Before you come

Hopefully it's all common sense:

• Your massage is done clothed, so you'll need comfy clothes with room to stretch and not too many buttons or zips. There's no need to buy anything special, but please no jeans. You can either arrive in your comfy clothes or change in the bathroom.
• Do not drink alcohol or take recreational drugs on the day. Try to come with a fairly empty stomach (drinking is fine).
• If you have a fever, please call to rearrange your massage.
• If necessary, consult your GP or health professional to check that massage is safe, or if there are any special requirements. You need to do so if you have a medical condition/health problem, are undergoing medical treatment, feel acute pain, are pregnant, or have any reason to believe massage may be harmful.

During your massage

If you've never had Thai massage - or not even any massage - it's perfectly natural to be nervous or uncertain about the experience.  I have found that it helps clients to have a clear understanding about will happen. In fact your part is really easy, you can't go wrong – just lie down, and leave it all to me.

• I'll welcome you into the massage room and offer you a drink of water as it's good to keep well hydrated for massage.
• On your first visit, I'll chat to you about your state of health and what benefits you are looking for from the massage. Quite often, my clients have a particular part of their body need attention (or several parts!), or you can have a more general massage. I'll get you to fill in a confidential health form to make sure I know about any conditions that might affect the treatment. On subsequent visits we'll have a shorter chat so you can bring me up to date with any changes.
• I'll start the treatment with gentle techniques. This allows you to get used to the feeling of receiving massage and allows me to sense what your body needs.
• Normally we'll continue to chat during the massage, then after a while you will become relaxed and we'll become quieter. However you can always ask questions or guide me: more/less pressure; skip something that feels wrong /repeat something that feels great.
• At the end, we have a quick chat about how you are feeling. If you wish, I can show you some stretches that will help you. You can have another drink of water. This time ensures your mind has woken up from the relaxed state and that you are safe to travel.

It's your massage, and we'll do whatever you need to be comfortable.

• The room is quite warm, but if you become cold, I'll cover you with a blanket.
• There are cushions, bolsters and pillows to help you find a comfortable position.
• We can always take a break for you to stretch out, drink, or go to the loo.

Afterwards

Please try to avoid strenuous exercise and keep hydrated. It's natural to feel a bit sore the next day, especially on the first visit. If it was a bit too much then you can ask me to be a bit gentler next time.