Massage is truly one of the best pleasures in life. The relaxation of body and mind brought about by the nurturing touch of another human being is indeed a nice way to take a breather from one's daily stressors. When your boss is getting too hard on you or the household chores are piling up so high, going to a spa can save what's little left of your priceless sanity.



But getting a massage is not only about finding the right therapist or booking for an appointment. Just like any other activity, it also entails good manners and right conduct.

Here are some tips on proper massage etiquette:

• Schedule your appointment in advance as much as possible. This will allow the therapist or the spa to book other appointments more efficiently.

• After booking for an appointment, be sure not to miss it. Canceling the last minute or not showing up with no explanation at all is very disrespectful of the therapist. You're not only wasting their time but also the opportunity for them to have other paying clients.

• Arrive early, preferably 15 minutes early so you will have time to fill out some forms like contact information and health conditions, as well enjoy the facilities of the spa like sauna, steam bath or whirlpool.

• Before you go into the session, be sure to discuss your preferences to the therapist. What type of music, room temperature or lighting would make you feel comfortable are some of the things you can talk to the therapist about. Although it's all right to speak up even in the middle of the session, discussing prior to it is a better option so as not to interrupt the flow of the therapy.

• It's also a good idea to go to the bathroom before the therapy starts so that you don't have to stand up in the middle of your session when nature calls.

• When you go for a massage, it is very important that you don't wear any perfume, scented anti-perspirants and hair sprays because you will be staying in an enclosed area and some therapists have allergic reactions to some of these products.

• Turn off your cell phone before you arrive at the clinic or spa. Being interrupted with ringing sounds and phone calls can surely ruin the relaxing mood and ambiance of the place. Besides, this is a time for you to relax and shun away the outside world even for just a few minutes.

• Don't put lotion or moisturizer on your skin because this will get in the way of the massage oil or lotion that will be used.

• Take a shower or clean up before the session. Showing up all sweaty or dirty after a workout or some other rigorous activity is a rude thing to do.

• Don't feel obliged to engage in a conversation with your therapist. If you want to chat, it's fine. But if you want to silently indulge in the massage, the therapist will respect that.

• Give your therapist a 10%-15% tip.

• You will be allowed to have some time alone to cool down and relax after a session but don't take advantage of it by taking a whole day nap.

Spas, clinics and therapists all work so hard to be able to provide you with a moment of relaxation that you are so in need of. Yes, you're paying for their services but still, it's only right that you give them proper respect and treatment.