Ok, so I appreciate this isn’t something that gets discussed very often, but I’m aware if you’ve never had a massage before it may be something you’re a little concerned about and it may even put you off booking an appointment.
We all have bodily functions, some a little bit more embarrassing than others. Sometimes, someones’ stomach will gurgle and they’re so switched off they don’t mind, while for others it’s a little embarrassing and they’ll apologise or recognise there’s a bit of grumbling. It’s fine, you can’t help a stomach grumbling and it shows you haven’t eaten, you’re digesting food or we’ve got some energy flowing. So, what if it all goes a bit further than that?
What if you relax so much you release muscles and things escape while you’re relaxing??
I’ll be honest, you won’t be the first and you won’t be the last. I’ve had clients who have climbed on the couch and apologised in advance for any snoring, farting, or dribbling they may do over the next hour. My response? I have a laugh and tell them that as long as I don’t pass out on the floor we’ll be ok.
If you have a bad stomach and I’m giving you a stomach massage, then chances are I may move things. I will be honest, this is when your bowel release may be more noticeable, but as a therapist this is a good thing because it actually shows that we’re getting things moving and releasing things.
Sometimes, I may be working your glutes through a towel. Now, if you clench I’m going to know and I may ask you to relax, because trying to release a muscle you’re clenching is a bit counter-productive. If you’re holding something in, you’re going to have to tell me or hope and pray it’s not going to slip out. And sometimes, it just happens. There may be a little waft or a full blown stink, but in all my years, I’m yet to run from a room gasping and coughing.
So what will you do you do if this happens?
Nothing. I carry on with your therapy and you get to carry on relaxing. You may spend the rest of the session worrying, or you may be able to finally relax now not having to worry about gas slipping out. Either way, it’s your session. If you mention what has happened we will probably have a joke about it, and 
again, the matter will get left. Because it happens; and at the end of the session we will talk as normal and we will end your session as usual. What will I think? Again, nothing, it’s a body function which is absolutely natural and occurs from time to time.
So, there you go. One of those embarrassing questions that may be putting you off booking a massage, answered. If you’ve got any other concerns, speak to your therapist before booking, as they’ve probably heard it all before and can put your mind at ease!
Louise is an holistic therapist who owns the Therapy Centre, BS14 9HB, a clinic offering a range of holistic and beauty therapies. Louise offers reflexology, aromatherapy, aromatology, holistic massage, Indian head massage, reiki, baby massage and story massage. She is a mum of two boys and when she is not working she enjoys getting outdoors with her family. For further information visit louise-morgan.co.uk or contact her clinic on 01275 217160