Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/588318
SPEAK YOUR MIND What are your thoughts on MTs wearing jewelry, nail polish, and other accessories? I work at two locations—one is a spiritually centered practice, another is a leading day spa in the region. Among the many reasons I became an MT is the ability to allow my individuality to shine, which includes wearing jewelry— usually a crystal that helps to amplify and/ or absorb energy. Neither location has a policy about jewelry; however, I keep it simple. If you can hear it, I don't wear it. At both locations, the other MTs have used good judgment in what they wear as well. Nail polish, on the other hand, is a no-no; it chips too easily and the chips may end up on the client or in other noticeable areas. I will note here that most MTs I've worked with, or have had massages from, do not wear polish. LAUREL PEARL RINGWOOD, NEW JERSEY 14 m a s s a g e & b o d y w o r k n o v e m b e r / d e c e m b e r 2 0 1 5 Why are we even asking this question? Did we suddenly become nuns and monks, or members of a conservative religious sect? Did we lose our minds and judgment when we attended massage school, so we need specific and restrictive guidelines about what is essentially personal expression? I believe massage therapists can and may wear whatever they please and decorate their bodies as it suits their character and fancy. If something gets in the way of the work, it will most likely be jettisoned. I wear jewelry and other accessories on a daily basis, but long necklaces, bangles, and scarves with long trailing ends quickly became obvious detriments, so I save them for non-work situations. As far as nail polish goes, I don't bother with it because it doesn't stay on my nails. Apparently, massage oils and lotions are solvents for nail enamel. I simply don't have time to maintain it so that it looks tidy. If their choices make their clients uncomfortable, the clients will stop coming. The situation is self-remedying. ELEANOR R. SMITH LEBANON, MISSOURI