Distinctly Montana Magazine

W W W. D I S T I N C T LY M O N TA N A . C O M 57 PICK YOUR STYLE; PICK YOUR SETTING Bucking all tradition for a massage, Dave Krischel, a 55-year-old roofer from Great Falls, says he tells his massage therapists, "I'll do the singin' if you bring the lyrics." While it is not unusual for folks to bring their own music to a massage session, Dave's offer to sing selections from Merle Hag- gard, Charlie Pride, and Hank Williams, Jr., illustrates the wide array of possibilities that have come to be associated with massage therapy. OTHER VARIATIONS INCLUDE: SETTINGS Rodeos, sporting events, airports, camps, fairs, offices, schools, spas, fitness centers, hospitals, pain centers, rehabilitation clinics, private homes TECHNIQUES Swedish, deep tissue, cranial-sacral, reiki, pressure point, neuromuscular, lomi-lomi, ashiatsu, Thai SPECIALTIES Sports, pregnancy, pediatric, cancer-care, lymphatic, aroma therapy, reflexology "ADD-ONS" Salt rubs, sugar rubs, hot packs, cold packs, rice bags, bamboo sticks, warm stones, cold stones Regardless of style or setting, an hour-long massage in the clini- cal room of a trained therapist can rivet your attention, change your breathing, and calm your central nervous system. IT'S YOUR COMFORT THAT'S IMPORTANT When addressing individual needs, from relaxation through pain relief, massage therapists give reassurance that bodily concerns are normal. ese include privacy needs, hairi- ness, smelly-ness, thin-ness, fattiness, or any of the other many, varied and unusual, "nesses" that cause us humans worry. Take "nakedness," for example. Where the issue of "clothing on" is not in question in the public sector of an airport, mall or office, but it can be during private sessions in homes or massage settings. Comfort and practicality are important considerations whether clothing is worn for personal or skin sensitivity reasons, or removed for tech- niques using creams, lotions, oils, warm stones or salt and sugar rubs. COMMUNICATE YOUR WANTS AND NEEDS To customize each massage, therapists make ac- commodations for medical considerations, focus areas, pressure differences, music or silence, warmth or cool- ness, pillows and bolsters, scents or fragrance-free, warm stones or any other amenities intended for relaxation and pain relief. While the explanations are the therapist's responsibility, never hesitate to share thoughts or ask questions. It may take a few ses- sions to know likes and dislikes, for instance, how much or how little pressure to apply, which may well vary from session to session. 1 2 3 F I V E T I P S F O R A Memorable Massage by MARY ELLEN HENDRICKSON photos courtesy of HEALTH WORKS INSTITUTE

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