The last year has been incredibly stressful on our bodies, minds and souls. Whether you are a massage devotee or a newbie, though, fears about Covid may have been keeping you from booking a deep tissue or Swedish session to work out those knots. But in the same way that restaurants, bars and shops have retooled to keep guests and staff safe, so have massage studios, and now more than ever it’s smart to make massage part of your monthly self-care ritual, says Gara Post, co-founder and chief creative officer of The NOW. “The benefits of regular massage include less stress, increased energy, muscle and tension release.”
The NOW, recently opened a franchise location in Ashburn, allowing DMV residents to experience their treatments including the Swedish-inspired The NOW, The Healer, an energizing and balancing massage or The Stretch, which is designed with the athlete in mind. Optional enhancements include Deep Tissue, Calm Balm (a cooling peppermint salve with healing ashwagandha to target sore muscles) and Gua Sha, a traditional Chinese medicine technique using smooth rose quartz tools. Guests can also opt for a Ritual Membership, a monthly- or bi-monthly membership with VIP benefits, exclusive perks and gits.
Getting used to relaxing while breathing through a mask can take some getting used to, and you might feel extra sore in the day or two that follows due to toxins that have been building up in your body. If you are considering getting back on the table, here is some additional intel from Post on what you might expect.
How should someone prepare for their massage appt since the pandemic began?
“Guests should be aware of any county or local protocols and check with their studio for updated booking and safety measures in order to come prepared and get the most out of their massage experience. We always suggest arriving at the boutique early to allow extra time for parking, check-in and more.”
What can you expect during a visit now?
“The NOW Ashburn team works to ensure that the boutique’s Covid protocols are consistently in line with current state and local government health mandates. A sample of updated Covid safety measures includes self check-in and check-out via our app, masks required for all guests and employees, temperature checks upon arrival for guests and employees, UV-C light and Hepa air purification systems throughout the boutique, strict sterilization protocols pre- and post-massage, and social distancing.”
What tips do you have for enjoying a massage while wearing a mask?
“Choosing which kind of mask to wear is a personal preference as there is no “one size fits all” solution. The NOW Ashburn offers three-ply medical grade disposable masks to guests on every visit and also sells custom-designed three-ply reusable face masks. The mask’s contoured design and adjustable slider offer the perfect size while maintaining a comfortable, snug fit. Made with 100% performance polyester outer shell and 100% cotton middle + inner layer that is machine-wash friendly.”
For someone who has not had a massage in months, what are the physiological effects on the body?
“Some of the effects of foregoing massage for an extended period of time include increased neck, back and shoulder pain; sleep issues, stiffness (loss of full range mobility) and a build up of toxins held in the muscles. The benefits of massage work best when you commit to a series of regular appointments that can help relieve the above issues.”
What suggestions do you have for self-care after your massage?
“Drink plenty of water to detox and rehydrate your body. Keep your food and beverage intake light: eat a clean, healthy snack with nutrient-rich foods to refuel and avoid caffeine. Finally, be kind to yourself. Listen to what your body needs. Give yourself a break from the hustle of daily life.”
Want more massage options? Check out Northern Virginia Magazine’s Best Spas 2020 here.
For more stories like this, subscribe to our Health newsletter.