Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/81195
SPEAK YOUR MIND What is the best compliment you have received recently about your work? High Kicks, Angel Hands, and Mike's Magic Potion I have been told many times that I need to become a doctor of something, since my knowledge and technique is of superior quality. When telling a high-end client of mine of potential future plans to become a naprapath, he offered to financially back me when I'm done with my education and ready to start my practice. DELLA MELVILLE "If I had known how great a massage would be, I would have had one way before now." (Quote from a 54-year- old woman about her first massage). DONETTA WATSON CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA "Every stroke feels like a caress." (Infusion suite patient receiving chemotherapy). STEPHANIE FREDERICKS MANDEVILLE, LOUISIANA There are two. The first is a client who responded to my session- concluding head and neck work by saying, "I feel like I am in heaven." And the second is a client who wrote a note on my gratuity envelope that read, "Thank you! I feel like doing a high kick!" I love how these different experiences demonstrate the range of relaxing-to-invigorating effects that massage can have. BETSY HOUSTEN BROOKLYN, NEW YORK PLAINFIELD, ILLINOIS Recently, one of my clients, a professional shamisen player, commented that she felt like we were dancing together during our session. (A shamisen is a traditional, three-stringed Japanese instrument.) DAVID KOERNER HIROSHIMA, JAPAN "You must have magic hands! Because that was the best massage I've ever had! Sandra, you can just feel where I had all my tension, and you released it! Thank you!" Since then, I call my hands healing hands. SANDRA MINA MISSISSAUGA, ONTARIO, CANADA I always hear "great job" or "best massage ever," but the best compliment I love hearing from my guests is that I was there for them. I am zoned in the present moment, not just going through motions and watching the clock pass by. It creates a bonding tie between their body and my nurturing touch ... without any judgment. It is like a friend who listens to our whining and irritating complaining, but never passes judgment. Whenever I hear that, it gives me a sense of relief. I know I not only fulfilled my job as a massage therapist at that time, but also I was being human in the most compassionate way I could. JESSICA BLAISDELL INDIAN WELLS, CALIFORNIA Celebrate ABMP's 25th anniversary and you may win a refund on your membership. ABMP.com. 15