patter.) It's profound stuff, sometimes inevitably emotional as some of youall have noted, and definitely a good idea to be fully hydrated before going and drink more water than usual afterwards. The typical physically sub-active client gets a lot of lactic acid dumped out of their muscles into the bloodstream; it's nice to wash as much of that out as you can.

[godfry n. glad]

There is a big difference between a "backrub" from a friend and a massage from a professional. I see a woman who was an LMT, a licensed massage therapist, regulated by the state, and now practices as a naturopathic physician, also regulated by the state, and does massage as naturopathic therapy.

If you can afford it, do it as often as possible.