It’s important to start a Thai Massage session by telling receivers that it’s all right to experience emotional release. We need to reassure them that we (the masseurs) are prepared for whatever shows-up; that we don’t consider them strange or bizarre if and when they express strong (uncontrollable) emotions.
I always explain to my clients that emotional release is nothing to worry about, that it’s a healthy internal cleansing process, a release of mental and emotional tension stored in their body.
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However, we need to be aware of the fact that some receivers do not at all want to experience emotional release: they might be afraid or not used to surrender themselves to their feelings and/or to maybe relive traumatic experiences. This is something we always need to respect.
Sometimes receivers already start crying or shaking even when just telling them that they might experience emotional release during the session and that they are “allowed to.” At this stage we haven’t even started the massage or touched them!
During an actual emotional outburst, it’s recommendable to ask the receiver if they want to take a pause or even if they want to stop the session. Maybe the client wants to get up, take a little walk, or drink some water. Sometimes receivers want to talk about what is happening. Having tissues available comes handy.
If the receiver doesn’t want to stop, I would normally continue the work, while often diminishing a bit the intensity of the massage until the receiver recovers. But sometimes, when receivers point out that they want “to get to the bottom of it,” I don’t lessen intensity, but in contrast sustain or even deepen pressure and profundity.
After a session, I tell receivers that they might experience forms of emotional release in the days to follow and that it’s all right to contact me if they worry about the symptoms or just want to talk about what they experience. I always invite my clients to give me some news and feedback after 5-7 days of the treatment.
Note: this article is a sequel of Thai Massage and Emotional Release – Part 1.
