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Am I Supposed to be Nude?
Posted by ViolaAm I Supposed to be Nude?
There are no real “ground rules” or norms when it comes to having a massage in a medical setting. Usually the massage therapist will leave the room so that you can (in your own time) remove your clothing before you lie on the massage table under the top sheet (normally face down). There is no need for you to rush or worry that your therapist walks in on you, as he/she will always knock and ask if you are ready before coming into the room.
There is of course the question whether to take off your underwear during a massage? It is up to you. Many people keep their knickers/briefs/panties on. Some prefer to be completely nude. Sometimes tight-fitting underwear gets in the way of massage work, especially if your problem areas are your lower back, hips, buttocks, or groin. A thong for women or briefs for men should do the trick.
In some countries such as North America, a licensed massage therapists must make sure that you are always properly covered by a sheet or towel if you do remove all of your clothes and ONLY the area which is being massaged will be uncovered.
About tipping, I have asked some massage therapists and also associations/boards, but they said tipping isn’t appropriate in a medical or clinical setting. There is no reason though why you can’t show your appreciation by referring friends, family or even work colleagues. It would be different if you get a massage at a spa or maybe a hotel. If you were pleased and like to tip, a 15-20% tip is the going rate, but than after all, it is up to you.
You do not have to make conversation with the massage therapist. Some people prefer to talk throughout the massage though. It is up to you. I think it is best to shut up, close your eyes, enjoy! That’s what most people do and it is the most relaxing. You’re having a treatment after all and you’re not at a cocktail party!
But, be sure to say
If the room is too hot or too cold
Should you experience pain for some reason
Or if you have any questions related to the massage
And of course, if there’s anything you forgot to mention during the consultation, don’t hesitate to be open about it. There is also no reason why you should experience pain during your massage. It is a myth that it is only effective when you experience pain. A lot of the most effective types of massage therapies are gentle. They don’t even involve deep pressure. In fact, too much pressure can be the cause for muscles to seize up.
So what if you are self-conscious about a particular part of your body? That happens and people are self-conscious for different reasons.
Some of the most common reasons are:
Weight issues - overweight
Excessive hair growth on the body
Acne - spots - skin conditions
Feet - I found that a lot of people have issues with their feet
People also seem to have issues with scars
We are all a little self-conscious at times, but I think it should never stop you from seeking health care. Be it visiting doctors or seeing an alternative practitioner. Still, you can always ask the therapist to avoid a particular area, if you are bothered by it. Or how about choosing a therapy where the treatment is done without the use of oils or lotions, where you remain fully dressed such as shiatsu or Tai massage?
We are all different, have our preferences. Some men don’t feel comfortable being massaged by a male therapist. Some of the reasons may be outdated social media or maybe even of fear of getting an erection during the massage. By touch anywhere on the body, the parasympathetic nervous system is stimulated and activated, therefore erection is a normal, common physiological response that happens. Nothing really to worry about!
How about women? Some prefer female massage therapists as they say they feel more comfortable. I have had massages of male and female massage therapists and thought about it and personally I don’t really have a preference. I think it is the mood I am in when I receive massages that make the difference in therapists.
It’s a bit disappointing that so many have preconceptions, as unfortunately men who decide for a massage profession are often not prepared for the discrimination they face when clients request female over male therapists, clinics and spas stop employing them, and it does not matter how skilled they are.
Personal thought:
How about challenging your preconceptions by asking to meet the therapist before booking an appointment?
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