Dear Laurel: I recently had a massage that was so painful, I almost couldn’t stand it. I asked the therapist to ease up on the pressure a bit, but by third time I asked, I just felt like a wimp. The next day I was so sore and tired and I just didn’t feel like myself. Is it me or did I just have a bad massage?
Joe ~ Winchester
Dear Joe: Many things can make someone feel as though they had a bad massage; a chatty therapist, an uncomfortable environment, music that is not relaxing, or an inexperienced therapist that just doesn’t seem as though he/she knows what they are doing. All of these things, and more, can make you feel that you just wasted your time and money on a bad massage. A good therapist will discuss the massage with you prior to your appointment and make sure that you are comfortable in the room. He/she should also listen to you and adjust the massage accordingly if you are experience discomfort… a massage shouldn’t be torture! Feeling tired or sick after a massage is not uncommon. In fact, many people feel a little “off” after a massage, because a massage increases circulation and stimulates the muscles, tissues, and organs. It is widely understood that eating a light meal and drinking plenty of water after a massage aids in re-hydrating the body and will help to alleviate this feeling. The key to an enjoyable massage is COMMUNICATION, and you should feel comfortable voicing your concerns and requests to the therapist. A well-trained Massage Therapist is going to be aware of themselves as well as you during your entire session. You should always feel like you’re being catered to and that your needs are being met. If not, then it’s time to find someone that is a better fit for you.
Dear Laurel: Is it a good idea to use the brushes and sponges that come with the makeup I purchase, or is it better to buy separate brushes?
Loretta ~ Lexington
Dear Loretta: While having your own set of brushes and tools is ideal for creating a flawless professional look, the little tools that come with your makeup aren’t completely worthless. Although, these tiny sponges and brushes don’t apply your makeup with the proficiency of the bigger and better tools, they do serve a purpose. I highly recommend that whatever tools you use, you wash and cleanse them regularly to keep harmful bacteria from settling in. For natural hair brushes, you can even use shampoo and a little conditioner to do the job. Smaller tools are compact and will fit in that little pocketbook you picked out to match that perfect outfit. In a pinch, you can even use a q-tip to do the job. So keep your brushes and tools clean and save these smaller sponges and brushes for those special occasions.
Email Laurel your questions at: laurel@indulgencedayspa.com
Follow us on: