There is a sensual, spiritual, and energetic aspect to massage therapy that cannot be ignored. Religion touches every aspect of our lives and massage in Kalispell, Mt. is no different. At one of the first massages I ever received about 15 years ago the LMT suggested she pray before the session began. Being a Christian myself, I was fine with that, but now having gone through an ethics class in massage therapy school and being a little older I understand that she was probably outside of professional boundaries with her way of beginning my therapy. Often you will see references to a therapists spirituality in their marketing; a fish symbol, a yin/yang thing, a fat buddha guy, and the like. I believe a lot of the leaning towards religions other than Christianity stems from the Asian roots of massage modalities practiced here in America. Many massage therapists like to think of themselves as healers, and although I believe we FACILITATE our clients healing, I myself am not aware that I possess any supernatural powers of healing, although I sure wish I did.
One thing you need to be aware of is what we in the industry term “energy work”. This is not the deep tissue massage type of work common in our area, more of a smoke-and-mirrors-crystal waving-hocus pocus kind of thing that has gained exposure in recent years, as massage therapy in itself has become more common place and mainstream. The most concerning of all energy work in my opinion is Reiki, which has Japanese roots, and, if you really dig in and research it with an OPEN mind, is super creepy. More concerning than the modality itself, some therapists may include it in a session without the clients full understanding of what it is and the long term effects. Before you ever commit to a session with an LMT you’ve never worked with, it is wise to research the therapist, review their website and marketing, read any online reviews that may be available, and determine if their vibe may not be a good fit with your own religious views.
Of course during a massage, religion or politics may come up during conversation, and as long as it does not compromise your state of relaxation, may be a good way to get to know the therapist and their take on life. I encourage my clients to give me feedback on pressure, room temp, and any other factors that affect their comfort, but I lean away from deep discussions that may compromise the work you are paying for. If a client asks me to pray for them, of course I will, however probably not as part of the therapy or together in my office. There is a fine line in professionalism and ethics that must be followed for the therapist/client relationship to prosper. I take my licensing very seriously, and will not do anything to jeopardize my practice or my clients.
The fact is, people ARE healed by massage therapy, and whether it’s the therapy itself, the positive energy that comes through the therapists touch, or the therapist silently praying for the client during the session may not matter to you, but we all should want to win the RIGHT way. Results are important, but you cannot cheat God and get away with it for long. I realize my beliefs may differ from yours and that’s part of the reason I’m laying my cards on the table, making it easier for you to make an informed decision about who you want to pay to touch you. I believe that my character, education, and experience can be felt through my touch, and should you bless me with the chance to work on you, the results will be well worth your time and money. Come and see for yourself.
