Mindfulness Can Deepen Therapeutic Effects of Massage Therapy

“Live in the moment.” How often have you heard this and you may have even expressed it yourself to someone who is feeling overwhelmed by the number of things they have on their plate? Living in the moment is certainly easier said than done, especially today when we are tethered to digital devices that keep us in constant communication with each other and the events of the day.

It is no wonder that with something always coming up – or the worry that it will – individuals may feel a level of anxiety simmering beneath the surface, resulting in stress and potentially unhappiness.

The antidote is to try to live in the present moment. And this is what mindfulness is all about. The purpose is to focus on what is happening in the present moment. But instead of reacting or responding to your thoughts and feelings, you note them, and let them go. [1]

Benefits of mindfulness

Mindfulness can restore energy levels often drained by the stresses and anxiety that come with day-to-day responsibilities and the distractions of modern life. It also helps to maintain a state of calm throughout the day. And the focus that comes from mindfulness can help innovative ideas and insights come to the surface. Allowing the mind to unwind or decompress helps to tap into creativity.

Mindfulness also can improve communication since it can be difficult to effectively communicate when under stress. As a professional massage therapy, you know communication is key to professional success, as well as personal growth. The ability to convey ideas more effectively can help build loyalty among clients and staff to take your spa or massage practice to the next level.

Research behind mindfulness

Researchers conducted a systematic review of over 200 studies published in journals or dissertations from the first available date until May 2013. The research found that mindfulness-based therapy was especially effective in reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. [2]  Other research finds mindfulness-based interventions can alleviate mental health problems, including depression and anxiety, and improve quality of life. [3]

Massage and mindfulness enhance a session

Mindfulness can help you deal with the day-to-day challenges of running your business. It also can enhance a client’s well-being when combined with your massage therapy services. Mindfulness massage therapy helps clients achieve a deeper level of relaxation and internal balance. It emphasizes the connection between mind and body.

Mindfulness and massage also provides clients with a heightened level of awareness about their body’s responses to treatment. It can help a client tune into areas of tightness or discomfort and it can help them better understand their body’s needs. In turn, this provides for a more holistic, therapeutic, personalized and effective session with the potential to significantly improve quality of life.

Clients reduce stress by letting go of worries – past and future – which contributes to a more relaxed and resilient state of mind. And the integration of massage and mindfulness fosters compassion and acceptance of oneself.

Steps to integrate massage and mindfulness

Enhance the environment: Create an environment that is conducive to mindfulness. Soft lighting, calming music and comfortable seating fosters relaxation and attentiveness and makes the client feel safe and relaxed.

Before the session: Explain during the intake session that you would like to incorporate mindfulness practices and techniques in the session and make sure that they are comfortable and willing to engage. With their conformed consent and before you begin the session, encourage the client to let go of mental baggage before mindfulness massage therapy session begins so that they can fully settle into the experience.

During the session: Remind clients to focus on their breathing – taking slow, deep breaths. Recommend that they pay attention to their breathing during the massage and mindfulness session by taking note of the rise and fall of their chest or the sensation of air entering and leaving their nostrils. Doing so increases their awareness of the present moment. [4] You also can encourage clients to visualize a peaceful setting to get them in the right mindset for letting go of tension.

As part of the mindfulness massage therapy session, encourage clients to tune in to what is happening throughout the session. They want to pay attention to the sensation of your hands, the room temperature, the texture of the massage lubricant and the tension releasing from a particular area of their body. Such cues can help to pull them out of thinking and back to being aware of their bodies. [5]

Also recommend that clients learn to release judgement and trade frustration for curiosity. In practice, this means, if they feel an area of discomfort or tension, acknowledge it and allow the massage to help ease it. [6]

It is important for clients to convey their feelings so that you can tailor techniques to better meet their individual needs. This collaborative approach not only improves outcomes but also fosters trust and comfort.

End of session: You do not want the benefits of mindfulness massage therapy left “on the table” at the end of the session. Asking thoughtful questions will help clients continue to be present and aware of their bodies. For example, you can ask what they notice during the session to see how effective the mindfulness and massage worked for them.

Training for mindfulness massage therapy

Some of the skills of mindfulness massage, such as proper breathwork or body scanning may, require you to take added coursework to be proficient.  You can find continuing education courses online and in person and industry workshops to elevate your practice in this area. You can find courses online. Incorporating mindfulness into your massage practice can provide clients with a deeper and more holistic