You've already booked, and then the little doubts begin. Should I eat before or after? Should I shower? What should I wear? Do I have to tell them something or can I just lie down?
Sound familiar? These are questions almost no one asks out loud, yet they're all on their minds. None of them are trivial: what you do in the hours leading up to the game significantly influences how your body responds. Here are five things that truly help, and three you should avoid.
Why does preparation before a massage make a difference?
Preparing before a massage session is important to make the most of this self-care moment. Many people think that coming to a massage session is simply a matter of lying down on the table and letting the therapist do whatever they want. And yes, relaxing is a key part of the process, but what you do before the session It can greatly influence how your body responds to the session and the benefits you will notice afterwards.
1. Nutrition: what to eat (and what to avoid) before the massage
It's best if you eat something. light and easy to digest Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours before the massage. Avoid heavy meals, caffeine, stimulants, and alcohol. Hydrate well from the morning onward: a hydrated body responds better to massage, tissues are more elastic, and the effects are more effective.
2. Comfortable and loose clothing
Ideally, you should come with clothes comfortable, loose and easy to take off and put on. The less you have to worry about clothing, the easier it will be to relax before and after the massage. Bring comfortable socks, as your body will go into deep relaxation after the massage and your feet may get cold.
3. Shower beforehand and clean skin
Whenever you can, Take a shower before coming to the massage. Clean skin absorbs oils better and is easier to work with. Avoid using body creams, oils, or strong perfumes before the session, as these can create barriers or be irritating.
4. Arrive early and prepare yourself mentally
Try to arrive at your appointment at least 5-10 minutes early to give your nervous system time to adjust. Take three slow, deep breaths, inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth. The simple act of breathing properly begins to relax your body from the inside out.
5. Talk to your massage therapist before you start
A good massage session begins before the therapist even touches your skin. Tell them which areas feel tense, for how long, what movements trigger them, your stress or fatigue level, and anything else they need to know. The more information your massage therapist has, the better they can tailor the session.
And there's something you should know beforehand: You can also talk during the session. Many people endure uncomfortable pressure not to interrupt, and that's the opposite of what helps. Phrases you can use without hesitation:
- «"A little less pressure here."»
- «"Yes, stay a little longer."»
- «"I'd rather you didn't touch my feet."»
- «"I'm cold."»
- «"I prefer that we don't talk much."»
None of them are annoying, interrupting, or offensive. On the contrary: they're the information that allows the session to truly be yours. And if you prefer not to speak at all, say so at the beginning—it's as valid an option as any other.
3 things you should avoid before your massage
If you have a fever, flu, a bad cold, or any active infection, the best thing to do is reschedule the appointment. Massage stimulates circulation and can worsen symptoms. Also avoid overeating right beforehand, arriving in a rush without time to relax, and using strong creams or perfumes on your skin.
Taking care of yourself shouldn't be a luxury, but a natural way of life. All those little things you do before coming here—eating light, arriving early, taking deep breaths, talking about how you're feeling— These are not minor details. These are signs that you are present and willing to collaborate with your well-being. Live it like a act of connecting with yourself.
If this is your first visit to our center and you have any questions about bookings, opening hours, payment methods, or how a session works, you can find the answers on our website. Frequently asked questions, where we collect the most common questions from those preparing for their first massage.
And if you haven't booked yet, on each service page we'll tell you step by step what the session will be like before you decide: relaxing massage, deep tissue massage either Thai massage. If you're unsure which one to choose, contact us via WhatsApp at +34 621 217 595 and we'll help you.
