Massage at home?

There are reasons to choose to have a massage in your own home, and there are reasons not to. When it comes to it, it all comes down to your temperament and what you value important in regards to relaxation.

If you’re in doubt if having a massage at home is for you, look at the list below and see what weighs the most in your mind.

Here are some benefits to having a massage in your own home:

• Easy access – No chance of getting lost and in most cases, no struggle on either public transport or finding parking.
• Time-efficient – You avoid spending your precious time on transport to and back from the clinic or spa, making it less intrusive to your busy schedule.
• Bathing facilities – while most spas and clinics have bathing facilities, at home you have your own products and can spend a long time taking care of yourself afterwards.
• Low stress – already being at home, you don’t need to go out into traffic and busy streets right after the massage, but can take the time to just relax and enjoy the afterglow.
• Privacy – in your own home you control who will be there and see you fully.
• Exclusivity – the therapist is there only for you and your needs and won’t be disturbed by other clients or colleagues wanting her time and attention.
• Childcare – for parents you can avoid the need for a babysitter, or in case of breast-feeding mothers, avoid the need to pump. Larger children play on their own while the massage lasts. A baby can be fed and changed and put to nap just before the massage, giving the mother a much needed break. As you don’t need to spend time travelling forth and back, it is much easier to have a spouse look after the children for an hour, than half an afternoon.
• Flexibility – often a massage in your home can be outside of normal opening hours for a spa or clinic. The therapist can come to you during the morning, evening or week-ends if that suits your schedule best.
• Environment – at home you can prepare the massage room to suit your wishes and wants. Do you want special candles or scents? Decorative items or music? You’re in full control of your massage environment.

There are also disadvantages, which can include:

• Space – do you have the space to set up a massage table and do you need to tidy your home before the therapist visits?
• Peace and quiet – are you home alone or is there a spouse or children who create noise and disturbances?
• Temperature – can you heat the room so it’s warm enough for the massage and your comfort?
• Telephone – can you turn of the telephones so they won’t disturb you during the massage?
• Sheets and towels – do you have to provide these, and thereby do laundry or does the therapist bring them?
• Sauna/Hamam – many spas have special facilities that you can use after the massage, making it a larger experience, do you want these?
• Letting go – can you let go of worries, duties and stress as easily in your own home as if you visit a spa or clinic?
• Mood – can you create a relaxing mood in your own home, considering clutter, decoration and so on? Spas and clinics often have spent lots of time ensuring that the décor encourages relaxation and wellness.
• Special treatments – some massages and treatments require special equipment, such as Geothermal Therapy, that the therapist can’t easily transport to your home. 

There are more advantages and disadvantages, depending on your priorities and situation. Only you can tell if a home visit or going to a spa is what will give you most wellness and the best relaxation.

What things are important for you when you receive a massage? Please share your thoughts and comments below.