1 Deep breathing helps facilitate relaxation. People often stop breathing when they feel anxious or when a sensitive area is being massaged. If this happens, let yourself breathe.	2 Dont be afraid to discuss any apprehensions or concerns. Its important that you be as comfortable as possible during your massage. Your massage therapist is a professional dedicated to do their best to help you feel at ease.	3 Don't eat a heavy meal or drink alcohol before a massage session.
4 Some people like to talk during a massage session, while others remain silent. In general the massage therapist will follow your lead.	6 Be on time. If you arrive in a frenzied, rushed state, it may take longer to relax.	7 Most massage takes place nude but you are fully draped at all times. If you do not want to remove all your clothing, wear clothing that you will be comfortable wearing during the massage and will allow the massage therapist to touch and move the areas of your body you expect will need to be worked on.
8 Relax your muscles and your mind. Tightening up by contracting or hardening your muscles during the massage is counterproductive. Let your massage therapist know if this is happening. They may need to adjust the massage technique they use and may also be able to help you relax the affected area.	5 Good communication is important. Before the session, let your massage therapist know what your needs are, and give accurate health information. During the massage session, report any discomfort, whether it is from the massage or anything else -- room temperature, music volume, lighting, etc. Feel free to give feedback on the amount of pressure, speed of movement, etc.	10 Take a hot bath in Epsom salt for 15-20 minutes after your massage. It will help flush out the toxins that are in your body that have been moved around by the massage therapist.
11 Be prepared to schedule several massage sessions. Massage has its greatest benefits over time. The therapeutic effects of massage are cumulative, so the more often you get a massage, the better you will feel and the more quickly your body will respond. From one session to the next, relaxation deepens as the chronic patterns of stress in the body are affected and released. If you're getting massage to address chronic muscular tension or recovery from a soft tissue injury, more than one session is	9 Arrive clean and showered. Its also very beneficial to exfoliate prior to a massage treatment if you have dry skin.	12 It is recommended to drink extra water before and after a massage, this helps flush your system of toxins and keeps you hydrated.
14 If you find your thoughts are racing during the massage, one way to be more body-centered and to quiet your mind is to follow the hands of the massage therapist and focus on how the touch feels.	13 Don't get up too quickly, and do allow for some open, quiet time after your massage session. If you're dizzy or light headed after the massage, do not get off the table too fast. It also may take a little time to integrate or absorb the results of the massage session.	15 Relax your mind, and be open to the possibility of change in your body on a cellular level.
16 Be receptive and open to the experience and trust in the professionalism of the therapist.