How to prepare for your first massage

Here are some tips for your next massage.

1. Stay Hydrated. Being well hydrated before your massage is very important for the elimination of toxins that are released into the body's circulation during treatment.

2. Arrive clean. You will feel ready for a massage if you've had a shower before your massage. This will warm your muscles. It also means after your massage you can just relax for the rest of the day.

3. I also recommend exfoliating everywhere including your back to allow the oil to sink in to the skin. And this also boosts circulation.

4. Dress Comfortably. It can be difficult to put jeans on after your massage.

5. Wear your hair down or in a high pony tail. If it's too low it gets in the way of the neck. If it's in the centre then when you turn over you may find it uncomfortable to lay on. I can cover it up with a towel if it needs to be out the way.

6. Arrive in Advance. If this is your first time with me allow enough time to park and find the place.

7. Communicate your Needs. Don't suffer in silence. If you would like it lighter or firmer please say. Everyone's preference is different. Those who have asked for a light massage have ended up having deep tissue and those who have asked for firm sometimes realise they'd prefer a lighter massage. Different body parts often require different pressure.

8. Relax during the massage. Practice deep breathing to calm the nervous system. Try not to talk so you can properly enjoy your massage. Often people like to begin with talking and slowly stop and drift off.

Remember:

1. It's normal to fall asleep

2. I don't mind if you haven't shaved your legs or anywhere!

3. I don't mind what underwear you are wearing. Thong or granny pants - no judgement! Your oldest boxers with holes in them.. It's fine too!

4. I don't mind if you have dirty feet- I'm sure lots of people would mind, but I honestly don't. I hot towel them before hand (for everyone, so this isn't because yours are particularly dirty)

5. I don't mind if you snore!

6. I don't mind if you have patchy fake tan marks!

7. I don't mind if you are wearing make up or not. Doesn't make a difference.

8. I don't mind if you arrive with greasy hair.

• I recommend booking an hour for your first treatment, this allows your muscles to fully warm up.

• I cannot guarantee hair won't get oily. However hard I try. I won't purposely use oil in your hair, but even if massaging face or neck some may go in. Also if you get a hand massage the first thing you'll probably do is touch your hair and put oil in yourself.

• Bring: Water, Phone on silent, money to pay, light snack incase you feel light headed after.

What will happen when you arrive:

• I Kindly ask that you take a seat in Ambers hair dressing salon when you arrive (not Belles room).

• When I am ready for you I will welcome you into my room.

• We will discuss any areas you'd like me to focus on and double check you're booking in for the right treatment. We will discuss pressure preference.

• I will step outside and allow you to get ready. This requires you to come down to your underwear and remove your bra if you are wearing one. Remove necklaces, bulky rings, bracelets and watches. Can leave some rings, anklets, toe rings.

• You will then face down if appropriate underneath the top towel only.

• Pregnancy clients will lie on their side and facial clients will be face up.

• I then usually begin massage on the back and work on other areas if you so wish.

• I don't usually check pressure during a massage, so I don't disturb, but let me know if its too much or not enough. I start soft but will talk about this more below.

• After completing massage I will turn the light back on and discuss how you're feeling. I will offer you a class of water.

• I will then step outside and wait for you to come out once you're changed.

• We will then exchange payment at the reception desk.

• You can find any aftercare on my other page.

Pressure preference

Massage needs to start with a softer pressure to prepare the muscles to avoid causing injury. I will then do a range of pressure during your treatment. If you prefer a deeper pressure the majority will be firm but I will still need to start with a warm up pressure. If you prefer a lighter pressure then I will keep the moves thorough but less firm.

Please note when finding me: I work on a back to back basis, so I'm unable to reply to messages or answer phone calls. I may be able to answer 5-10 mins before your treatment so feel free to text or call 07715962738.

How to find me:

Unit 2 Imberhorne Business Centre, Imberhorne Way, Felbridge, RH19 1RL

Typing this address in should take you to this exact location. Some sat nav's may take you to the school so read instructions fully.

Drive down Imberhorne Way and keep going and look for O'grady.

On the door outside the unit you'll see a small pink sign saying "Hair by Ambs Curl". There's no unit 2 sign. Go through the door and up the stairs, then you'll find the hairdressing salon straight ahead. Within this room you will see my room on the left with my door sign "Big Feet Little Feet".

Take a seat on the chairs and I'll come collect you when I am ready as I may be with a client or cleaning or preparing my room.

Parking: There is limited parking outside the unit. There's also parking along the road nearby on the pavement. If you can't find a spot then there is parking by the car park nearby by the roundabout nearby pets at home which is a few minute.