Ayurvedic oil massage got painfully rough mid-session — how do I stop politely without a scene?

Say stop clearly, raise an open hand, and sit up if you need to. Good therapists treat that as normal feedback, not an insult. You can also ask the desk or a receptionist to translate before you go in: softer pressure, or stop if I say stop. Ending early because of pain is not a scene — it is consent. Whether they refund a fraction depends on the place; many still charge the session you booked, some offer credit. I will not invent a fee schedule. If anyone guilt-trips you into enduring pain, leave and review honestly.