Massage therapists: heal thyself

Massage clinic in Bali

What does world travel have to do with massage? For me, everything! As a hard working massage therapist, I have found that many massage therapists do not get massages. They emphasize the importance to their clients the improved benefits they will receive by getting frequent massages, yet they don’t get massages themselves. They work so hard until they injure their bodies from either repetitive motion or injuries made by using the wrong postures. And many have to stop working all together.

Massage therapy techniques are taught basically the same way in the U.S., but when you travel abroad you realize that massage, like language and culture, comes in many variations.  When I travelled to Costa Rica, for example, most therapists offered the lymphatic drainage approach which is done with a very light, relaxing, touch. On the other hand, twice in China, I experienced very brisk, deep tissue movements in which I felt my back was being ripped off. They specialize in deep acupressure.

When I travel, I make it a point to seek massage swaps. The agreeing therapist is so eager to experience what I have to offer. This has influenced the many different strokes and techniques I use. I also learned the terms used in other languages that have helped me communicate better with my clients. In French-speaking countries and islands in the Caribbean, I was able to ask for certain positions or actions the therapist needed to do. Wherever I travel, I try to make it a point to have frequent massages and offer my skills and talents to the working therapist, who usually works very long hours, and doesn’t get the opportunity to have such a luxury. It has been so rewarding to experience the exchange of therapists working in the healing arts.

On the other hand, open-mindedness is not guaranteed. When I traveled in Bali earlier this year, I offered to give someone a massage, and about eight massage therapists lined up against the wall intently watching me give foot reflexology, which is done totally differently in Bali. Then when I proceeded to use Orth-Bionomy techniques, the puzzled looks appeared on their faces, and as I ended my treatment using Reiki and chakra balancing, they seemed dumbfounded, and they all proceeded to leave! The therapist who was supposed to work on me declined. I felt very disappointed, and accepted a very mediocre massage from someone else! My experiences of sharing techniques from the West with other parts of the world has enriched my life. It has brought communication and understanding at such an intimate level! Getting massages on a regular basis has kept me healthier and able to sustain my body in such a demanding physical profession. So I encourage all you therapists out there….Don’t hesitate to offer swaps! It’s a win-win situation, and you actually might learn something. Any thoughts?

My massage therapist in Bali

Preparing the foot bath.