Creating a Comfortable Massage Environment: Decor, Sounds, Smells, Tastes, and Accessibility

1. Chapter 2 Massage Equipment and Environmental Considerations

2. Topic 2-3: Creating a ComfortableMessage Environment • What the Client Sees – Décor • Every business has its own unique focus and personality. • Consider techniques you will use and types of clients you desire. • Color, window treatments, flooring, lighting, wall decorations, and extra touches are all elements of decoration.

3. Topic 2-3: Creating a ComfortableMessage Environment • What the Client Sees – Décor • Color psychology: field of study that evaluates effects of colors on human behavior and emotion. • Color symbolism: cultural significance of colors and what colors mean to different groups of people. • Window treatments: privacy, light control, style.

4. Topic 2-3: Creating a ComfortableMessage Environment • What the Client Sees – Décor • In treatment room, dimmer switches work well. • Wall decorations promote image of business, make soothing impression on client, dampen sound. • Decorative items on shelves, side tables, windowsills help create visual interest and define room’s style.

5. Topic 2-3: Creating a ComfortableMessage Environment • What the Client Hears • Auditory environment important because it helps set tone for session and mask outside noise. • Tile or wood flooring may cause echoes that are annoying or distracting. • The right music can evoke strong feelings and beneficial physiological changes in client.

6. Topic 2-3: Creating a ComfortableMessage Environment • What the Client Smells • Good ventilation and fresh air important in massage treatment space. • Therapists must consider their own smells and how they may impact client. • Good smells from natural essential oils in aromatherapy promote relaxation, pleasant mood. • When using aromas, use products with natural rather than synthetic fragrances.

7. Topic 2-3: Creating a ComfortableMessage Environment • What the Client Tastes • Clients sometimes get up from a session and feel shaky and dizzy from low blood sugar. • Small snack provides opportunity for client to wake up and come back to “real world.” • Fresh water provided before, during, after session. • Food and drink should be simple and manageable.

8. Topic 2-3: Creating a ComfortableMessage Environment • What the Client Feels • Client enveloped in warm, soft textures. • Bolsters support the joints. • Keep client warm throughout session. • Lotion warmers heat massage oil. • Warm your hands as much as possible.

9. Topic 2-3: Creating a ComfortableMessage Environment • Accessibility and Functionality • Doorways, hallways, bathroom entrances wide enough for wheelchairs. • Space accommodates someone in a cast or on crutches. • Long flights of stairs could be a problem. • Convenient parking. • Reception area friendly, neat, and functional.

10. Topic 2-3: Creating a ComfortableMessage Environment • Accessibility and Functionality • Plan space where clients undress to provide privacy and place to hang their clothes. • In bathroom, provide liquid soap. • Have on hand amenities that make it easier for client to tidy up after session.