Preparing the massage room...

Below you will find everything there is to know about setting up the perfect massage environment.

Clear a Space
When making space for the table, also leave about 2 feet around the entire table for the Giver to work (don't forget, the giver needs space for proper body mechanics. Ideally, you would remove viewable clutter to create a calmer, more ordered space to relax in.

This also means clearing kids, spouses, pets, toys off the floor, television in the background, etc... You might think it's not a big deal, but I had one client bring her baby to a massage and that day the baby was cranky... and so was the mom after we had to stop the massage every five minutes to calm the child down.

Also, the Giver is concentrating his/her energy on the Receiver and it is difficult to do so when there are distractions like T.V., kids, pets... The massage will be less effective if these elements stay in the massage room.

Massage Music
I once had a client ask me if it was a national law that the Enya collection be handed out to every massage therapist upon graduation. While it's not a requirement, it's great massage music and I play it often. I also like tribal flute music (like Carlos Nakai) and Celtic harp music. Generally, clients request music without vocals and a minimal, slow beat.

By the way, silence is ok, too, but sometimes it seems a bit too quiet.

Lighting & Candles
The lights in the massage room should be bright enough for you to see what you're doing, but not so bright that it's irritating to the Receiver when they roll over onto his/her back.

Candles can make the most drab, mundane decor take on an ethereal glow. They make the environment feel warm and cozy.

I recommend a combination of the two options mentioned above. A halogen lamp with an dial to adjust the brightness and a few candles scattered around the room, will give you enough light to work but will be relaxing enough for the Receiver.

Incense and aromatherapy oil diffusers
The scent of a room can encourage relaxation before a finger is placed upon the Receiver.

I like to burn sage (also called smudging) before a massage, because it cleans the energy in the room and it also puts me in a very meditative mental state. My clients seem to like it, too.

But if you client has a sage allergy or is sensitive to smoke, you might want to try an aromatherapy oil diffuser. Check out the page on aromatherapy oils to find out which one is best for your massage because each one has a different effect.

Some clients are sensitive to essential oils so you might want to question the Receiver before using a diffuser in the massage room or creating a aromatherapy massage oil.

Room Temperature
I usually go with a room temperature that is a little warmer than is comfortable for me while giving the massage to make sure the receiver is warm enough. Often, I'll be roasting but my client will be perfectly comfortable, which is how it should be.

Be sure you also have a blanket on hand in the massage room incase the Receiver is still cold. An even better choice is to use a special massage table heating pad under the fitted sheet and plug it in before the massage begins.

Massage Oil
There is no prep work here if you are going to use an unscented oil or cream, or a pre-mixed blend. Just be sure you have someplace near the table to set down the bottle. Be careful with the oil because it can ruin fabric and wood furnishings.

Actually, I prefer an oil holster belt to attach around my waist and carry the oil bottle with me.

If you would like to make an aromatherapy massage oil, I will be posting some recipes soon on the aromatherapy oils page. If they're not up yet, please contact me and I will email some recipes for free.

Massage Table Height
I will be going into greater depth later about massage tables, but for now all we need to worry about is the height.

To measure the correct height, stand next to the table and make a fist. Your knuckles should be just lightly brushing against the top of the table (or slightly hovering above the table top.)

This is just a rough estimate, so it's best to find what is comfortable for you, but this will give you a good place to start.

If you are not using a massage table, it is more challenging to have proper body mechanics and you are more likely to feel tired after the massage and not have as much stamina. Do the best you can to protect your body and try to estimate a similar height as you would for a table.

Massage Sheets
Flannel sheets are the #1 choice with massage therapists. They feel great against the skin, breath but keep the body warm, rarely show oil stains (especially the printed kind) and when they wear out can be cut up and used for castor oil compresses. Flannel sheets also stay in place the best when draping and undraping the body.

For a basic massage you will need one fitted sheet, one flat sheet, and one pillowcase. I use the pillowcase to cover face cradle, but a towel can also be used.