“On occasion, I fall asleep during my massage. Is this OK?”
Absolutely! Bodywork sessions are intended to give you what you need to restore your body and mind, and that often includes getting a little extra shut-eye. And let’s face it, most massage environments are designed to be incredibly relaxing and sleep-inducing. Many therapists actually consider it a compliment when a client falls asleep because it means you trust them enough to completely let down your guard while they work. They may need you to stay awake, though, if they’re giving a more focused treatment session and using techniques that require you to participate by moving a body part to facilitate the work. The downside of falling asleep? Some clients do express regret at not being awake to experience how wonderful it feels to receive the work.

Kristin Coverly, LMT, is a massage therapist and educator for Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals.

“The winter months are here. What can I do to protect myself from dry skin?”
Dry skin can result in flaky, rough surface texture and a feeling of tightness and even itchiness. If left untreated, dry skin can become inflamed and lead to redness and discomfort. Dry skin does not directly cause wrinkling, but it can definitely make these aging symptoms look worse.
To protect yourself:
• Use gentle exfoliants to remove dead, dry surface cells.
• Choose products appropriate for the individual skin type.
• Try a hydrating facial treatment, which can boost moisture and speed recovery.
• Drink your water.

Skin Care Educator/Product Developer/Therapist/Author, Mark Lees, PhD, MS, CIDESCO