We Asked: Does spirituality have a place in massage therapy?
Why, or why not?

Here is what you told us...

We are spiritual beings having a human experience. That experience can range from fundamentalism to shamanism. It is not politically correct to inflict our beliefs, be they Christian, Wiccan or other, in business. Why should massage therapists think they are exempt? There are massage therapists who use alternative healing practices, lighting candles, chanting, beating drums. This, in my opinion, is not acceptable for a professional massage therapist. The setting and surroundings should not be intrusive; it should be a safe atmosphere for the client. If we want our profession to grow in the right direction, we should be professional.
Januice McCollum
Guymon, Oklahoma

Yes. When I work with clients using massage, my intention is to help them in whatever way is most beneficial to their healing and well-being. That intention is based on spiritual guidance or direction for doing what that person needs [from] the massage. When I do this, the massage is more on target for achieving optimal results for the client.
Carl Osborn
Mesa, Arizona

I do feel spirituality has a place in therapeutic massage. Humans are spiritual beings. In order to address the complete needs of a person it is necessary to understand that the physical, emotional and spiritual components of humanity are intricately interwoven and interdependent.
Cindy Cordon
Berea, Ohio

I feel spirituality has a place in massage therapy. But like all of the tools we use in our practices, you have to know your clientele and apply it appropriately.
Danielle Luhrs
Randolph, Massachusetts

I feel lucky I had the opportunity to learn Thai massage in Thailand and Ayurvedic massage in Sri Lanka. The schools, teachers and my schoolmates awoke in me the feeling of real, exercised spirituality. I understood it as the connection with a power above that lets us feel meekness that make us better and same (human), not smaller and different. So we behave anytime to anybody and anything with equal respect that is shared in every moment of life.
Ivona Zampova
Brno, Czech Republic
(Currently studying in New York, New York)

With my clientele, the stress is always on the therapeutic effect of my work, not the spiritual source. They rarely ask me things like that, though most know I’m a spiritual person. I think it’s more important to them that the bodywork I do works for them therapeutically. I think the more important thing is that, as therapists, we not impose our personal belief systems on our clients. We can believe that healing abilities come from anywhere—universal life force, God, Buddha, trigger-point release, stillpoint induction—and so can our clients. It’s not necessary that we feel the same way about it, as long as it works for the client.
R. Wach
Omaha, Nebraska

Yes and no. I respect that every person has his or her own belief system, so I never push my spirituality on anyone else. My clients come to me to have their needs met and the massage room is their sanctuary. My focus is on my client, not my own needs. However, I do use my spirituality to center myself [and] ask for healing energy and for guidance before every session. I recognize that I have a wealth of knowledge to use, and that what I offer my clients is a gift. I always express my thanks for the continued use of this gift.
Bob Jensen
Greenwich, Connecticut

I think that it does have a place in massage to a point. I feel that we as caregivers give from the heart and soul and do transmit energy to our clients. I feel that energy is a form of spirituality. Our giving and hoping for successful results can be a spiritual relationship.
Garth Stephens
La Quinta, California