Shiatsu massage is a modern branch of traditional Asian massage. The focus is on the body’s energy flow and it uses similar principles as acupressure. Massage therapists use their fingers on your pressure points to relieve tension and reduce toxins in the body. To prepare for a Shiatsu massage, follow these tips:
Prepare Before the Massage
Avoid eating a heavy meal or drinking alcohol at least an hour before your appointment. Doing so could create an uncomfortable experience during the massage, or it can inhibit the purpose of the relaxing experience. Determine your motivation for the session and what you’d like to focus on during your Asian massage. Stay hydrated, give yourself enough time to find our location, and get in a relaxed headspace before arriving.
Wear Comfortable Clothing
A Shiatsu massage does not use oils and is often performed fully clothed. You can choose to wear loose clothing that will be comfortable throughout the session. Socks are generally recommended to keep your feet warm and to help you feel fully relaxed. Avoid buttons or zippers that can uncomfortably press into your skin during the session.
Time the Appointment Right
Your appointment timing plays a major role in the overall satisfaction of your session. Make your appointment at a time of day that allows you to adequately participate in the entire process. Arrive a few minutes early so you don’t feel rushed, and make sure you set aside time afterward to gently get back into your day. Garden Retreat Spa accepts walk-ins and is open seven days a week to provide ample appointment times for busy New Yorkers.
Discuss Health Factors
Shiatsu massage is an effective form of bodywork that helps reduce tension and fatigue. Some health factors may affect the Asian massage process and need to be discussed with the massage therapist. New wounds or fractures, varicose veins, recent scars, herniated discs, or inflamed joints should be brought up prior to the appointment to make sure the process is safe for your particular condition. If you’re feeling ill or have a fever, you will likely want to reschedule your appointment to be certain you get the most from the massage session.
Rehydrate After the Massage
Drink plenty of water after the massage to help rehydrate your muscles and aid in flushing toxins from your body. Working your muscles pushes fluid out of your soft tissues and into your circulatory system, which means you need to drink a lot of fluids to make up for the lost water. Resting and gentle stretching is also recommended to help improve circulation.
A Unique Asian Massage Experience
Garden Retreat Spa offers a combination of Shiatsu and Swedish massage. The pressure in Shiatsu massage is applied with the therapist’s thumbs, fingers, and palms in the same energy meridians as acupressure. Massage therapists incorporate stretching, rolling, and kneading throughout the session. In Swedish massage, long flowing strokes are used to ease muscle tension. Massage therapists often incorporate gliding, rhythmic tapping, and vibration as well. Through the combination of Swedish and Shiatsu massage, clients are able to gain benefits from both therapies’ calming and soothing properties.
Make an Appointment for a Rejuvenating Massage
Our massage therapists use ancient traditions with modern modifications to provide your body with calming energy while also reducing pain and soreness. Our clean facilities are welcoming and well-managed, and we offer a secure changing area to provide privacy and maximum comfort. For quality Asian massages in New York City, visit Garden Retreat Spa.