Massage Part II
By Cindy Walker
Welcome back everyone. As promised, we are continuing the interview with Michael, the wonderful and most gracious massage therapist, and I am sharing the experience with you of my very first full body massage. So to begin, let's continue with the interview.
CW: In doing my research, I picked up a book on regular massage and one on sensual massage. In comparing the two, it seems the only difference between them is a sheet. They both seem to employ the same technique and use the same strokes. So at the risk of making you turn red (which is always fun and a goal of mine), what is the difference between a regular massage and a sensual massage?
MF: I'm glad you asked that question. The answer is all about intent – the intent of the person giving and the person receiving. In a regular massage, the intent of the person you are giving the massage to is under their control – not yours. But you are right, the techniques, oil, and music are very similar. Touching is essential in any intimate relationship, and massage is all about touching so it is easy for people to misinterpret touch. If needed, you can address any issues before or after the massage. It is very important that as a professional therapist you never cross that line. You don't date your clients, and you don't give professional massage to your significant other. You can swap back rubs and things like that, but your profession is to be protected. Once you open that door, your client will never respect massage therapy again, and you won't respect yourself.
CW: In talking to you during one of my massages (yes, I'm a talker) and earlier in this interview, you mentioned a certain technique called Reiki. This is something you want to learn, and you actually incorporate a little bit of it at the end of each session. Can you explain what this is, how you got interested in it, what it involves, etc.?
MF: Reiki is a type of energy work. I have not been trained in Reiki, but I do know some things about it. You put your hands on the body and manipulate the energy. I became interested after having some energy work performed on me and feeling the results. It is a great modality to offer your clients.
CW: How is Reiki connected to or associated with massage? Is it just personal choice to incorporate it?
MF: Reiki is not technically a type of massage, which works the muscles, but rather it is a type of bodywork, which focuses on energy work and things of that nature. more >>
