A good massage therapist understands the importance of
technical skill and personal skills. Understanding people and being in tune with
their emotional states is just as important as understanding their physical
pain. There are several factors that go into taking care of clients both
emotionally and physically.
Communication
A relationship is established in the early stages of the
consultation and assessment. Not all communication is verbal. I have to
interpret a client’s body language, tones and reactions during the early stages
of our relationship. Understanding and treating someone’s pain is deeply
personal and requires both trust and communication between a massage therapist
and their clients.
Good communication means that I am actively listening to
what my clients are telling me both verbally and physically.
Trust
Trust between a massage therapist and client takes time.
Clients are often vulnerable when they are visiting a massage therapist. It’s
my job to be professional and alleviate their pain. Trust is also accomplished
once the client’s expectations are met.
Setting the Mood
A lot goes into ensuring that a client is relaxed and
comfortable. Setting the right mood in the studio helps establish trust.
Music: Helps both
the clients and the massage therapist. For clients, music is soothing and
relaxing. For the massage therapist, music helps establish a soothing rhythm. I
let my clients choose their own music.
Lighting: Natural
and indirect light allows for a more enhanced relaxation experience.
Temperature: Is
important to the massage experience. If a client is too cold, they are less
likely to relax. Most massage therapy studio’s set their temperature to 75
degrees. That may sound warm but the body’s blood pressure, heart rate, pulse
rate and respiration lowers causing the body to chill as the massage
progresses. That’s why massage therapists use heated tables and blankets even
when the room is 75 degrees.
Colors plays an
important role in our emotions. Did you know that you can feel colors? Primary colors such as red can accelerate our heart
rates. Most studios have theme colors that are neutral. Colors set the mood and
attitude of the massage experience. I chose turquoise for my studio because it
is a favorite color among both men and women that helps open the lines of
communication between the heart and the spoken word. Turquoise also recharges
our spirits during periods of mental stress and fatigue and removes feelings of
loneliness. The colors in turquoise represent:
- Blue: radiates peace, calmness and tranquility
- Green: balance and growth
- Yellow: Provides an uplifting energy
Creating a safe, trusting and relaxing environment is the
responsibility of the massage therapist. When clients trust their massage
therapist and feel comfortable in the studio, then the massage therapist can
begin to do their job and start the healing process.
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