My best experiences as a massage therapist

As a massage therapist I've had some truly moving moments with clients. Pretty much all massage sessions bring something unique and amazing to me. I learn from each session, I gain insights and great enjoyment from letting my hands and stones heal and help the person lying on the massage table.

In spirit of the season, I want to share some of my best massage experiences and give thanks for being allowed to be part of these incredible touching and insightful experiences.

The first was while I still practised massaging for my exam and certification. A young mother was so touched by the release and relaxation that she cried after the massage. The touch and compassion gave her something she strongly needed at that time. To be taken care of, to be looked after, to be loved and treated well. A wonderful break from the stressful life of motherhood, especially with a first baby. It was such a remarkable experience for me to see how powerful my touch can be and to be shown this complete trust by a stranger.

A Cocooning can bring such intense reactions from the client. An elderly woman, widowed years ago and very spiritually aware, received the stones as they were her friends. They helped her release old pains, fears and uncertainties. They brought her into contact with her higher self. That I could be there for her, while she cried out all those old emotions was heart-touching.

Wry-neck can be a tough one to battle, though one massage can help with. A fitness trainer came to me with a stiff neck, unable to turn her head when she entered my door. Hands, oil and heat made the muscle relax and when she left it was with a big smile on her face and her turning her head. Not quite without pain, but mobility had returned. She was very happy because her vacation now would be enjoyable without the intense pain she had gone through.

There are of course many other situations. People opening their eyes after the massage with a huge smile on their face because they feel so good. Soreness and pain gone, stress released, feeling deeply relaxed and nourished. Each massage brings me joy as I see what difference I make for my clients. This is why I enjoy my craft so deeply. That I am able to help people heal, be it physically, emotionally or spiritually.

Thank you for this skill and being allowed to apply it where it's needed.

Massaging children

Massage isn't just limited to adults. Children can benefit greatly from receiving massages, and this is true from infancy and throughout all their lives. It's beneficial for their sense of self and knowing their body, for knowing and learning to express what they like and dislike. It bonds parents and infant in a loving way and touch fulfils a very basic need that we all have.

It doesn't take much to massage a child or infant. Just your hands and perhaps some natural oil without any additives. Any oil you'd eat can be used. I personally prefer safflower, almond or jojoba oil for massage. Do not add any essential oils to the massage oil unless you know aromatherapy. Children have much more delicate systems than adults and what might be good for us can cause them discomfort or harm.

As a rule of thumb, be gentle when you massage an infant. Let it be a soft touch and not a massage as you know it from yourself. As the child grows older and their muscles and bones are developed, deeper massage strokes can be utilized.

Always listen to what the child says. If it hurts or tickles, ease the pressure instantly and make sure you actively communicate with the child about what you're doing. Always heed their feelings and err on the side of caution. Especially with very small children, their bones are not yet fully developed and no stronger than we can break them if we press too hard.

Studies done on school children shows how children benefit from learning to massage each other. They gain greater respect for their classmates and learn to say stop when something is uncomfortable. Some schools in Sweden has implemented massage and bodywork as part of the schedule, and the children thrive.

If you want to learn how to give your child(ren) a good massage, please don't hesitate to attend one of the infant massage classes which can be found practically everywhere. Often the course is a workshop lasting a day or week-end.

It is a pleasure to massage your child, and as they become more independent, they'll begin to demand massages from you. My four year old requests foot massages practically every day when we sit together in the sofa. It's a great way to spend some time together and talk about the day.