Memphis Massage and Spas

SPA-MASSAGE

If you think that spas are fat farms, or pamper parlors for the rich and famous, take another look.  It’s easy to be confused about spas.  Checking out your local phone book under the heading of “Spas” we find ads for hot tubs, health resorts, even  hotel amenities.  Spa owners, big and small, recognize the potential for growth in the wellness industry, and massage is the most popular “spa service” in the spa world.  The spa environment is what sets the massage style.  Each spa has its theme and signature treatment.  Massage therapists are a part of a working team that services a variety of client needs.  What is the spa “experience”?  Here are some important suggestions for getting your “spa massage”.                                                    

1)  The room environment- The massage room should be a retreat from the real world and its disrupting tensions.  It should be warm or cool enough to be comfortable in bare skin.  The lights should be soft. The noise should be eliminated or barely noticeable, except for soothing music.  Music should be optional; sometimes, quiet can help to focus inward and fully experience what is happening to your body.                               

2)  Turn off cell phones.  Once a treatment begins, a phone or other interruptions, destroy the concentrated mood you want to create and maintain.                                                 

3) The table you are lying on should be comfortable and you should adjust your body for comfort. The table may be heated and a bolster under the knee will take strain from your back.  Clean sheets, towels should provide privacy and allow you to feel secure.

4)  Fragrance in the air is often a spa’s signature.  Most spas select aromas carefully however, if you have allergies to a particular family of smells, let the staff know.  Massage oils come in both scented and unscented so let the therapist’s know if you have a preference. 

5)  Wear loose and comfortable clothes to and from your spa massage, you want the relaxation to continue once you leave ,and often you may not feel up to putting on form fitting garments.  Always wear clothing that will not be ruined by massage oils, preferably cotton, fabrics you can wash.                                     

WHEN NOT TO GET A SPA MASSAGE                                        

 It is wise to postpone a spa massage when you are experiencing any of the following:

1) nausea

2) fever

3) a bacterial or viral infection, such as pneumonia or flu

4) open wounds

5) recent surgeries

6) heart  conditions

7) during cancer therapies.   

It is sometimes tempting to think a good massage may “make me feel better” when your under the weather.  This is usually a false notion as underlying medical conditions could worsen making massage prohibitive.  The sick client should definitely be left in the hands of a professional doctor.                                               

In this fast paced, high-tech world, it is easy to get “out of touch”—literally without the stimulation and nourishment of skin contact, we suffer mentally and physically and our resistance to disease is lowered.  Spa massage is one way to escape and be pampered.                                                           

FINDING A SPA MASSAGE – Memphis, TN

There is a tremendous broad market of spas to experience.  Word of mouth is by far the most popular way.  Spa Finder and ISPA offer both information and education about spa massage.  Whatever resource used, a spa massage can be a positive, healthful experience.