How To Make The Most of Your Sessions

A great massage does not begin when your therapist puts their hands on you, and it does not necessarily end when you walk out the door.

There are simple things you can do before, during, and after your massage that can help your body settle more easily into the session and make the most of the work you receive.

Whether this is your first massage at Mokosh Holistic Massage or you have been seeing us regularly for years, here is how we recommend preparing for your next session.

Before Your Massage: Give Yourself Time to Arrive

If possible, avoid scheduling your massage so tightly between other obligations that you arrive rushing through the door.

Give yourself a little breathing room.

When you arrive already thinking about traffic, work, the text you need to answer, or where you need to be next, your body may still be operating in "go" mode. A few quiet minutes can make it easier to transition into your session.

Come in, take your time, silence your phone, use the restroom if you need to, and give yourself permission to be unavailable for a while.

You do not have to arrive perfectly relaxed. That is part of what we are here to help with.

Consider Skipping the Caffeine

If you can, avoid having a large amount of caffeine immediately before your massage.

Caffeine can increase alertness and make it more difficult for some people to settle into the slower state we are trying to create during massage.

You do not necessarily have to give up your morning coffee. Just consider the timing. If you know caffeine makes you jittery or restless, give your body some time between your last cup and your appointment.

We also recommend eating lightly before your session rather than arriving immediately after a large meal.

And drink some water.

Normal, comfortable hydration before and after your massage supports your body's everyday circulation and fluid balance. There is no need to force yourself to drink an enormous amount of water afterward. Simply staying well hydrated is enough.

What Should You Wear to a Massage?

One of the most common questions we hear from new massage clients is, "How much am I supposed to take off?"

The answer is simple:

Undress to your comfort level.

Your therapist will leave the room while you get ready. You will get underneath the sheet, and we will knock before coming back into the room.

During your massage, your body will remain appropriately covered by the sheet, with only the area being worked on uncovered.

You may leave your underwear on or remove it. Either is completely fine.

For most massage techniques, underwear makes very little difference. The primary exception is if therapeutic work directly to the gluteal muscles would benefit from skin-to-skin contact. Even then, your comfort and consent come first.

You never need to undress beyond your comfort level to receive massage at Mokosh.

A Few Practical Things You Might Not Think About

Long hair is usually most comfortable either left completely down or placed in a high ponytail or bun.

A bun or ponytail directly on the back of your head can become surprisingly uncomfortable when you are lying face up. It can also change the position of your head and neck.

Heavy makeup is another consideration. During portions of your massage, your face will rest in a cushioned face cradle. Makeup, particularly foundation and eye makeup, may transfer or smudge. We keep personal wipes in the rooms for any needed adjustment post massage.

And while we are talking about bodies, there is nothing you need to do to make your body "ready" for us.

You do not need to shave. You do not need perfect skin. You do not need to apologize for your body, your scars, your stretch marks, your size, or anything else.

Just bring yourself.

Tell Us What Your Body Needs

Before your service begins, your massage therapist will give you an opportunity to make therapeutic requests.

This is your time to tell us what has been happening.

Maybe your neck has been bothering you all week. Maybe you have been training harder than usual. Maybe your low back feels tired from sitting at your desk. Maybe nothing hurts at all and you simply want an hour where nobody needs anything from you. All of those are valid reasons to receive massage.

Your therapist may ask additional questions so they can determine how to best use your session time.

At Mokosh, we will also ask for permission before working on areas such as the pectoral muscles, gluteal muscles, and feet.

Consent is ongoing throughout your massage. Saying yes before the session does not mean you cannot change your mind later.

Speak Up During Your Massage

Massage is not something that is simply done to you. Your feedback helps your therapist work more effectively.

Tell us if you are cold.

Tell us if you are hot.

Tell us if you need another pillow.

Tell us if the pressure is too much or not enough.

And remember that more pressure does not automatically mean better therapeutic work. Sometimes the most effective approach is slower, more specific, or gentler than you expected.

Your therapist is paying attention to the response of your tissue, but you are the only person who can tell us exactly what you are experiencing.

You are also welcome to talk, or not talk.

Some people process through conversation. Others want to disappear into the table for 60 or 90 minutes. We are comfortable with both.

If You Struggle With Sinus Pressure, Tell Us

Some clients notice sinus pressure or congestion while lying face down.

If this happens to you regularly, let your therapist know before your massage begins.

One simple strategy is to start your session face down rather than ending that way. This gives your sinuses time to adjust and drain during the remainder of your massage instead of having you stand up and immediately head out the door feeling congested.

Small adjustments like this can make a big difference in how you feel when your session is over.

After Your Massage: Don't Rush the Landing

Whenever your schedule allows, try not to book your massage immediately before something hectic.

Your massage therapist has just spent an hour or more encouraging movement, circulation, relaxation, and a change in the way your muscles and nervous system are responding.

Give your body a little time to enjoy that.

Drink some water. Eat something nourishing if you are hungry. Take a walk. Go home. Read. Stretch gently if that feels good. Take a bath. Sit somewhere quiet.

You do not need an elaborate post-massage ritual.

We simply encourage you to avoid immediately throwing yourself back into high gear whenever you have the luxury of choosing otherwise.

And Finally, Take Your Time

We believe massage works best when it is not treated as one more thing to check off your list.

Your session is time specifically set aside for you and your body.

Arrive without rushing when you can. Tell us what you need. Ask questions. Get comfortable. Let your therapist know what you are feeling. And when your session is over, give yourself a little room before asking your body to speed back up again.

At Mokosh Holistic Massage in Louisville, Kentucky, our goal is to create therapeutic massage sessions that meet you where you are that day, whether you are looking for focused bodywork, relief from the effects of your daily routine, or simply a chance to slow down.

You have already made the time for yourself.

Now, take your time at Mokosh.