Massage & Bodywork

NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2020

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case you can stay there as long as you'd like. Whichever option you choose is correct. Imagine offering a similar contact to your client at the beginning of a session. You might start between the shoulder blades or by cradling the cranium. Realize how little you need to do to make this technique "work." All that is required is your presence—and your willingness to accept whatever you find. Think about that feeling when your trained hands meet a new body. The potential is like a drawn bow. As you sit with your hands placed on your client's skin, the rest can just happen. Allow it to flow. CREATING YOUR OWN SANCTUARY As you create a nonjudgmental space for your clients, I want you to do the same for yourself. Your massage office can represent a refuge from the outside world—from stress, anticipation, and demands. As you step through your office door, unburden yourself the same way that you want your clients to C h e c k o u t A B M P P o c k e t P a t h o l o g y a t w w w. a b m p . c o m / a b m p - p o c k e t - p a t h o l o g y - a p p . 71 When you find yourself staring at that wall of worry, I'll tell you the same thing I tell myself: you don't need to think of every little thing. Just make that first contact. That's it. The rest will follow. let go. You don't need pressure or self-doubt. You don't need the "perfect" technique or the right mental state. Come as you are. Expectations end up getting in the way. Yes, keep an eye toward excellence, but also realize that striving for perfection can be self-defeating. Instead, place your hands, set your intention, and let the rest fall into place. You've got this, and I bet I do too. Ian Harvey specializes in myofascial-inspired techniques that are kind to client and therapist. He produces free massage tutorials on YouTube under the name Massage Sloth, and his blog can be found at www.massagesloth.com. Watch "Abdominal Self-Massage"

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