Not knowing the proper etiquette when having a massage can cause moments of confusion. Do you tip a massage therapist? How much clothing should you remove? Whether you’re a massage newbie or have a specific question, here are the top questions you may be reluctant to ask.
Do You Tip a Massage Therapist?
Although a tip is never required, if your massage is at a spa or hotel in North America, a 20 percent tip is standard if you were pleased with the service. (The exception is all-inclusive spas that have a no-tip policy.) If you were given a gift certificate or purchased a deal through a discount site, a tip based on the original price is customary.
In the event a spa or clinic provides envelopes for tipping, place the money in the envelope and write the therapist’s full name on the envelope to avoid confusion. When there are no envelopes provided, you can either give the therapist cash or add the tip when you are paying for the service.
For massages at medical or clinical environment, tips may not be expected or even accepted. If you’re unsure, ask the clinic receptionist or massage therapist whether tipping is customary. If you don’t want to ask in person, call ahead to ask.
How Much Clothing Should You Remove for a Massage?
Typically, a massage therapist will ask you to undress to your level of comfort. Many people prefer to keep their underwear on during a massage, while others prefer to be nude. It’s up to you. Women usually remove their bras to allow the massage therapist to work on the back and shoulder area without getting massage oil or lotion on the bra.
If your problem area is your low back, hips, buttocks, or groin, tight-fitting or large underwear can sometimes get in the way of massage work. You can ask your massage therapist before getting changed.
The massage therapist will leave the room so that you can remove your clothing and lie on the massage table (usually face down) under the top sheet. In North America, you shouldn’t worry that the massage therapist will walk in on you; they should knock and ask if you are ready before entering the massage room.
How much clothing you remove also depends on the type of massage you’re getting. If you prefer keeping your clothes on, opt for massage styles like Shiatsu or Thai massage, which are usually done fully clothed.
What If You Need to Pass Gas?
From a massage therapist’s perspective, it is far better to pass gas during the massage (often a sign that you’re relaxed) than to clench your gluteal muscles during the massage to hold it in. Passing gas during a massage is normal and nothing to feel embarrassed about. If you’re really uncomfortable doing it, you can always excuse yourself to go to the bathroom.
What If You Are Ticklish?
Let your massage therapist know if you’re ticklish before your massage begins. Usually, firm, slow pressure (and avoiding certain spots) can keep you from feeling ticklish during a massage.
What If You Get an Erection During Your Massage?
It’s normal for men to sometimes get an erection during a non-sexual, therapeutic massage. There’s no reason to be embarrassed if it happens to you. Gentle touch anywhere on the body can activate the body’s parasympathetic nervous system, resulting in an erection. A professional massage therapist will understand that and simply ignore it.
What If You Fall Asleep and Snore or Drool?
Falling asleep during a massage is very common. Many people go into a massage stressed and sleep-deprived and feel so relaxed that they fall asleep on the massage table. Your therapist won’t judge you if you snore during the massage.
When you wake up, you may notice a little drool on your face or on the massage table. It’s common and has to do with your positioning on the massage table. You don’t have to do anything about it, but you should feel free to ask for a tissue.
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