Is there anything worse in a massage, then hearing "relax?" I make an effort not to say that to clients (though my BUD/S candidates get it yelled at them, but that's another matter.) When I hear someone say "relax" I instantly tense up; as if I'm not doing something correctly and really, that makes me feel stress-free.
So when in your session and you can't let go of the stress of the day, or the deep-tissue is getting pretty intense, take a deep breath. From your belly and out your mouth. Breathe into the feeling, into the pain, into the release.
Here's some tips from physical therapist Cathy Ulrich ::
*As you settle onto the table, even before your therapist enters the room, feel the weight of your body on the table. Allow yourself to be supported by the table and begin to notice your breath.
*Feel your breath moving of its own accord.
Where is it most noticeable? Where could it express more? Invite your
breath to move into the spaces that feel less full (without
effort--just invite).
*When your therapist starts working, notice the pressure and rhythm.
While maintaining a comfortable rhythm in your own breathing, notice
when she lets up on her pressure and breathe in. When she applies
pressure, breathe out.
*If your practitioner comes to a tender area, pay special attention to your breath. Work with the tenderness on the exhale, imagining that you're breathing out the pain.
*As your therapist works on different areas, imagine your breath moving there to meet her. Send your breath wherever she is working. Let her work on the outside, you work on the inside.
*Notice the changes as the massage progresses.
Notice your thought patterns. Notice your comfort level. Notice your
stress (and how it melts) as you send breath to the various areas of
your body.
*When your session is complete and you sit up, notice how your breath feels. What do you notice about your body, the room, the light?
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