Giving a Massage

Massage is more than just physical touch. It affects all levels of being… physical, emotional, mental and psychic of both the receiver and the giver. I offer these words to keep all parties safe and to enhance both participants’ experiences.

Recognize that as the giver, you are in a position of control and that you are in charge of the “vibe” of the experience and guiding the massage experience.

• Body Mechanics

  In the massage field, this term is used to refer to the way the giver is moving their body. It relates to both safety and technique. With proper body mechanics, a person can massage for hours without feeling any fatigue or pain in the body. Body mechanics protects the giver’s body. In fact, I actually feel energized after hours of massage when I use proper body mechanics because I am generating qi (pronounced “chi”) or lifeforce as I move and using that energy in the massage instead of my own lifeforce.I know… it sounds very Jedi, doesn’t it? It is. Please click here to read the specifics on body mechanics.

• Always listen to the receiver’s instructions and requests

  This one is pretty obvious, but it’s good to have a reminder once in a while. The exception, of course, is if the receiver requests something that is outside the giver’s personal boundaries (example: sexual requests) or would cause pain to the giver or receiver (requesting deep tissue that is too deep).

• Strong emotional reactions from the Receiver

  Massage sometimes accesses a person’s emotional and psychic body. A simple touch can occasionally send someone into a fit of rage or hysterical tears. I am mentioning this not to scare you, but to give you a heads-up ahead of time incase it does happen. You did nothing wrong. The best thing to do if the Receiver reacts like this is to stay calm and let whatever happens be ok. Offer support if you feel that that would help, but usually all that is needed is silence and a reassuring hand on the shoulder. However, DO stop the stroke that activated the emotional reaction.

  For more information about the body/mind connection, read Bodymind by Ken Dychtwald.

 

• Cut and file your nails

  Nails hurt and leave scratches and red marks all over the skin.

• Wash your hands thoroughly before and after the massage

  Use a comfortable temperature to wash hands, but if you are taking energy cleansing into consideration, rinse after washing with cold water.

• Do not massage if you’re sick

  It is really easy to spread what you have to the receiver.

• Clean your energy field after the massage

  If you don’t think this is an issue then that’s your prerogative, but I’ve seen too many cases for me to not mention this. Click here to go to the energy work page, even if you don’t intend to do any energy work.

• Wear comfortable clothes and supportive shoes that are easy to move in

• Eat responsibly

  For instance, don't eat carbs if they make you sleepy, or consume tons of coffee if caffeine makes you jumpy, or beans if it makes you gassy. (Do you want to talk about embarrassing? I know this one from experience!) Trust me on this one. Eat foods that support your system optimally.