What makes a great massage?
Beata Aleksandrowicz is an expert on massage and the creator of the Pure Massage Spa Training Method® which provides spas worldwide with advanced training in a modern concept of massage. Beata is a powerful advocate on educating people about the important of touch, massage and spiritual growth.
The ‘go-to’ massage expert in London, Beata has a global reputation for her natural approach to ageing and is revered by the likes of Vogue, Tatler and the Times for the exceptional quality of her face and massage therapy.
She has an exclusive client list which includes TV presenters, newspaper and magazine editors alongside fashion and beauty directors. Situated in her studio in Notting Hill her private practice offers healing, face treatments and massages that are highly acclaimed and provide her with a deep understanding of the needs and concerns facing modern women today.
Here she shares her expert knowledge on what makes a great massage...
A great massage should offer much more than physical relief and relaxation. Delivered with knowledge, humanity, professionalism and commitment, a client should feel cared for. They should also feel a positive change that addresses their concerns. A good massage should make your client feel more positive, at peace and connected with themselves. There should also be clear guidance on how to support the results of the treatment at home.
To deliver a good massage we must acknowledge the healing power of touch
Touch is the mother of all senses, and is the first sense that develops in the embryo. It’s how we learn about the world around us and gives us the deepest connection with another human being. It brings comfort, reassures us that we are not alone, provides warmth, care and attention.
In today’s disconnected world we avoid touch because we don’t have the emotional understanding of how to respond to it. People don’t know how to handle intimacy either – even simple hug can become a problem. This is why touch can be misunderstood and misused. Positive touch is a condition of physical and emotional growth and I believe massage plays a vital role in restoring this balance.
Often overlooked – the workspace and treatment bed
A great massage requires space to move, and room for the therapist to properly ground his or herself. There needs to be adequate provision in the treatment room for your therapist to reach the client, not over stretching too much, so as to avoid injury. And the bed – the bed should also facilitate this, otherwise the treatment will not be as good as it could and therapist is putting their bodies in danger of injury.
Personalisation is essential
As massage therapists, we must acknowledge the uniqueness of every client, their different needs and expectations. Creating a bond with your client and having a deep understanding of why he/she is visiting you can be vital in delivering an effective massage.
In this perspective, personalised massage represents the ultimate massage. Anyone can benefit from a tailor-made massage, but this is especially good for those who suffer from stress, fatigue and chronic pain or athletes recovering from training or sporting events. The therapist addresses every and each need of the client, following the rhythms of his/her unique body and creating a powerful healing experience.
The delivery of such a massage challenges both the skills and the awareness of the therapist. Selecting the most suitable techniques and focusing on the areas that need the most attention require a deep knowledge of the body and treatment expertise.