[landonsles]

I have had several massages, and I can't remember my first one. But these have stuck out in my mind:
My first and only prenatal massage was WONDERFUL!!! I worked at a dental office at the time as assistant/office mgr so I had horrible neck/back pain from the positions I sat while assisting, not too mention from the pregnancy. The massage helped my pain. The therapist recommended taking a warm bath with 2lbs epsom salt and 2 small boxes of baking soda. (The water can be hot if not pregnant) Let me tell you--I was only sore in the area that I didn't soak--my neck. Worked wonders!!
I had a massage one time with a male therapist. Wouldn't have been so bad except we realized at the same time that we had gone to H.S. together--talk about un-comfortable!!
I love massages--I only wish I had a therapist who was all mine and could be at my every beck and call!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
BTW--I am a very modest person, but massages do not bother me. Go figure.

[weetziebat]

I had my first massage in 1996, when I was living overseas. Was at some kind of health related get together and an Indian gentleman introduced himself to a friend and I. Said he was a massage therapist and would we like a massage. I was really anxious to try it and my friend wanted to come along as "chaperone" cause she thought he might be a weirdo

Went into his office and laid on the table. Said I could take off or leave on as much clothing as I felt comfortable with. I stripped cause it seemed the most sensible thing to do. He spent about an hour giving me a massage. I didn't know what to expect but had a lot of tension in my neck and shoulders that I just couldn't get rid of.

He had been trained in India and, although I've had numerous massages since, the first massage was unbelievable. He was actually standing on my back as well as almost pummelling it. But it felt so great, so relaxing. I could just feel all the tension melting out of my muscles. When he was finally finished I couldn't believe the difference. All tension gone and felt like a very relaxed, wet noodle. I can sincerely say that I felt better for about a year after that!

As I mentioned, I've had numerous massages since - by everyone from a Chinese acupuncturist to a chiropractor to massage therapists - but have never had any that could even come close to that first massage. The others were pleasant and relaxing, but no long term effects that I could feel.

Oh, and did I mention that the Indian man refused payment? Said he was just doing it to drum up business and that was a complimentary massage. I definately would have gone back weekly but was leaving the country, so never got to see him again. Very glad to have had that experience but kind of disappointed to not be able to find someone who could duplicate it.

[Blackcat99]

My first massage was wonderful! I paid $20 for my 1st one hour massage in Wyoming! After experiencing my first massage I became addicted to massages! They are the most effective treatments for stress that I have ever known! I only have females do my massages. I had a man do it once and I just felt uncomfortable. I had a massage today for one hour and it cost $60. It was absolutely wonderful! :hatparty:

[NHLPN]

I can't imagine life without massages! I love to go. I find myself almost falling asleep on the table, especially after a long day of work. I pay $55/hr - which to me is very reasonable for relaxation!

I love to just close my eyes. Listen to the small water fountain in the corner. Feel the warmth and relaxation from his hands. An hour almost doesn't seem long enough.

I was going every 3 weeks for a while, then had other financial obligations.

No preference as to a male or female. I have had both. The one I currenlty go to (male) is by far the best. Sometimes you have to shop around to find someone you can "click" with.

[Nemhain]

Originally Posted by NHLPN

...Sometimes you have to shop around to find someone you can "click" with.

I agree completely. It may take a few tries, but finding one that you really like is worth it. I'm currently searching (again) after my massage therapist moved away. I know it won't take too long!

[donmomofnine]

My first massage left me feeling "beat up"! Gave up on massage till someone referred me to another therapist. I have been seeing her every week for the last year and it is wonderful! I have not been sick in all that time and my fibromyalgia is controlled!

[nadjjaa]

My best friend is a massage therapist. At first it was kind of weird, having my best friend rub my butt (LOL) and stuff, but she's a professional and after a few minutes I didn't give a damn what she saw. She was also able to "use" me when she was a student, asking me question she couldn't normally ask clients about her technique, and I was brutally honest with her and now I think she's great at what she does. Massages are the bomb and I highly recommend them to nursing students or anyone with a high-stress lifestyle.

PS...don't skip the butt massage......it's worth the embarassment!!!

[nadjjaa]

PS....my best friend is $35/hour....swedish massage and stone therapy massage. If anyone is in the Lawrence, KS area.

[pmchap]

Imagine a group of your classmates taking turns on each other - welcome to my first massage experience. Part of my nursing course included holistic therapies. Salt Scrubs, aromatherapy and massage and accupressure. The massage was an interesting experience - some people are born to give a massage - while others well lets just say if I wanted scratches & broken bones I know where to go. Overall it was a great experience because it was a wonderful stress relief and at the same time I learnt something about the healing abilities that you have in your own hands.
Cheers
Peter