I can't tell you how many times I've heard someone say: "I wish my partner could give me a massage, but..."
I don't believe in gatekeeping information about giving a quality massage. Certain bodyworkers learn techniques that work and keep them to themselves, because they know a good bodyworker is sometimes hard to find and they want to monetize their skills without competition. But there will always be more people who want massages, and I'd rather have a long list of satisfied former clients than a large group of current clients who keep coming to me because I help them, but aren't able to do any massage for themselves or understand what techniques work best for their bodies.
And while booking a massage lesson with me will not qualify you to charge money to give massages by any state's laws, you can utilize this information to provide relief for a friend or partner between their regularly scheduled professional massages.
So how do the lessons typically go? We start with a discussion, off the clock, about your anatomy. This part of the class is not included as part of the time you are paying for because I will always give this information freely. You'll often find me discussing the intricacies of fascia at a cocktail party, or quickly diagnosing a root trigger point location for someone at the gym who verbally complained about a referring pain when exercising. Truthfully, the American school system has failed us by not teaching us more about our own anatomy early on. Most people I talk to have never even heard of fascia, or only have a vague understanding of it, even though it is essential to our existence. Someone who develops a condition such as carpal tunnel will go to their doctor and get prescribed cortisol shots or scheduled for surgery, both invasive and often unnecessary procedures that are easily remedied by neuromuscular massage therapy. I'm all about spreading the knowledge because I want to save you time, money, and frustration.
We discuss the basic anatomy of our bodies and what massage can do for them before going over individual goals. Does your wife have scoliosis and desire relief from daily pain? Does your friend sit at a computer all day for work and experience tension in his upper back and neck? What styles and techniques have worked for you in the past, and what do you want to learn about?
Next, we get on the massage table or Thai mat to begin the timed lesson. My lessons cost the same as booking a massage or massage package, and just like my massage sessions, your time doesn't start until hands are working. Most therapists begin your appointment time as soon as you walk in the door, meaning any discussion, set up, and undressing is included in the time you are paying for. I refuse to do that! This way we can take our time getting set up and understanding what's happening without the stress of being "on the clock".
Most often, the pair booking the lesson prefer to switch roles as the giver/receiver about halfway through the lesson. At this point, the timer stops, and we take the time we need to get the next person on the table/mat before resuming learning.
During the lesson, I will demonstrate techniques and educate the person providing massage about the receiver's body. Where I notice tension, how to notice tension, the correct amount of pressure for that person's needs, and how to know when those needs change. The receiver is encouraged to give feedback comparing my massage to the giver's, and we work together to listen to the receiver and provide a customized massage for them drawing from a variety of massage and bodywork modalities.
When the lesson is over, I will always remind you that I'm just a text away if you ever have further questions or want to book another hands-on lesson. I'm glad to be a resource and recommend videos, articles, or books to further your understanding of massage.
My massage lessons are most often booked for dates or as gifts between partners, but individuals can also take lessons and bring a friend to practice on. I've taught couples, acrobatic pairs, other massage therapists who want to learn a specific style, and individuals with a desire to care for the people in their lives. If you have any questions about my massages lessons, please reach out to me and let's find out if it's something you want to try.
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