Been out with a couple of friends tonight and I am getting a bit fed up with comments they make about massage.
Maybe I was a bit naive but I honestly did not have any idea that some people held such strange ideas about massage.
I don't see these friends very often so while we were all updating each other on our news I talked a bit about the massage course I've been on since last Autumn.
I came home feeling really "ganged-up on" because both these ladies are mature women who hold down responsible jobs but they were making remarks about "massage parlours" etc etc and what on earth made me want to massage a stranger. I explained that our course and tutor is very professional and I was doing it because I was interested in learning about anatomy and physiology and had benefitted from massages in the past so that's how my interest started.
So why have I come home and feel "flat" about my course now and can't shake off the "smutty" suggestions.
Sorry if this offends anyone on here but I am sure others must have encountered remarks like this before.
Hi 2hoots
I know what you mean. I used to get this all the time. Now, no one wouldn't dare take the p, as my clinical success demands respect. If people think you are intimidated they will play on it. If I was you, I would tell them that they are a "backward thinking f wit still living in the Victorian era, and massage is a form of traditional medicine found through out the world and it's about time you grew up!"
I hope this comment puts a smile on your face ;-)))
Remember what you are doing is from a compassionate heart.
Best Wishes
A very cheeky pixie
Hi Two hoots,
I suspect you will find yourself changing and distancing from these friends, your interests have changed from when you used to be closer to them I suspect. Maybe you will find yourself drawn to new people who have the same interests as you in the future. People are entitled to their opinion and although sometimes I dont agree with them now I just kind of accept that its ignorance on their part about Massage, (I did used to get very upset and offended but just think what they are missing out on!!) Massage has been proven to have FANTASTIC benefits, you know that and have seen what it can offer you and by learning more about it you are going to be able to bring those benefits to many people yourself. Its their loss, well done you for finding something that 'fires' you, enjoy your course and look forward to your future and helping others.kx
Hi 2hoots
"backward thinking f*** wit still living in the Victorian era, and massage is a form of traditional medicine found through out the world and it's about time you grew up!"
:D:D:D:D:D:D
As i always say this country is way behind the rest of the world when it comes to personal health. Those that try massage are usually sold for life, those that don't is their loss!
Massage is the most natural form of communal health care there is! its just the typical British stiff upper lip mentality that holds people back in the UK.
I believe you have started on a journey for life, massage is a wonderful method that brings light to many peoples lives.
Some of my friends don't understand massage either, and being a practioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine dealing with Qi (energy) many of them couldn't entertain the fact that the body is more than the sum of its parts!
I recently began working with other energy practitioners and now when i talk about energy it is just normal conversation.
Get ready for some postive changes 😉
You didin't mention waht system of massage you were learning. Always good to know for us lot.
INDO
That used to drive me nuts to! Men are even worse believe me...
Stay true to yourself - I used to look at people with do you really think that is something I would do and they soon got the message I was serious about it.
I agree we are way behind the rest of the world, sadly it is that stiff upper lip. My massage tutor used to say she had a lot of respect for people who could cry and let out emotion, sadly it is seen as a weakness!
These comments make me smile. I don't think we live in a victorian or backward society. We do live in a society that cuturally is not used to massage.
Therefore the challenge for us as therapists is to bring massage to the masses. I find once people have had their first massage, they become a convert.
Perhaps as therapists we spend too much time talking or selling techniques instead of the benefits of massage. Does a person who's had a massage care about where the technique came from? Or are they more interested in the relaxation, the reduction of stress or being pain free?
It is sad that many directories and search engines put massage with other services. But I think the answer is with us as massage therapists to ensure our marketing is more effective.
When talking with friends who are sceptical, I offer them a quick neck massage. It's amazing how people's attitudes melt away in just a few seconds. The more you massage the more confident you become about the benefits of it, then it becomes easier to hold your own in these conversations.
One of the best investments I ever made was to buy a massage chair. It's excellent for giving tasters and far less intimidating than a couch for a first time massage.
We should enjoy carrying the cause of therapeutic massage because we have a vast untapped market to win.
Myarka.
I've had to put on my website that I do not offer intimate massage, and to ask would offend. I am sick and tired of men asking do I go to hotels, do I offer happy endings, have I got pigtails or would I be topless whilst massaging. I really would like to tell them to stick their thoughts up their ****. I have even been asked by one man if I am definitely female as he wouldn't want to meet me if I was a man, he doesn't swing that way. I mean FFS LOL
So yeah, thanks massage parlours for making my career a mockery, thank you so kindly 🙂 lol
Of course the Victorian age has gone, the point was to put a smile on 2hoots face, as she was obliviously feeling down, and needs some empowerment.
Of course the Victorian age has gone, the point was to put a smile on 2hoots face, as she was obliviously feeling down, and needs some empowerment.
It did - cheered me up no end, so thanks!:) I'll keep that one up my sleeve for the right occasion.;)
You are a very perceptive lot and thanks so much for listening.
i've recently joined the wonderful world of twitter ( no clue yet what to do all in good time ) & am now been followed by '' a sensual therapist '' yeah right , why they just don't say it straight (obv legal reasons) what they'll all about rather than lower our image, did make me giggle when i checked out their website & in beautiful guernsey ( what would bergerac say lol )
RE: Rieki Pixie!
Bloody hell Dave!, you just killed an elephant! quick, quick.... Kidney 1! 😀
INDO
Oh s***, get the 0.70 X 75mm needle in Kid 1 quick!
To JoJo
I am glad I am not the only one to be asked about "happy endings"
We had to have a good laugh in the end, and I tried to find something positive about it and thought, well at least he found my website!!! It has made me think though, and research how to be very careful and keep myself safe. Why do they still think in this enlightened day and age, that all we are are tarts? Very offensive. Love Mel x
To JoJo
I am glad I am not the only one to be asked about "happy endings"
We had to have a good laugh in the end, and I tried to find something positive about it and thought, well at least he found my website!!! It has made me think though, and research how to be very careful and keep myself safe. Why do they still think in this enlightened day and age, that all we are are tarts? Very offensive. Love Mel x
Thanfully Mel, we were conversing by email lol
Hi again Jo, yes this was by email too. I didn't make it clear earlier, sorry. I had a good laugh with my husband, not the gentleman concerned! He was very gracious when I replied that it wasn't an area I would help him with, but never the less, its unpleasant to get the email in the first place. Sorry it happened to you too. Love Melanie x