Ethics of Massage

[nnzxevdz]

My biggest horror was tucking the towel into the top of the pants for the abdomen massage. The first time I did it on a fellow (male) student, I froze, then, rather than tuck the towel just under each side (as I was frightened of putting my fingers in 'there', I lifted the elastic of the underpants up away from the body and all the other students at his head end got an eyeful!

I actually told my tutor that I wouldn't be tucking the towel in any more, but she insisted, and although my heart was in my mouth several times after that, with practice, I've managed to perfect the move.

Lesley

 

[Rachael E]

sorry candie, meant to say remove all clothes" ie knickers stay on!
T
x

 

[??yl?]

Tracey thanks, That clears that up then!

 

[Tuhfoozy]

Scanning through this thread - I can't help but think - only in Britain!

Are we really that prudish, nay, anally retentive?

And if the therapists are embarrssed by such things, then what hope have the clients got? [sm=hidesbehindsofa.gif]

I am very aware of the moral & ethical issues involved here & offer that, as above, communication is key to minimising misunderstandings. If verbal communication isn't your forte, then a pre-treatment info leaflet may be the answer. Or the way things are going in an increasingly litigious society, may be a 'consent to treatment' form for them to sign, which may include various options. [:-]

Personally I think women choosing not to have their breasts massaged, except in cases of tenderness, are missing out on a great benefit to their lymphatic system. And that doesn't mean I'm volunteering myself.

 

[Megan Riley]

this has been very interesting reading
When I was at college we were told ' no breasts' and ' avoid abdomen on male clients'.
I always ask a client, when doing a full body massage, whether they feel comfortable with having they abdomen treated.
When i was in France this year, and last year, I treated myself to a aromatherapy massage. There approach is completely different over there. Language being the biggest barrier I dragged my sister along, who is fluent, to explain what I wanted. Relaxing with good pressure was one request and de-tox massage was the second. At one clinic the therapist asked me to undress and put on a paper thong which was fine. I hadn't had a de-tox massage before and was a little uncomfortable at first when lying on the couch breasts exposed. But then I thought well this is a de-tox massage! she was very relaxed and I had a great treatment. The second I was asked to srtip right off but decided to leave my tiny knickers on![:-] There was no problem with this either. Again another excellent massage. Before reading this thread I probably would not even have considered massaging male abdomens and female breasts. I think also I would have to learn how to do it I couldnt just go staight into a massage next week and treat someone, (with their permission). It is a very difficult area. It is a shame that we are not more open minded and relaxed about it all. but on the other hand I can understand your reaction Flower when your friend told you about her massage. It was deffinately bad communication on the therapists part. If they had taken a detailed consultation they would have found out it was her first treatment. therfor one would deduce the client to be slightly nervous and to treat them with dignity and respect and to adapt the treatment accordingly.
And I have to agree with Anahat. I always get my clients to sign a consent form on their first treatment and would ask them to sign again if any thing came up at a later date: for example the topic of conversation here.

Now i must head for bed. Need my beauty sleep for the Comp Expo on Sunday, anyone else going?