How to get the most from your massage

A good massage is not something that happens to you. It works better when you take part, and most of the taking part happens before you lie down. These are the things our therapists at The Court Spa wish every guest knew.

Choose the right treatment

Ask yourself one question first: what do I want to feel afterwards? Relaxed points to aromatherapy or hot stones. Loosened, after sport or a long flight, points to deep tissue. Balanced, with no particular complaint, points to Balinese or Ayurvedic. Balinese or Ayurvedic explains the difference. If something specifically hurts, say so when you book, so the therapist can plan around it.

Warm up first

Ten minutes in the jacuzzi or the plunge pool before your appointment makes a real difference. Warm muscles let go faster, which means more of the hour is spent on the work and less on getting there. Arrive fifteen minutes early to do this without rushing.

Say what you want

The pressure is for you, not the therapist. If it hurts, say so; if it is too light, say that. If you are tired, or unwell, or simply sensitive that day, ask for a gentler hand. Say if the room is too warm or too cold. None of this is rude. A therapist would far rather adjust than find out at the end that you spent an hour being polite.

Stay present, if you can

Falling asleep is fine, and many people do. But if you can stay awake and pay attention to your breathing, you will get more from it, and you will remember it. Save the sleep for afterwards.

Afterwards

Leave the oils on for as long as you can; ideally your evening is empty. Drink water, more than you think you need. Sit in the garden for a while before you do anything else. And if you are heading out into Colombo traffic, give yourself half an hour first, because a good massage leaves you pleasantly slow, and the city is not.