Massage routine

[J S]

Hi everyone.

This may sound like a silly question but does anyone have any preference as to which order to perform the aromatherapy/massage routine?

When we were at college we were taught: facial cleanse, foot cleanse - back massage, posterior legs, anterior legs, abdomen arms finishing with face, neck head. Personally, when receiving a massage I prefer to finish with the back massage - is this peculiar to me?

I would be interested to know what sequence other people carry out their massages. I know different books etc. illustrate different sequences but I thought maybe those with some experience could suggest their preferences.

I've recently qualified and have my first 'proper' paying customer on Thursday so fingers and everything else crossed!

Thanks

Lesley

 

[Verbal]

Hi and Welcome!

It is down to your preference really. All colleges teach different. We were taught to end on the back when we did aromatherapy, but on the massage course before that we started on the back.

Do what you feel is best.

 

[skylinenet]

I was taught to start on the back on both my AP & M and aromatherapy courses. It's something that I've stuck with. I personally feel the back is good place to start as it's less invasive than say the legs, which might help to relax new clients or those uncomfortable with getting their kit off. Also, it gives you the chance to get into your rhythm while the client is face down and hopefully they'll be so relaxed by the time they turn over they'll nod off!

That said, if were you, I'd adopt whatever routine you're comfortable with as there appears to be no wrong or right sequence. Good luck with your first client and well done on qualifing.
Love,
AB.x

 

[Know the Cause]

I still do as I was taught sequence wise, I've included the reasons I was taught this way as well:

Start on the back, (acupressures on spine stimulate CNS so client will relax whether they want to or not!)
Posterior legs.
Anterior legs
Abdomen in the middle of sequence as it is in the middle of the body, helps balance chakras (don't hold with this one myself, seems a woolly reason).
Arms
Face - last item as this is the 'creme de la creme' bit which reinforces to the client how good you are so they will come back, and they are then already in a 'resting' position for the after treatment relaxation.

I don't use all the same strokes anymore as I have brought things in from several massage disciplines, so really, I 'go by the book' and 'go with the flow' all at once, to some extent.

So to echo the others, do what feels right.

Good luck with your first paying customer, take a few deep breaths and relax, the very fact that you are worried about giving a good treatment shows you are a therapist who is interested in doing a good job, not just in it for the money (she says laughing - I haven't found the lots of money bit yet!)

 

[I am team Edward]

Thank you for taking the time to respond.

I will do as you all suggested and go with what I feel is right - I really want this client to benefit from and enjoy this massage. You know what it's like, I know I can do it, I've done it lots of times on family, friends and case studies at college etc but I still worry that it the client wont enjoy it! I'm sure once I get into it I will be fine.

Thanks again for your advice/information.

Lesley