Location, location, location

[Kaminari_Koori]

Hi everybody

I was wondering how important most people feelthe rightsurroundings are to a good treatment?

The reason for raising this question, is that I used to frequently have my treatments carried out in Leytonstone, in a room rented from a Chinese herbalist. The room was always comfortable and warm, but never inviting or alluring . The Massages that I received there were always very good and Suzanne (the therapist) obviously tried to make the decor as pleasant as possible. Suzanne then lost the use of the room and as her alternative location was not very convenient for me, I moved on and tried a number of other establishments. I recently heard that New Age London had started treatments in E4, so I rang up and went along to their swish new premises for a massage. The newly decorated room was quite cosy but most importantly, had soft lighting and was so much more atmospheric than the old one. I am sure that the massage was technically identical to the ones I have had from Suzanne many times before, but it just seemed so much more relaxing in the new environment. Suzanne’s treatments have long been amongst my favourite, but they now seem Immeasurably better.

So, what do you all think, is the environment as important as the technique, or should it not matter when you are lying down with your eyes closed for much of the time? On a percentage basis, how important are the surroundings, 25% environment and 75% technique? How do others rate the parts of whole experience, and what other factors apart from environment and technique affect it?

Just wondering what you all think!!!

RichardE

 

[enjoy]

being awoman (!) and an artist (or previous one), I feel the environment:
- says it all
- gives a good or a bad vibe to the people within it.

if there is something called "light therapy" and "colour therapy" then there must be a good reason.

As for me , a strip light can trigger a migraine, if I look at it directly. So you can imagine how I appreciatea soft,well diffused, warm lighting. Candles are really good, not just to make it look new age!

In Zen thinking, (I read The Book of the Tea by Okanama, which I warmly recommned) it describes in depth the ideal setting to offer and drink tea, ie: to carry out something pure and sacred. And to sum it up: the room must be almost void of things (no clutter, bare minimum in furniture,etc), light but no glaring sun light, clean (very important) and brightened up by a single flower or the painting of a flower. The dress of the host and guests play a big part in the atmosphere of the ceremony, as well as the things being said. Obviously no music is played.

But this is a very specific setting for a very special event. I am not suggesting the ideal place is all bare and silent...however when my room is well arranged, clean, ordered and conveys a sense of "space "feels spacious = no clutter) I feel wonderful.

 

[Beckey]

Hi Richard[/align][/align]I think it depends largely on the type of treatment you are giving, a large part of my treatments are remedial in nature and I have done them in all sorts of places.[/align][/align]I would expect that with relaxation massage the room adds but to be honest with most of my patients, as long as they feel better at the end of the treatment they aren't bothered [/align]

 

[waverunner]

Ooh Thanks [sm=nature-smiley-008.gif]

And you must have been very relaxed, it's in the City!

 

[wcarolinew]

the environment contributes so much
from the colour in the room (colour therapy etc?)
the smell (aromatheraputic?)
the music (meditative?)
the size (cosy/spacious?)
level of outside noise
client comfort
etc etc ......
it generally depends on the client + wat type of massage they r seeking but it is usually to de-stress and i personally think all these factors really make a huge difference to set a serenic mood

 

[Poopsie Mellish]

I work from home giving reflexology in my front/dining room and it is cosy and the lighting is adjustable, music on, and nice smells from the oil burner.
Most of my clients dose off sometimes, so its obviously relaxing enough.

My poblem now is do I still give massage in the same room. I'm thinking of turning a bedroom into a treatment room, but then clients would have to climb the stairs. I think I'll porbably stay in the front room but it will be a real nuisance to have to keep putting the couch up and down.. I use a Lafuma for reflex and it is so convenient.

I worked for a while in a physio practice and it was awful, lots of noise from reception area and doorbell ringing all the time and they took 1/3 of my payments so I much prefer my nice quiet homely house now. But have to say that I have treatments in a big room with everyone else when we are practising and it is still bliss. Dont want to get up after.

Jan x