Shelley Goy is a ‘Traditional Thai Massage’ Practitioner at The Float Spa and below discusses some of the misconceptions people have about massage and why it might not be for them.
It’s weird being touched by a stranger?
Everyone I speak with agrees that it’s nice when a friend or family member gives them a neck & shoulder rub. If you enjoy when someone without training works those shoulder knots, just imagine how amazing a fully trained therapist will make you feel!
It’s important to remember that many people use massage, not just athletes or people with an injury or medical issue. Touch is a natural occurrence, it can connect you with your ‘self’ and even make you feel less alone.
During a Traditional Thai Massage, you remain fully clothed and this is a distinct advantage if you are nervous about undressing.
I’m always happy to meet with people before they book an appointment so they can get to know me and ask any questions. That way I’m not a stranger when they come for their first massage.
I don’t have time for a massage:
Many of us lead extremely busy lives and it’s easy to get into the mind-set that we don’t have enough time for ourselves. This can be particularly true for those who are responsible for the care of others; the thought of using time on ourselves may even bring up feelings of guilt.
In Thailand massage is used as a form of body maintenance, preventing pain and encouraging good energy levels.
Remind yourself that people make time for what is important to them. This will include work, family, home, & commitments – but it should also include your own self maintenance. You will actually limit how much you can give to others if you don’t replenish your own energies.
An occasional massage is great and has many benefits; receiving regular massage means that you can make real progress and maintain a sense of wellbeing. In this way, you will be operating at your most optimum and better able to care and support those around you.
It’s nice but it never lasts:
My clients always leave feeling really relaxed and some have even said ‘blissed-out’. For this reason, I always encourage you to take it easy, drink plenty of water and get an early night.
As wonderful as such comments are, none of us would be able to remain in this state of mind during a busy day; but this doesn’t mean that it’s not a valuable experience.
Many of the things we do regularly have short-term or temporary benefits. However, the value of such activities are cumulative and are often achieved by repetition. Examples include brushing your teeth, exercise, sleep and even going on a holiday. I encourage you to see what a difference ‘regular’ massage can have on your mood and the tensions held in your body.
I can’t afford it:
Many people hold a misconception that massage is a luxury only available to the wealthy. We all desire value for money irrelevant of our financial circumstances.
We invest in what we consider as valuable and we should be mindful to invest in our health & wellbeing before we encounter any complications. As I mentioned before, in Thailand massage is used as a form of body maintenance and regular massage can avoid many muscular discomforts before they occur.
The benefits you receive from a Traditional Thai Massage can include a good night’s sleep, pain reduction, stress relief and simply feeling energised and able to do the things you want.
When you consider the value of these benefits, it becomes difficult to place a cost on something that can contribute so greatly to achieving a successful & happy life.
If you have any questions or concerns not covered above, get in touch with me and ask away. Everything we discuss will be in the utmost of confidence. I’m confident that once you experience how wonderful Traditional Thai Massage is for yourself you’ll be a massage convert!
Wishing you all health & happiness,
Shelley
