Therapeutic Massage

Therapeutic Massage – Presence - mindfulness
What happens when a person ‘connects’ with their client – ‘is present’ all of the time during a treatment?
One experiences connectedness and is very aware of self; aware of what one is doing all of the time and the response one is getting from the other person. One’s full focus is on the process of the treatment and one’s mind does not stray away from the massage. One is very conscious of biological functioning – the feel of the blood coursing through the veins as one performs strokes – tuning into the reduction in breathing rate, the calming of the body, the letting go of tensions. One is a facilitator by being centered and staying calm and being open to receiving the messages from the client (non-verbally) and reading these subtle messages.
Keep the shield down (until there is a threat) to bring out softness, vulnerability/sensitivity... openness. This helps one relate to client, interpret what one is receiving from client that will direct tactile to specific places. However, work your boundaries if too much is being received with emotional results or discomfort in the process.... By becoming receptive one learns when to duck!
Successful treatment comes about when you relate to your body – centre, ground and begin practical work (what you know). Knowledge replaces fear. Help the client develop a relationship with their symptoms and relate symptoms with their whole life through your work.
LET UP - ALLOW
CLIENT
SYMPTOM
LIFE
Crude vibrations can help client to relate to ‘what is’ by educating them in how to allow the practitioner to work with them/ work their symptoms – help them to receive massage.
Constant focus:
One holds the thought that one has the ability to help the client make a change/ to heal/ to feel cared for/ supported. At all times one’s focus is either on
(a) mechanical engineering – performing strokes for a specific result like less tense muscle, breaking down adhesions, loosening a joint
(b) nurture and support – performing strokes in order that the client feels supported and cared for
(c) education – performing strokes so as to educate the client on the state of their body, to make them aware of ‘what is’ so that they can make the change
The mind/spirit/attitude of the practitioner is HOLISTIC. The work is personal – from the heart. The relationship is what counts
Talking the contract/ addressing expectations:
The language one uses with a client who asks ‘What can you do for me?’ is to state what others have found... For example... ‘Others with similar history have found that massage will help by.... supporting/softening/easing tensions/ milking away the muscle tension etc... The language never indicates that you do these things – it is the client who through self management and work/focus during massage brings about the results.
Trust yourself. Stand up, show up and do it. Value yourself. There is no integration without mistakes – work what you know and what you don’t know... form and intuitive improvising
Sometimes need to educate client by saying ‘do you feel this’, you are holding these muscles but you don’t know where the switch is’, stay focused on the holding pattern and work out what you need to let go of’, when you meet a sore point/ tension don’t fight it – allow it, don’t cut off and run (thinking about other things/ fall asleep), don’t create a barrier to fight against the tension... I can help you to relate to it so that you can reduce the symptoms....
HOWEVER, IT IS OK IF THE CLIENT DOES NOT WANT TO WORK IT. The time may not be right. Sometimes we need our symptoms! Who else? What else? What is the client willing to do? Enlarge perception to bigger picture of client life (HOLISTIC approach)
What are the obstacles to being present and tuning into client?
(a) Be good/ do it right – is there a right and wrong way?
(b) Attempting to please the client’s expectations rather than working what you, the professional, find. Maybe there is room for both in the treatment....
(c) You are preoccupied about personal issues, likes/dislikes
(d) You are afraid of being inadequate to do the job
(e) Spacing out – difficulty with holding focus
(f) Past patterns
(g) Trying to be present