This is one of those thoughts that comes up in my mind during almost every massage, and that I repeatedly forget about when the time comes to write a blog. Well, at long last, here it is!
Non-verbal communication is what I depend on for a large percentage of massages I give. Here are some signs that I pick up on, and my interpretation of what they might mean to you, the client. PLEASE tell me if my interpretations are wrong, as I do use this information to guide the session. If I'm reading your signals wrong, I won't be giving you what you want, and that will make for a less than 100% satisfaction for you when we're done.
Breath/Breathing
This is a hugely important strategy that you can use. A stand-alone deep sigh can mean you're finally beginning to relax. It might also mean I might need to back off from the intensity or the area that I've been working at. You can also sync your breath to the work I'm doing, so that you breathe in while I'm getting to the tight/tense/trouble spot, and then exhale as I zone-in and hold that spot. When I can sense you are doing this is one of my favorite things about giving massages. It means you and I are working together on this issue you have, and when we do that, you'll get the results you're after even faster. Here's what you need to know about this process: When I'm zoning-in on that spot, sometimes I need to hold into it longer than your breath cycle. For those times, I will ease up my pressure a little for you to inhale, and then I'll sink back into it as you exhale again.
Fidgeting or Flinching
You might fidget if the pressure is too much, or if I'm haven't found the right spot. A flinch might mean you're beginning to doze off and catch yourself, so you're alert again. You might also flinch if I've hit a nerve or an exceptionally tight band of muscle tissue. Depending on what my senses are telling me, I will probably check in with you to make sure you're okay. This is your opportunity to steer me back on track, tell me to lighten up or dig in deeper. Take advantage of this invitation to get what you want from your massage.
"Helping"
This one tells me that you are not relaxed. Pretty much the only time I really need you to help is to lift your feet or knees so that I can move the bolster under them or take it out. I can usually get the leg drape without help, though lifting your leg is helpful if your skin has lost elasticity, and you NOT lifting your leg might result in me inadvertently pinching your skin as I try to tuck in the sheet. I'm working on improving that anyway. Those without skin elasticity concerns who do lift their leg make me nervous, that I might reach somewhere I don't intend when I tuck the sheet under your thigh. :-/
Holding
Holding also tells me you are not relaxed. I know sometimes it can be very difficult to relax. If you're getting your very first massage, or if it's been a very long time since your last massage can make it more difficult to relax--when you aren't really sure what to expect next. If you are one of those people who just have a hard time relaxing period, here's what you can do: Focus on your breathing, counting up to 8 while you breathe in, and then back down to zero as you exhale. It's good to take a pause between your exhale and inhale too. Another alternative to help relax is to really focus on what my hands are doing, specifically, how your body feels as I work on you.
Resisting
Resisting is a spin-off of holding. You might resist me as your body's way to protect itself if an area is particularly tight or sensitive. Some resistance can be prevented by me clearly communicating with you on what to expect, but other times, it's just your body's instinctive response. What can you do? For the former, I may give you a little wiggle or try to move your body in a way that distracts your mind from trying to anticipate what I'm doing. For the latter, get into your breath. Exhale as I'm working through that area of tension.
Are you surprised by how much information I gather without you saying anything? I am quite fascinated by body language and am eager to learn more about it. These are the most prominent methods of non-verbal communication that I use and pick up on during sessions. As a client, do you try to communicate other ways with me that are not listed here? Let's talk about it, I'd love to learn what else I should be looking out for in my clients.
Are you surprised by how much information I gather without you saying anything? I am quite fascinated by body language and am eager to learn more about it. These are the most prominent methods of non-verbal communication that I use and pick up on during sessions. As a client, do you try to communicate other ways with me that are not listed here? Let's talk about it, I'd love to learn what else I should be looking out for in my clients.
