Happy March Everyone!

The longer days are wonderful. I wake up with the sun shining in the room, and often get home before dark now. Somehow, it manages to give me much more energy when there’s more daylight in the day.

I recently attended a training on a new technique and came away invigorated with all the information I received and the new strokes I learned. It was wonderful to be in a class with my peers and pick up tips and tricks from them. They will be coming soon to a massage near you!

In this month’s newsletter, I’m covering massage at parties or gatherings, self massage for legs (since spring often includes running, playing softball and other outdoor sports). I also include more information on the Trager Psychophysical Integration Approach.

Enjoy! --- Heather Wibbels (615.294-6672)

1. Party invitations sent and RSVPs received √
2. House cleaned and festively decorated √
3. Appetizers on the table √
4. Wine bottles chilled and open √
5. Wait, the massage therapist isn’t here yet!

Want to make your party memorable? Providing massage at small parties has grown in popularity over the last few years. The host and guests might enjoy hour long massages, twenty minute foot reflexology sessions, or short chair massage sessions. Whether you’re hosting a girls’ night out, a family reunion or a gathering of friends, adding massage to the party keeps guests relaxed, gives your party a special flair and makes it a party to remember.

What happens in a massage party:
Depending on the kind of gathering, massage therapists can advise you on what to offer your guests. The massage therapist arrives early to set up his/her massage table or massage chair in a quiet room or area. The therapist brings sheets, lotions and any blankets or pillows needed for the sessions. The massage therapist can offer short 30-minute sessions to guests or full hour treatments. Usually, when offering draped table sessions, a smaller group is preferable, 4-8 people. For larger groups, massage therapists can do chair massage or reflexology on guests. Guests retreat to the massage area when their session is scheduled, and rejoin the party once they’re done.

Massage therapist can only work on a certain number of people within the timeframe of the gathering. However, you can always ask about getting another massage therapist to assist so that everyone wanting a massage can be accommodated.

Perfect Occasions for Massage Parties:

• Girls’ Night Out (or Girl’s Day out)
• Bridal or Baby Shower
• Birthday Party
• Anniversary Party
• Family Reunion
• Company Party

How to coordinate adding massage to your party:

• Talk to your massage therapist about the kind of party you’re throwing. Decide the type of massage you’d like to offer to your guests. If it’s a small group, consider one-hour full body massage for the guests, or if you’d like to shorten the amount of time involved, ask for 30 minute sessions or shorter reflexology sessions.
• Decide whether or not you’ll be paying for the massage for the guests. If you’re going to ask your guests to pay for the sessions themselves, the massage therapist will have a minimum number of sessions they’ll require in order to book the massage party. Make sure you communicate the price and payment options to your guests prior to the party.
• The day before the party, confirm the number of sessions with the massage therapist so s/he can bring the right number of sheets and supplies for the sessions.
• Let your guests know they have control the type of massage they’re getting (relaxation or therapeutic massage) and over the amount of pressure used.

Before you book, ask the massage therapist the following:

• “What types of massage do you offer?” Find out the kinds of sessions the therapist can do on-site. Usually, you’ll be able to choose between a few options based on the types of massage the therapist performs and the logistics of the party.
• “What are your rates and does the rate differ if more people request massage?” Oftentimes the rate decreases as more people sign up for the massage sessions.
• “What is the minimum number of sessions my guests need to book you for the party?” Massage therapists will ask for a minimum number of sessions to be scheduled in order to book the party.
• “Do I get a discount?” The host usually gets a discounted or free session as part of the massage party. Some hosts elect to get the massage during the party. Others may elect to get a gift certificate and use it later.
• “Are there any options for my more modest guests?” Foot or hand massage can be offered to guests who might not want to experience draped massage. Make sure you know what you can offer your guests.

Massage can be an entertaining addition to any party, and good communication with the massage therapists and your guests can enable everyone to get the full benefit of massage. I’ve addressed the most common questions in the article above, but if you have further questions or want to schedule a massage party, please give me (Heather) a call at 615.294-6672.

More on Massage: Trager Psychophysical Integration Approach
Release through Rhythmic Movement

The Trager approach uses rhythmic rocking and jostling to body parts to loosen the joints, facilitate muscular release and increase relaxation in the body. Dr. Milton Trager began bodywork at 19. As a boxer, he received massage from his coach each day. One day, he reciprocated and worked on his coach, using a method of rhythmic rocking and shaking. The coach was amazed at his technique and the results. Over the years, Dr. Trager continued to refine his technique, and he studied as a doctor in order to pursue further knowledge of the human body. However, because of his advanced age (42), he wasn’t accepted by any medical schools in the country. Later, he was accepted into a school in Mexico where he received his MD. Even as he worked at his medical practice, he continued to treat patients with his unique form of bodywork.

Dr. Trager believed that although there are many muscular causes of tension in muscles, much of the tension held in our bodies is fundamentally mental in nature. By using rhythmic rocking and shaking of limbs and joints, the Trager approach reeducates the mind on the loose, relaxed state the body can return to. “Utilizing gentle, non-intrusive, natural movements, The Trager Approach helps release deep-seated physical and mental patterns and facilitates deep relaxation, increased physical mobility, and mental clarity. These patterns may have developed in response to accidents, illnesses, or any kind of physical or emotional trauma, including the stress of everyday life” (http://www.trager.com/approach.html).

In a Trager session, the client wears a bathing suit or underwear, and lays on a massage table to receive bodywork for 60 to 90 minutes. The therapist gently moves the client (using no lotions or oils), slowing shaking loose holding patterns and tension held in the muscles. The therapist is relaxed and meditative during the session, encouraging the client to delve into the sessions as the client experiences the session. Often, people report feeling lighter or freer after the session. After the hands-on portion of the session, the therapist gives the client exercises called “Mentastics.” These exercises shake the joints and increase relaxation, range of movement and freedom from tension as the client performs them.

Trager has been shown to effectively treat many problems, from neck and back pain, to MS, Muscular Dystrophy and other conditions which lead to limited range of movement and tight muscles.

• Trager.Com
• United States Trager Association (USTA)