The benefits of a relaxing spa day are countless. (And let’s face it, this is the time of year when people seem to need those massages the most!)  But it’s important to make the most of it before, during and after your appointment.  Todd Beckman, president and founder of MassageLuXe®, offers tips to maximize your session.

Prepare Your Body. Drink plenty of water the day before and day of your appointment.  Eat lightly the day of your massage.  A full belly isn’t comfortable to lie on, but you don’t want to be hungry either.  It is also common to take a shower shortly before your massage, but check with the spa for their recommendation.  Before your facial it is recommended you wash your face with a gentle soap and water, but it’s commonplace for the esthetician to remove your makeup as part of the cleansing process.

Be Honest. Arrive early to your appointment if it’s your first time at the spa and fill out a client intake form.  It’s important to be completely honest about any conditions or ailments you may have so they can determine the best massage for your body and the best facial for your skin type.  If you’re feeling ill, reschedule your appointment because it could not only worsen your condition, but it could also affect your technician and any clients that follow your appointment.

Communicate Openly With Your Therapist. During your consultation be sure to tell your massage therapist any areas you would like him or her to focus on or if you have any sensitive areas you want to avoid.  Also tell the esthetician your personal skincare regimen and if you’re prone to breakouts or redness so he or she can best assess how to proceed with your facial.

Personalize Your Experience. Let it all out during your day at the spa.  Take deep breaths, meditate or focus on the music.  If you don’t feel like talking, it’s perfectly normal to be silent.  If you’re feeling conversational, chatting with your technician is acceptable, too.  It’s your spa experience and you should do what feels good for your body and mind.

Take Care Of Yourself After Your Treatments.  Just because your spa day is over, it doesn’t mean you have to go back into overdrive immediately.  Relax in the hours after you leave the spa to reap the benefits.  Drink plenty of water and follow any instructions from your massage therapist or esthetician about stretching, taking a bath, following a new skincare routine or other relaxation methods.  Perhaps you could share the benefits of a spa day with your loved ones with a gift certificate for the holidays!

MassageLuXe massage therapy spas offer a variety of affordable and customized massage therapies to fit individual needs. The company has just launched FaceLuXe™, a new line of products and services including a variety of rejuvenating facials and waxing services. For more information visit www.massageluxe.com or www.faceluxe.com or call (877) 321-5893.

Photo found here.