Introverts and Massage

Hey there beautiful people! Today I want to discuss a unique population that are some of the most eager and grateful recipients of massage…introverts. There are two types of introverts, the high-energy and the chilled out types.

Super Shy

There’s a stereotype that most introverts are shy people. When truly they just need some time to themselves to regenerate their energy. Introverts can be extremists, one hour feel as though they want to be where the party is at and the next staying at home without a soul around. They appreciate and need their alone time because more often than not they feel drained by too much interaction with people. If they are low energy introverts some might be tempted to take a nap. Although shy, the chilled-out introvert has the potential to be extremely loyal if they feel truly cared for. Adding small details they delight in such as a favorite essential oil that is earthy yet floral during a massage makes them happy.

Battling Guilt

When it comes to spending money, introverts suffer the most when it comes to justifying self care. Unless they have decided to prioritize their health, they may find that carrying a torch of self sacrifice will somehow avoid being judged by others as selfish. They can hold on to false beliefs that receiving a massage is too luxurious for them and the wrong way to spend their time and money. For more than anyone, introverts struggle with guilt but the good news is that they are amazing learners! If you’re an introvert you can break the mental blockages that hold you down from leading a healthier lifestyle and thus a high quality of life. You can beat the guilt, not being controlled by manipulating emotions that prevent you from caring for yourself before you have a nervous breakdown or wake up with intense muscle pain.

Your Kind of Massage

Some assume that introverts are weak because they’re sensitive. However it’s this precise trait to heightened senses that make introverts the luckiest of all massage recipients. The sense of touch is appreciated, as introverts feel all the benefits of a massage as it is happening. When they trust their massage therapist and are coached into a state of mental relaxation, they are capable of living in the moment and enjoying the benefits of massage. Most introverts love versatility in their massage, so a therapist can feel free to be creative with techniques and surprising their clients with unique moves. Introverts enjoy the flow of a massage because they equate it with a dance. Checking in and asking about pressure during the massage is essential because introverts appreciate feeling safe with their practitioner. Most of the time they feel shy about speaking up if something hurts or if pressure is too light for fear of offending the therapist or hurting their feelings. A confident therapist will never get upset, if so, this is a red flag. The ease and comfort of a client on a table is of the utmost importance and introverts are intuitive enough to tense up if they feel uneasy.

Turn it Up

Introverts are artistic souls and adore music. if there is something “off” about the soundtrack being played during a massage, it could ruin the experience. These types of massage clients are all about the details and music is a big part of that. As an introvert, work with a therapist that is OK changing the music as you like. As a massage therapist, offering a specific play list before the session is a great idea or simply giving introverts the power to speak up when they don’t like a song is a great way to put them at ease.

Deep Pressure

Most people mistake introverts for recreational spa massage types that only prefer a feather touch. This is true for some parts of the body but not all. Being masters at worry about most things, most introverts hold their muscle tension between their should blades (rhomboid muscles) neck and arms. They normally have stiffness in their hands and feet with occasional swelling so they appreciate some attention there. The deepest pressure can be added on the shoulders (upper trapezius), mid back (rhomboids) and along the muscles of the spine (paraspinalis, longissimus etc.) I never recommend deep pressure on the neck however extra time will soften up tense muscles there. Most introverts have delicate equilibrium systems near their ear canal and are susceptible to dizziness so deep pressure in the neck is to be avoided.

Sheer Bliss Experience

Introverts have sensitive nervous systems which can be to their advantage during a good massage. Giving time the extremities (legs and arms) in long fluid strokes will affect the peripheral nerves which in turn will reach the central nervous system along the spine. Because introverts feel everything so keenly, if the massage is performed well, introverts are the first to experience the euphoric state when ” feel good” chemicals such as dopamine is released. Lucky them!

Post Massage

I always recommend a nap to all my introvert clients if at all possible. If they do return to work, a small boost of caffeine might help if the client needs it. All in all introverts leave a massage feeling as though they are walking on clouds and very happy.

Extra Fave Areas

Over the course of time the following are some of the best areas to work on introverts if time allows during a massage and they are open to it. These areas aren’t always necessarily in pain and although everyone usually loves it, it will be the introvert that will truly find bliss in it.

• Face
• Scalp
• Lower legs
• Forearms/hands
• Tummy

If you’re an introvert you have the best of the massage experience with a highly sensitive nervous system that mostly loves deep and slow bodywork. We appreciate you!