STRIPPING TO TIPPING- Acceptable Spa Behavior

Stripping to Tipping

Acceptable Spa Behavior

Not knowing the proper etiquette, or acceptable spa behavior when having a spa day can cause moments of confusion. Do you tip your therapist? How much clothing should you remove? Whether you’re a spa newbie or have a specific question, here are the top questions you may be reluctant to ask.

Do You Tip a Therapist?

Although a tip is never required, if your appointment is at a spa or hotel, a 20 percent tip is standard if you were pleased with the service. (The exception is all-inclusive spas that have a no-tip policy.) If you were given a gift certificate or purchased a deal through a discount site, a tip based on the original price is customary.

In the event a spa or clinic provides envelopes for tipping, place the money in the envelope and write the therapist’s full name on the envelope to avoid confusion. When there are no envelopes provided, you can either give the therapist cash or add the tip when you are paying for the service.

For services in a medical or clinical environment, tips may not be expected or even accepted. If you’re unsure, ask the clinic receptionist or therapist whether tipping is customary.

How Much Clothing Should You Remove for a Massage?

Typically, a therapist will ask you to undress to your level of comfort. Many people prefer to keep their underwear on during a massage, while others prefer to be nude. It’s up to you. Women usually remove their bras to allow a massage therapist to work on the back and shoulder area.  This prevents getting massage oil or lotion on the bra.

If your problem area is your low back, hips, buttocks, or groin, tight-fitting or large underwear can sometimes get in the way of massage work. You can ask your massage therapist before getting changed.

The massage therapist will leave the room so that you can remove your clothing and lie on the massage table (usually face down) under the top sheet.  You shouldn’t worry that the massage therapist will walk in on you; they should knock and ask if you are ready before entering the massage room.

How much clothing you remove also depends on the type of massage you’re getting. If you prefer keeping your clothes on, opt for massage styles like Shiatsu, Chair, Energy or Thai massage, which are usually done fully clothed.

What If You Need to Pass Gas?

From a massage therapist’s perspective, it is far better to pass gas during the massage (often a sign that you’re relaxed) than to clench your gluteal muscles during the massage to hold it in. Passing gas during a massage is normal and nothing to feel embarrassed about. If you’re really uncomfortable doing it, you can always excuse yourself to go to the  bathroom.

 What If You Are Ticklish?

Let your therapist know if you’re ticklish before your session begins. Usually, firm, slow pressure (and avoiding certain spots) can keep you from feeling ticklish during a session.

What If  You Get an Erection During Your Massage?

It’s normal for men to sometimes get an erection during a non-sexual, therapeutic massage. There’s no reason to be embarrassed if it happens to you. Gentle touch anywhere on the body can activate the body’s parasympathetic nervous system, resulting in an erection. A professional massage therapist will understand that and simply ignore it.

What If You Fall Asleep and Snore or Drool?

Falling asleep during a session is very common. Many people go into a session stressed and sleep-deprived and feel so relaxed that they fall asleep on the table. Your therapist won’t judge you if you snore during the session.

When you wake up, you may notice a little drool on your face or on the table. It’s common and has to do with your positioning on the table. You don’t have to do anything about it, but you should feel free to ask for a tissue.

Should You Feel Soreness or Pain During a Massage?

It’s a myth that any form of massage therapy (even deep tissue massage) must be painful to be effective. Pain during a massage isn’t a sure sign that the massage is helping. In fact, pain can cause muscles to seize up, making it harder for the massage therapist to ease tense areas.

Certain techniques, like trigger point therapy, usually cause soreness. Correcting a soft tissue problem (such as adhesion’s, tight attachments, and trigger points) can also cause some discomfort. However, if you don’t have a soft tissue condition, a massage shouldn’t cause soreness or pain.

Open communication with your massage therapist is key to a massage that meets your needs. If you have an injury or chronically tight or painful areas, be sure that your therapist is aware of it before the start of the session. If the pressure is too intense, tell your massage therapist immediately so he or she can ease up.

What If You Feel Self-Conscious About Your Body?

Being self-conscious shouldn’t keep you from seeking health care, whether it’s visiting your doctor or seeing a therapist. A professional therapist will be non-judgmental and focused on your muscles (and other soft tissue) or your skin.

Still, some common concerns clients have are:

• Having back acne (Great reason to get that back facial)
• Believing they are overweight
• Thinking they have ugly feet
• Being self-conscious about scars (Great reason to get microderm)

You can request that the therapist avoid certain areas. Or, if you’re getting a massage you can look for a licensed massage therapist who uses a style of massage that can be done through clothing. No massage oil or lotion is used, so you remain fully clothed during the treatment.

 If you didn’t have time to shave your legs, not to worry, whether or not there is hair on your leg is of no concern to your therapist. (Remember men don’t usually shave)

Should You Make Conversation During the Massage?

Although some people prefer to talk throughout the massage, don’t feel like you have to make conversation with your therapist. After all, you’re having a treatment; you’re not at a cocktail party. Many people close their eyes and try to relax. Your therapist should take the cue from you.

Be sure to speak up during a session if you:

• Feel too hot or cold
• Are in pain
• Have any questions about the session
• Forgot to mention a health issue during your consolation

What If You Have to Go to the Bathroom During Your Massage?

Going to the bathroom before your session begins is ideal, but if you need to urinate during the session, be sure to let the therapist know. Holding it for the duration of the session isn’t comfortable or conducive to relaxing.

If it happens at a spa, there is usually a robe that you can slip on to walk out to the restroom. In a medical setting or clinic, you’ll likely have to put your clothes on to go.

How Do You Determine Whether a Massage Therapist or Clinic Is Legit?

If you’re trying a new clinic or spa, it’s a good idea to call first and ask these questions:

• Do you offer therapeutic massage?
• Is the massage therapist certified or licensed?
• Do you require a health questionnaire for your clients?

A licensed massage therapist will not come into contact with your genitals or nipples during the massage.