Holiday Sale 2015 ~ Massage Gift Certificates

If you're looking to spend some of your Christmas dollars locally during Small Business Saturday, be sure to visit massagebyjenni.com at 9:00 AM MST this coming Saturday November 28th for the start of my annual Holiday Sale on massage gift certificates! Limited quantities of 40% off and 25% off gift certificates will be available and they will sell out, so shop early! One order per customer.

You'll also find unlimited quantities of 10% off and Gift Certificate Packages available until December 24th at midnight. Feel free to order as many of these as often as you like through the end of the sale.

Please note that all Holiday Gift Certificates will be valid starting December 26th through June 30th 2016. Expired certificates will be accepted at face value. 10-packs are valid for 12 months. Read the Holiday Sale Guidelines for all the details before you shop.

Happy Holidays!

~Jenni Curtis, LMT

801*879*4173

massagebyjenni.com

5 Things to Do During Your Massage Session

Once you’re in the massage room, there are a few things to keep in mind that can really enhance the experience. Follow these 5 tips to make your massage the best it can be.

1. Tell the therapist what your needs are before the session begins. Your massage therapist wants to know as much as possible to make sure you get what you need out of your massage session. Tell them about any injuries or problem areas. Make requests for areas of focus and any preferred style you’re looking for. If there are any special circumstances or things to either avoid or be careful with, be sure to disclose them. 
2. Remove as much of your clothing as you feel comfortable with. To get the most out of your massage, remove as much clothing as you possibly can. Typically clients remove all clothing and simply rely on the drape (a sheet or a towel) to maintain modesty. This way, there will be nothing to hinder the flow of the massage or access to specific areas that may need work. Your therapist has been trained to use the drape in a way that will allow them to do their job while still maintaining boundaries and modesty. It’s perfectly normal to be nervous about undressing, particularly if you’re new to massage. Always feel free to leave underwear on or anything you prefer if it makes you feel more comfortable. Your ability to relax is paramount.
3. Breathe. Your body desperately needs oxygen to function properly. When muscles get tight, blood flow is restricted and oxygen often is unable to properly reach the cells of the body. Always be sure to breathe throughout your massage session. If the therapist finds a tight or tender spot, focus your breath on that area. Visualize the inhalation traveling to the point of pain or tension. Through the power of intention, more oxygen will find its way there. Breathing can also induce relaxation. When you’re holding your breath, you're probably not relaxed. If it’s due to pain, perhaps the massage is too deep and the strokes will need to be adjusted. However, breathing can help you get through a difficult moment and receive the work you need in extra tight areas of the body.
4. Stay relaxed. As a client, you really only have one job while receiving a massage. Relax! Scan your body for any contracted muscles and let go of them. The therapist will be able to work your body better if it isn’t fighting back. Resist the temptation to “help” when the therapist moves a limb or lifts your head. The more you can be “dead weight” the better! The therapist will always let you know if they need you to do anything besides lie there.
5. Communicate.  Your therapist will always do their best to anticipate your needs by paying attention to your body language, but they aren’t mind readers! Just because you groan, doesn’t mean the therapist will lighten the pressure. Believe it or not, there is such a thing as “good pain” in a massage, and to some, “it hurts so good!” However, if you can’t stay relaxed and continue breathing, it might be too deep!  Always say something if you aren’t comfortable. That goes for any aspect of your massage experience. If you’re cold, hot, need a tissue, the music is too loud, the massage isn’t deep enough, you’d rather zone-out instead of chat, anything; speak up! Your massage therapist wants you to have the best massage you’ve ever had, every single time! 

~Jenni Curtis, LMT

801*879*4173

massagebyjenni.com 

5 Things to Do Before Your Massage

When preparing for your massage appointment, there are a few things to keep in mind. These 5 tips will help you to be ready for a successful session.

1. Pre-hydrate. Water will prepare your body to receive bodywork by getting muscles and kidneys in good order. That doesn't mean you should drink a gallon of water right before your session starts. Start to pre-hydrate the body the day before your massage. Make a conscious effort to drink extra water throughout the day and continue with moderation until the time comes to get your massage.
2. Shower. You'll feel better if your body is clean and your skin will be more able to receive the moisturizing oil and beneficial essential oils used in your session. What's more, you won't have to wonder if your feet stink or your body odor is offensive to the therapist. Don't worry about showering immediately before the session unless you've been doing heavy labor or exercise, but do come with a clean slate. If you aren't able to take care of things before you arrive, ask the therapist for a steamed towel to wipe down any offending areas.
3. Wear comfortable clothes. After your massage you'll feel relaxed and you'll want to continue with that feeling by having comfortable clothing to wear afterwards. If you have to come straight from work or a function, bring a set of more comfortable clothing with you so you'll have it to put on when you're finished. You won't want to get any residual oil on your nice clothes and you won't feel like being all dressed up anyway. You'll be ready to laze around for a while.
4. Empty your bladder. Massage gets things moving in the body and you might find that your bladder starts to feel full before the session is over. It's much easier to relax when you're not counting the minutes to when the therapist finishes so you can run to the bathroom. You may even be debating whether you want to make a mid-massage visit to the facilities wearing the sheet as a toga. Do yourself a favor and empty your bladder right before your massage. Even if you went before you left your house or job, try again. It can't hurt.
5. Turn off your cell phone! The last thing you should be doing during your massage is thinking about outside distractions. This is your time to zone out and re-energize before returning to business as usual. Leaving the phone on vibrate with the intention of not answering can be a distraction too. It's amazing how well you can hear a vibrating phone in a quiet room and as soon as you do, you'll be wondering who's calling or texting you. You will be much happier if you silence the phone. Business can wait an hour or two! 

~Jenni Curtis, LMT 

  801*879*4173

  massagebyjenni.com