To talk or not to talk

That is the question. Since I've been a massage therapist I have had such a broad spectrum of clients and one thing that I have noticed is sometimes the client thinks that it is there job to entertain me. I would say that there are 3 categories of this...

1. the client who chit chats throughout the entire massage
2. the client who talks out of nervous habit
3. the client who is able to completely let go and quiet her mind

I tend to fall into category 1 or 3 depending on the day. Let me just state for the record, that when receiving a massage it really is all about you. You should never feel like you need to entertain your massage therapist. We Americans tend to have such a busy lifestyle that it is important to be able to take that time and quiet our mind. We are a people that just keeps going and going and going. Ideally, I feel that you will get the most out of your massage when you are able to bring yourself (with the help of your massage therapist) into a meditative state and let all of your thoughts go during this time. This will not only allow your mind to let go, but your body will let go too. Your muscles will be in a more relaxed state which will allow your massage therapist to have an even greater effect. In addition to this, your massage therapist will be able to focus more on what she is doing and be more aware of what is going on with your body. If you find that your massage therapist keeps trying to have a conversation with you, don't be afraid to speak up and say something. Your massage therapist should respect your decision and will become more aware of how she is affecting her clients. This should become a lesson to her and perhaps make her a better massage therapist.

So the point to this blog is...

It is never your job to entertain your massage therapist. Feel free to quiet your mind, let go of all your thoughts, and just be in the moment. You do not need to be friends with your massage therapist. If you are, that's great, but remember, this is your time. Use it wisely. Get as much out of it as you can. Enjoy the hour or so of peace and quiet. Treasure the moment.

Community Thai Massage Clinic

Some of you by now are aware of the "Community Thai Massage Clinic" that I am participating in with a few other local Thai practitioners. Last month we had our first one and it turned out even better than we could have expected. The turn out was amazing, we filled every spot except for one half hour opening. Thank you to everyone who helped get the word out and was able to participate. Our next one is coming up soon and I bet it will be even better than the first. Now that we are getting our rhythm I think it will go even smoother (even though I think the first one went pretty smooth).

Now I have not yet had the opportunity to go to Thailand, but I know that many of you have and have had the opportunity to receive Thai massage in a traditional Thai massage setting. We hope to recreate that experience by having several massages taking place in the same room. Last month I got my first real taste of that and I have to say that I absolutely loved it! The energy in the room was so positive and exuberant, something that I love to surround myself with. The clients were very receptive to receiving massage in this manner and seemed to be able to fully relax just as if they were in their own private treatment room. I think I have to give a big shout out to Angi Orton for having such a great idea, getting it set up, and thinking enough of me to include me.

Our next community Thai massage clinic will be held...

Monday, May 11th, 2009 from 10:00 - 3:00

at Yoga Potentials Studio

2oo NE 20th @ Everett

This is a sliding scale and rates are as follows...

30 min...$10-25

60 min...$20-55

90 min...$30-85

10% of all proceeds will be going to a Thai charity or a local charity.

To schedule an appointment call Erin at...

541-961-2805