A large number of massage therapists and bodyworkers may have a certain hands-on sequence, or set of sequences, that they use during most client sessions. This, of course, is not a bad thing, as a trusted hands-on routine likely has earned its position by providing lasting and satisfying effects to all kinds of clients.
However, it is important as a practitioner of healing touch to pay attention to your own feelings and energy level as you use a set routine again and again. Notice if you are growing bored with the hands-on sequence, or if it has become so rote that your mind may drift during the session.
Aside from your own feelings about a dependable, if well worn, massage routine, you should also be able to gauge client responses and know whether the sequence is continuing to provide a high level of satisfaction to the people on your table.
There certainly are times when change can be good. Even if you are still enjoying your standard hands-on sequence or set of sequences, it may be a bright idea to begin introducing one or a few new options to your clients. If you have noticed you are growing bored with your current hands-on work or clients are not, overall, nearly as effusive about the great results, then it could be imperative to breathe new life into your hands-on routine.
One simple way to begin brainstorming new ways to provide healthy touch is with the help of your favorite scents and massage cream. Aroma is a wonderful addition to most hands-on work and can be a great catalyst for new ideas in the session room.
For example, by adding a soothing essential oil, such as lavender, to your favorite massage cream, you could add a whole new option to your bodywork menu, something along the lines of Calming Lavender Aromatherapy Massage.
By using the soothing and relaxing properties of lavender as your jumping off point, you could then craft a bodywork sequence that specifically aims to calm and relax clients, furthering the effects of the lavender essential oil.
Another example, at the opposite end of the spectrum, might be adding a few drops of rosemary essential oil to your massage cream. This could help lay the aroma foundation for a rejuvenating massage routine.
There are many other ways you can add scent to your massage cream to spice up your bodywork menu, and just looking at a list of essential oils and their reported effects should provide a bounty of fresh ideas.
For instance, you could consider adding a seasonal massage option to the menu at your practice. During the summer, this might mean using a massage cream that contains a blend of scents that often are linked to summer months, such as lemon and orange.
It is crucial to keep in mind that you should consult with a trusted professional aromatherapist before you begin blending essential oils into your massage cream. It may be easier, at times, to purchase a massage cream that already contains the desired oils. In addition, make sure your client isn’t averse to fragrance before you begin a scented session.
–Brandi Schlossberg