Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/68165
THE PRINCIPLES OF COMFORT TOUCH The nurturing style of acupressure known as Comfort Touch developed from my work as a massage therapist with HospiceCare of Boulder and Broomfield Counties in Colorado. In the fall of 1989, I began to offer massage to patients with terminal illness. Because they were being cared for in their homes, I needed to change my approach to massage in order to provide a safe and appropriate experience. To work with these patients, who were usually elderly and compromised by pain and illness, I had to adapt to their setting. For safety reasons, massage tables were not used, and client was most comfortable in his or her own bed, wheelchair, or recliner. I adjusted the kind of pressure and techniques I applied, and because the client was clothed, lotions and oils were not used. I repatterned my body mechanics in order to be safe and comfortable. This emphasis on self-care for the practitioner—both physical and emotional—has become integral to the practice and efficacy of Comfort Touch. Since 1991—in workshops, classes, and in-services held across the United States—thousands of people, including massage therapists, other health-care professionals, and family caregivers, have been introduced to the basic principles and techniques of Comfort Touch. It brings the benefits of touch to a broad range of people—in hospices, hospitals, skilled nursing homes, and general wellness massage businesses. PRINCIPLES OF COMFORT TOUCH Comfort Touch is based on several key concepts that inform the practice. Summarized by the acronym SCRIBE, they are: slow, comforting, respectful, into center, broad, and encompassing. These words serve as a reminder to the practitioner of Comfort Touch regarding the rhythm, intention, attitude, and techniques of this modality. They also guide the practitioner in creating a nurturing experience for the client, as well as themselves. SLOW The first principle of Comfort Touch is slow. The giver of touch first quiets down internally, creating an atmosphere of safety and trust for the client. The techniques are practiced slowly, in a relaxed manner, which contributes to the calming and sedating effect. The slow pace of contact allows ample time for clear communication and ensures that the client does not feel overwhelmed or surprised with an unexpected touch. Exercise 1. Connecting with the Partner's Breath Practice this with a partner who is sitting in a straight-backed chair. Place a folded towel over the back of the chair, so that your partner sits in a comfortable posture. This provides an easy way to help someone relax quickly. Stand behind the person, placing your hands on her shoulders. Your palms should rest lightly on the thickest part of the trapezius muscle directly below the ears (Image 1). Maintain this contact, noticing the movement in the body created by the person's breathing. Imagine you are listening to the breath with the palms of your hands, lightening your contact with the inhalation, and adding some pressure with the exhalation. (Make sure you are breathing fully, which allows you to feel the person's breath. It is not necessary to ask the person to take a breath.) Maintain this connection through 3–4 cycles of your client's breath. She will appreciate, albeit subconsciously, that you are listening and paying attention to her in a profound way. Place the hands on the client's shoulders to connect with the movement of the breath. Photo by Evelyn Funderburk. Comfort Touch is based on several key concepts that inform the practice. They are: slow, comforting, respectful, into center, broad, and encompassing. 46 massage & bodywork january/february 2010