Massage & Bodywork

March/April 2010

Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/68173

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 30 of 131

CHECK OUT MASSAGEANDBODYWORK.COM FOR ADDITIONAL RESPONSES TO THIS ISSUE'S QUESTION. My last massage room had space for an old X-ray board. I turned it into a giant collage, filled with color, inspirational quotes, healing images, and nature pictures. This, in addition to weekly tips or facts I added on a dry erase board, and recent articles from Massage & Bodywork I posted on a cork board, truly made my space a healing haven. Jessica Kreyger Warren, Michigan When I first saw the room I was to end up in, I was taken aback by how sterile it was. It was just like walking into a hospital room: white walls, tons of light oak furniture, etc. [Before the room became mine] the owner painted the walls chocolate brown. I put a large, darkly stained buffet in it and tried to keep it simple. I added a couple of darkly stained wood dining room chairs at either end of the table, kept most of the accent colors blue, brought in a misting fountain, and decorated the walls with one mirror, two paintings, and a crocheted afghan. The result is that when people enter the same room, they say, "Aw" instead of "Eeak!" Turning the table so that it is not straight with the room also helps. MARCIA REICHERT FROMBERG, MONTANA Within the last six months, I have had to close two satellite locations. After closing these two offices, I suddenly had three times the equipment, lotions, linens, etc., and nowhere to store it, except in my "home" office. So much for my newly downsized business! It was a floor-to-ceiling mess. I had to do something different. Decluttering has worked out well. My treatment space now is warm and inviting, and it is easy for me to move around the table. I was able to keep the best of my equipment, lotions, linens, etc. I donated items that I didn't need, and discarded or recycled things that were broken. I found that getting rid of my stuff lightened my mood. It certainly has helped me stay organized. If you aren't sure where to start with creating or changing your current design, try decluttering first. It will lead you to the next step. Happy organizing! KIMBERLY ROGERS WAUPACA, WISCONSIN I always like to make people feel at home. There is a sense of comfort in that for me and my clients. It's welcoming and soothing. For more than 20 years as a practicing LMT, I have tried a variety of locations and themes. Hands down, when it is easy to walk into—colors are soothing and the room isn't too clinical—clients respond positively. I feel your design represents you. So whether you enjoy a home- type environment, clinical setting, Zen atmosphere, etc., it must make you feel good, too, and your clients will respond. GLORIA COPPOLA BLACK MOUNTAIN, NORTH CAROLINA Structural integration practitioners aren't generally encouraged to make their office space inviting. In school, I got the impression that soothing décor was an unnecessary luxury or even that it might interrupt a client's processing. For nearly three years, I shared an office with other Rolfers. It wasn't stark, but the carpet was old and threadbare, the previously white walls were grimy, and there were lovely rocks and stones placed willy-nilly around the room. The energy was good and my clients experienced wonderful healing sessions there, but the lack of intentional design always bothered me. In my current office, I have created an oasis in the midst of a chaotic urban lifestyle. High stress levels cause soft- tissue degeneration, so the more I can help my clients escape their worries and troubles, the more effective our work together will be. I have an electric fireplace that wraps the room in a warm glow, and I burn a bergamot-mint beeswax candle to uplift my clients. SUKIE BAXTER SEATTLE, WASHINGTON connect with your colleagues on massageprofessionals.com 29

Articles in this issue

Archives of this issue

view archives of Massage & Bodywork - March/April 2010