Do you ever get angry because the room is too loud? Have you ever been distracted by the feeling of the tag of your shirt on your neck? Can bright lights make it hard to concentrate? These are just a few examples of what people who have Sensory Processing Sensitivity can go through. I’m a member of this crowd; I haven’t been officially diagnosed, but I’ve been known to wear ear plugs so the sound of the television doesn’t send me into a rage, so I think I qualify. Those in the Highly Sensitive People community have the ability to take in an incredible amount of sensory input. They can’t always process it, however, and that’s when emotions can get a little spicy.
There are many aspects to a massage that engage the senses. Touch is an obvious sensory aspect, but massage affects more than just the soft tissues. Some sensations can be distracting and take away from the enjoyment of the massage:
- Lights – Lighting that is too bright can be irritating and lighting that’s too low can be frustrating.
- Scents – Essential oils, laundry detergent and room deodorizers can cause headaches, skin irritation or allergic reactions.
- Sounds – Music that is too loud or isn’t your particular cup of tea can be annoying and make it difficult to relax.
- Temperature – Being too cold or too warm is uncomfortable in any situation, but that’s especially true when you’re trying to get into a zen state.
The good news is these are all things your therapist can easily adjust. You’d be surprised how one little tweak to the cushion under your knee or a change to the playlist can have a big impact on the experience. Don’t be afraid to ask your therapist to make adjustments. Our goal is for you to enjoy your session and we’re more than happy to customize the room to your preferences. We consider it a privilege to be able to care for you, so making a tweak in order to make your day is our pleasure. Unless you ask us to change to giving milk chocolate during the check out process.