Hiya,
I am currently working through my case studies for Indian Head Massage training - this being the second therapy I have trained in. I have been getting a bit frustrated with the lack of strength and fluid movements with my left side. I am right handed and have seemed to pick up the movements much quicker on this side and can put a good amount pressure but it just does not really seem to be improving much with the left.
My other therapy is Reflexology and I do not have issues with that, but I think this is because the movements are much less vigorous!
I think I am just looking for a little bit of reassurance really, is this something other people have experienced? Is there anything you would recommend to help improve this? I'm guessing the answer will be practice, practice and more practice! But if there is anything else you think would help I would be grateful. I have almost been thinking of giving up and this has made me slow down a little with the case studies so need a bit of a boost!
Thanks
I have definately experienced this, not in delivering a treatment but in my own Yoga practice, I am useless on one side compared to the other!
My yoga teacher suggested that I use my left side for tasks, such as hoovering, so that it strengthens up and I am more aware of it. I wonder if that would help you? I think it may take time though.
Hi HMB
I am predominately left handed and find my right side weaker. Just keep practising and try and use your weaker arm as karlin suggested may help to.
Your strength and fluidity will develop just keep going! 🙂
It will get easier, as my business grew and I got busier my arms and back would ache like mad after a day of massages..however..as I corrected my posture..became aware of how I was standing and my muscles got used to the movements the aches subsided.
It's very important as a therapist to use correct posture while working, y not to get into bad habits!
As you gain experience you will develop your own method of carrying out a massage that will benefit your client and yourself. It will come!
Hope this helps!
Best wishes
[url]InnerSense - Home[/url]
Hi HMB
I too do Indian Head Massage (IHM) & Reflexology. (pre-dominately reflexology)
When I started doing IHM I felt exactly the same as you. My left arm and co-ordination was weak. But as said above by Karin & Innersense it will get better with practise.
As well as making sure you have the correct posture you will find that there are ways round doing a massage. You may find that working at different angles may help or try using the knuckles of your outer fingers for doing circular movements. Try it and remember to ask the client how that feels. This will help boost your confidence & reassure you.
You'll be fine. Take care.
Fi x
I found when I trained in Indian head massage that both my hands were weak. It is the only type of massage I do at the moment. Practising regularly helped me build up my strength in my hands and I have no problems at all now, so don't give up keep going 🙂
I've just realised you originally posted in June, how are you getting on now *HMB*?
I wonder if HMB will come back. She last logged on on 23rd Sept 😉
This is a common problem with learning bodywork. We have to work on ourselves to develop the necessary techniques which help our clients and not disturb our own bodys.
Most therapists (including myself) come into this work often lopsided, with RSI from previous jobs, health problems etc and have to re-learn how to use our bodies differently. Adopting regular exercise such as Pilates, Tai Chi, Qigong and Yoga benefits our bio-mechanics and strength, without which we are not going to be able to massage regularly. It's not just doing those exercises but integrating them into our work and everyday life.
Massage is physical work, and we have to be fit to do it! How can we help others if we don't help ourselves?
RP