Because massage is not as common a part of contemporary culture as it needs to be, many people do not get the most out of a massage through lack of knowing a few simple do's and don't's:

The recipient's only job is to relax as completely as possible.  For those that find this hard to do, here are a few hints: breathe deeply and regularly, emphasizing the exhalation.  Allow the body and its parts to become very heavy and sink into the table.  As the therapist's hands locate areas of tension, consciously try to let go and relax these areas.

Talk, for the most part, is distracting and unnecessary.  Good massage requires concentration on the part of the therapist.  Great massage is a result of meditation between therapist and recipient.  So don't feel obligated to "make conversation" to be polite.

However, feel free to give your therapist feedback.  Ask questions when you have them.  Please speak up if you feel too cold or too hot, experience discomfort, or desire more or less pressure.  While your therapist is watching your body for clues, the surest and easiest way to get what you need is to ask.  Try to let go of your desire to control movement and allow the therapist to move your limbs into whatever position is required.  Be a rag doll.  Don't try to be helpful. Simply receive.  The therapist is a trained professional who knows what he/she is doing and will not hurt you.  Follow his/her suggestions with confidence.

Close your eyes.  See with your sense of touch.  Feel your body both inside and out.  Closing one's eyes during the massage experience tends to bring one's center of energy out of the head and into the body.

Enjoy... massage is productive downtime.  Let your mind move into a state of deep relaxation, leaving your whole system revitalized without having to do anything.