What to Expect From A Four-Handed Massage
What makes the difference between a two-handed and four-handed massage? (Photo: Courtesy of CNP Montrose)
Up high on the list of luxurious beauty treatments is a decadent massage—second only to an extravagant facial. But with luxury comes a hefty price tag that often requires some convincing to give into. Let us do the persuading.
If you’re in high school, prom plans may already be driving you up the wall with a laundry list of decisions to make. What color will you wear? Whose limo will you ride in? Where will you head for the after-party? And so on.
And if you’re a college student, not so fast! Sure, prom is so last season for you and we hate to burst your Spring Break bubble, but before you know it, finals week is going to encroach upon you sending your stress level through the roof.
At every age, there are daily stressors that can take a toll on your mind and body and quite frankly, we all deserve a little T.L.C. as often as possible. So stop into that spa you’ve been eyeling lately, and splurge on an indulgent massage that will get any kinks out of your pressure points.
This year, it’s all about the four-handed massage! “Think of it as a normal full-body massage times two,” says Jill Haidler, director of The Waldorf Astoria Spa New Orleans. What’s that even mean, you ask? The four-handed massages features a synchronized massage by way of two trained therapists. Yes, it’s as relaxing as it sounds. See below for everything you can expect from your first four-handed massage, then get to booking!
You will be more relaxed than any other massage service.
If the goal of a massage is to calm your body and clear your mind, you should not be wondering when the therapist is going to make their way to the other half of your body. With the four-handed massage you won’t. “With the four-handed massage, everything is being stimulated at once,” says Annie Cantrell, lead massage therapist at The Waldorf Astoria Spa New Orleans. “It’s kind of amazing how your brain is capturing that.”
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You’re more than likely to fall asleep.
The point of any massage is to draw you into your most relaxed state, so falling asleep is totally acceptable and even encouraged! “I personally always fall asleep during the four-handed massage and when I wake up, I feel amazing!” says Haidler.
You should not be in pain.
“It’s important to be completely honest with your therapists because they’re not mind-readers,” says Cantrell. “It’s your hour, your experience, so communicate every feeling you’re having, whether you’re cold, in pain, or even ticklish. Whatever you’re feeling, speak up!” Deep tissue massages can tend to be painful, but Cantrell and Haidler agree that anyone under 25 should generally stay away from such structural integration massages.
You must drink water after the massage.
Water is a must after any massage. “Because you’re moving blood and toxins that are stored in your body around during the service, it’s important to flush your system as soon as your session wraps,” says Cantrell.
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You may feel light-headed afterwards.
Don’t panic if you find yourself getting dizzy after your massage. “It’s a very common response,” says Haidler. “At the end of the massage, there are pressure points at the bottom of the feet that your therapists will probably target to center you before you stand up,” Cantrell chimes in. “If you’re still feeling a little off balance, that cup of water post-massage should help.”
You should book another in a month.
That’s right, if you can, enjoy a four-handed massage on a monthly basis to keep things on an even keel. And if you’re an athlete, double-up! “If you’re involved in something very active or repetitive like sports, frequent massages really do help the muscles, so consider upping it to twice a month.”
By Lyndsay Green
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