How to prepare for a home massage
Updated October 10, 2026 · 3 min read
A short checklist so your massage at home starts on time and feels comfortable, from setting up the space to what to wear.
Set up a little space
You don't need a lot of room. A bed works well for oil, hot stone and herbal compress massages. For Thai massage, a firm surface is better, so a mat or a thick blanket on the floor with enough space around it for stretches is ideal.
Keep the room comfortably warm, dim the lights a little and put your phone on silent. If you're sharing the space, let others know the session is starting.
Towels, sheets and what the therapist brings
Therapists bring what their treatment requires, for example massage oil, hot stones, herbal compresses, a foldable wash basin for the head spa, or a nail lamp and sterilised tools for nail care. It still helps to have a couple of large towels ready to protect the bed or sofa, especially for oil treatments.
If you're unsure what's needed for a particular treatment, ask in the in-app chat after the therapist accepts. For a couples booking, where two therapists work at the same time, make sure there is room for two people to lie down side by side, or use two rooms.
Shower and clothing
A quick shower before the session feels better for you and the therapist, particularly after a hot day out. For oil-based treatments you'll be under a towel and only the area being worked on is uncovered; keep your underwear on.
For Thai massage you stay fully dressed, so wear something loose and comfortable such as a T-shirt with shorts or soft trousers. For a foot treatment, trousers that roll up to the knee are enough.
- Thai massage: loose, comfortable clothes.
- Oil, hot stone, herbal compress: under a towel, underwear on.
- Foot treatment and head spa: stay dressed.
Food, drink and alcohol
Try not to eat a big meal in the hour before your session; lying on your stomach on a full stomach isn't comfortable. A light snack is fine.
Avoid alcohol before a massage. It's easier to relax properly with a clear head. Have water nearby for afterwards.
Tell the therapist about your health
Write anything important in the booking note, or tell the therapist at the start. This helps them adjust pressure and avoid areas that shouldn't be worked on.
- Recent injuries, surgery, or back and joint problems.
- Allergies, for example to certain oils, nuts or herbs.
- Pregnancy (choose prenatal massage, and consult your doctor first).
- Skin conditions, sunburn, or a sensitive scalp.
- Areas you'd like extra focus on, or would rather skip.
Pets, building access and arrival
If you have pets, keep them in another room during the session. If your building registers visitors, tell reception or security that a therapist is coming and put the building name, tower and room number in the address note. A photo of the entrance in the chat helps a lot in Hanoi's lanes.
When the therapist arrives, give them your 4-digit check-in code from the app. The session starts only once that code has been entered. At the end, pay the exact amount shown in the app, in cash or by VietQR transfer to the therapist. MiMi is No Tip, so there is nothing else to prepare.