As a matter of fact, receiving
massage is a skill to be learned. I don’t assume that everybody can relax
and let go of their body. One
client who was receiving a massage for the first time asked me what he was
supposed to be doing on the table; if he should get his body floppy or tense to
benefit from massage. I thought
that was a great question. There
are techniques that you actively participate in moving, stretching, or
resisting. Other than that, you let
your body relaxed to benefit from massage.
A part of the goal of receiving massage, I believe, is to let go of the body and mind. Some people are aware of not being able
to relax, and others don’t notice that they are tense. Or, some just try to help me move their
arms or neck. Whatever the
relaxation level is, I am happy for you to be receiving massage. Because, relaxing your body is same as quieting your mind.
Here are some of my personal tricks which might help you.
- Imagine you are floating in the water. Feel your body synchronizing with the movement of the water. Your whole body must be completely let go. Otherwise, you will sink.
- Let the teeth apart and relax the jaws. You tend to keep tension in the facial muscles. Once your jaws get soft, other parts of the body will follow the suit.
- Feel the sensation of your body, but don’t analyze it. You can stop having thoughts (even momentarily) and be present with yourself.
- Focus on breathing as you might have heard too often. Feel the sensation and movement of the chest.
Good luck!