Podcast Episode 009: Is Spirituality A Part of Massage?

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In this Post: In this episode we discuss a listeners question. Is spirituality a part of massage? Are spirituality, energy work, and massage intertwined or completely separate from one another? Tune in to hear our take.

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Episode 009: Is Spirituality A Aart of Massage?

In this episode, we discuss spirituality, energy work, and massage. This topic, prompted by a question we received from a listener, is thought-provoking to our industry. With so many massage therapists identifying as spiritual, there are strong associations between massage and spirituality. Yet, does that mean that spirituality is a part of the massage profession?

Spirituality

Spirituality is defined as “the quality of being concerned with the human spirit or soul as opposed to material or physical things.”

Based on this definition, it would seem that while spirituality is not ALWAYS present in a massage, it often can be. Depending on the therapist and their style.

Spirituality can be sticky though. It holds positive and negative connotations. There are a lot of places people’s minds go when they hear the word spirituality. Sometimes we think of it as woo-woo. Other times we associate it with religion. Because of this, it is essential as practitioners not to push our agenda onto clients.

Boundaries, while always important in the massage industry, are especially critical when considering this topic. Holding space for our client’s spirit and soul without getting muddled up in the logistics of what healing looks like for that soul should be paramount! Sometimes, easier said than done. This is where a well established grounding practice comes into play!

It is okay to bring your own spiritual flavor into a session. But it is also important that you communicate your methods clearly before diving in head first! Make sure to listen to your client’s needs and requests before assuming you know what is best.

Energy Healing

Some clients are more receptive to the IDEA of energy work than others. Some seek it out, while others shy away. We never want to shame or try to push something on someone who is uncomfortable with the idea of a particular treatment.

Energy healing, is “A form of complementary and alternative medicine based on the belief that a vital energy flows through the human body. The goal of energy healing is to balance the energy flow in the patient.”

Our bodies basic function rely on an energy exchange.

Trigger point therapy is a release of acidic metabolic waste while flooding the area with fresh oxygen and nutrients via blood flow. Energy exchange.

Swedish Massage removing toxins and bringing in oxygen and nutrients to soft tissue. Energy exchange.

Muscle energy technique resetting the proprioception of a muscle body. Energy exchange.

Reflexology and cranial sacral therapies work with the peripheral and central nervous system to remove blockages thus facilitating uninterrupted communication via our electrical circuitry. Once again energy exchange.

Massage is all energy exchange.

Some of the methods we discuss in this episode include:

Cranial Sacral
Trauma Touch
Shiatsu
Chakra Work
Reiki
Crystals
Pendulums
Breathe Work
Singing Bowls
Sound Healing
Biofield Tuning

Most massage therapists are concerned with more than just the physical well being of clients. They genuinely care about the all-around well-being of their client. They intend to create space for the higher good of their client- wanting what is best for their client.

Sometimes we can achieve these results with more traditional form of body work. Other times we sprinkle complementary methods into the mix. And some sessions are solely dedicated to a more energetic approach to balancing and healing the body, soul, and mind. The method used is less important than the implementation.

We believe their is a huge connection between massage and spirituality! That all massage is a form of energy work. And that we have a lot of pretty cool modalities available to implement in achieving profound results! We also believe that energy work will be a highly sought after modality in our post-COVID landscape. Therefore, it may be time to brush up on your modalities, find where East meets West, and get to balancing people’s biofield’s!

Please, let us know your thoughts after tuning in! We are always open to comments, suggestions, and idea’s for future episodes! So go, get your listen on.

Listen here: Is Spirituality A Part of Massage?

Author Profile

: Ali Boehm
- Boulder College of Massage Therapy Graduate
- Nationally Certified through NCBTMB
- Colorado Licensed Massage Therapist
- Certified CranialSacral Level 1 through Upledger
- Certified Herbal Therapist through Nutrition Therapy Institute
- Certified Fujian Massage through Barefoot Masters
- Fort Lewis College - Majored in Art, Minored in Business Administration
- 6 Year Winner of Best Massage Therapist for "Best of The Boat" Competition
- Massage Business Owner Since 2008