Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/494122
32 m a s s a g e & b o d y w o r k m a y / j u n e 2 0 1 5 TIP #6: REFRESHMENTS A small snack following a session provides an opportunity for the client to wake up and come back to "real life" before venturing back out into the busy world. It doesn't have to be elaborate— it can be as simple as a cup of green tea after the massage or a complementary chocolate on Valentine's Day. Similarly, a sports massage therapist may serve a sports drink at the postevent massage. In the summer, clients may leave their treatment with a colorful popsicle to remind them that massage is fun. Fresh, fi ltered water should be provided before, during, and after the session. Food and drink should be simple, manageable, and individually packaged for safety, but focus on the intention of the offering: to welcome, to nourish on a spiritual level, and to show appreciation, care, and thoughtfulness. A small snack following a session provides an opportunity for the client to wake up and come back to "real life" before venturing back out into the busy world. TIP #7: COMFORT AND WARMTH Once on the massage table, the client should be enveloped in warm, soft textures and have bolsters in place to support the joints in a relaxed position. Blankets, hot water bottles, heat lamps, and warm packs help keep clients comfortable throughout the session. Lotion warmers heat massage oil or lotion so that it does not feel cold when applied. Never use a microwave oven to heat oil or lotion, because microwaves may affect the product's therapeutic properties. Many products break down when heated, so it is recommended to use 1-ounce bottles with fl ip or pump lids. These small bottles are fi lled with fresh oil or lotion at the beginning of each day so that the larger container is not repeatedly exposed to heat and can remain in the refrigerator. Some massage therapists have chronically cold hands that can feel shocking to the client at the beginning of the session. Warm your hands as much as possible by holding them under warm water, holding a warm pack, or rubbing them briskly before the session.