Room for relaxation and massage
One way to incorporate massage into your daily life is to prepare a dedicated space in which to perform it, in part of your bedroom, say, or in a corner of a finished basement.
Room for relaxation and massage
A dedicated massage area not only allows you to perform mini-massages on yourself, but it also means you can offer body massages to your spouse or significant other, and he or she can then return the favor. Setting plays a huge part in creating a relaxing and therapeutic massage area. Bright lights, intrusive noises, or clutter may make you unable to relax and enjoy the experience.
MAXIMIZE YOUR SPACE
One important rule of setting up a restorative massage space is making sure you have whatever you need at your fingertips. This doesn’t mean filling up every corner of the room with supplies, however—it’s just the opposite. The space needs to be efficient as well as relaxing.
Clear Out: Filter out unneeded items—to lessen the amount of clutter, keep only what you need to perform basic massage techniques.
Organize your tools: Keep all your supplies and equipment neatly stored away but handy. Fabric bins or baskets set on a low shelf get the job done and look attractive.
Keep a wide space around the table: Position your massage table, supplies, and any other furniture in such a way that you have plenty of room to walk around freely.
SET THE MOOD
Nothing ruins a good massage quicker than irksome background distractions. Even small disturbances such as the sound of a distant TV can kill the relaxing mood. Pay attention to ambiance if you want the optimal amount of tranquility.
Light: Light the room with a few low-wattage table lamps or floor spots, or use the light from a window filtered through mini-blinds. Avoid fluorescent lights overhead—they give off significant amounts of blue-spectrum light that can impact relaxation and sleep patterns.
Noise: Activity from beyond the room or ambient background noises such as traffic, kids playing, or even appliances can also be distracting. Use relaxing music to obscure outside noises.
Herbs and massage compress
BUYING A TABLE
You should be able to find a decent massage table for between $100 and $250. Unless you are planning to open a massage practice, this level of comfort and dependability should be fine for you and your family. The two main requirements are that the table be sturdy enough to bear the weight of an adult—and the weight of another adult who is exerting pressure on the first adult—without wobbling, and wide enough for an adult to lie comfortably. To be sure of the width you need, measure the tables at your own massage salon. If you find the table is not well cushioned, you can add extra padding from a thin foam mattress or extra layers of sheets or towels. The area near the face is also crucial—make sure you have a comfortable face cradle or pillow. Place the table on a rug or carpeting so that it does not move around.
WHAT ELSE YOU NEED
If you treat this space like a professional massage salon, you’ll need at least a few of the following items.
• Pillows, linens, and towels
• Tissues and wipes
• Lotions and oils of your preference
• A source for your favorite healing scents
• A device to produce soft, ambient music
• A small table or rolling cart to hold supplies