CE INSTITUTE LLC BLOG

By Selena Belisle, Founder and Instructor, CE Institute LLC

I experience a LOT of massage therapy and bodywork from others. The number of massages I’ve received over my almost 40-year massage therapy career would be in the thousands. Any good massage instructor would seek constant massage from others as part of an experiential learning process to continually share with others.

In this article, we’re going to discuss what an appropriate amount of massage oil, cream, lotion or gel would be appropriate for a massage therapy appointment. I will refer to these substances as massage mediums or mediums, which are common lingo in the massage therapy industry.  Mediums can be oils, lotions, powders, cream or gels used for bodywork or massage therapy services.

I recently went to a Vermont massage school student clinic for a massage therapy appointment and shared a unique experience with the student’s massage medium application.  That was, whenever the student therapist applied their massage medium to a new work area, it always felt like they were not using or applying enough.  A lack of massage medium during Swedish massage in particular can cause an undesirable drag or skin friction, which is usually contrary to a Swedish relaxation appointment.

At first, it was easy and erroneous to discount the lack of appropriate massage medium to the situation where I was receiving massage from a student; however, once the medium was applied to the new work area with longer effleurage application, it never felt like there was a lack of an appropriate medium.  In fact, their massage therapy strokes which included ringing, petrissage, bone tracing and more felt really wonderful! So, in the end, it created this puzzling feeling of what is an appropriate amount of massage medium?

Usually in massage appointments, the amount of massage medium feels less and less as appointment time continues, which requires reapplication of the massage medium to avoid drag and friction.  So how could a massage medium feel like it’s not enough at the beginning and more appropriate during later strokes, such as what happened with this student’s massage? The answer is there was not enough massage medium applied for a longer effleurage stroke, but there was an appropriate amount of massage medium applied for the remaining shorter strokes like ringing and petrissage.

So, this partly answers the question about whether you’re using enough massage medium in your bodywork or massage appointments. Enough massage medium should be used to avoid undesirable skin friction or drag.  Contrarily, less medium should be used when friction or drag are essential to the treatment.

We do not recommend using excessive amounts of massage mediums, unless you’re using massage tools such as hot stones which require quick glide over the skip and  cups where you want to reduce skin friction while working the deeper levels of soft tissue. In examples such as Orthopedic Cupping Massage or Hot Stone Massage, we refer to the phrase “make it shine”, because we want the client’s skin to shine with enough massage medium for proper modality engagement.

The correct answer as to whether you are using enough massage medium in your bodywork or massage appointments also depends on your client.  As long as you are able to execute your massage or bodywork skills with ease, any amount of massage medium the client wishes for would be appropriate, as long as it’s not excessive or causing physical harm.

The massage therapy and bodywork goal for proper medium application is to use enough but never too much. Using too much massage medium becomes expensive, can unnecessarily soil sheets, towels and clothing, make other massage equipment or floors sticky and unsanitary, can cause laborious cleaning efforts amongst other problems. Not using enough massage medium can hurt or in a worst-case scenario, cause injury such as skin friction burns.  Your massage medium application should allow the massage therapist to practice their hands-on skills with ease, feel good to the client and provide a therapeutic result from the hands-on work as well.

After almost 40-years of practice, I’ve seen all types of massage medium monitoring application by employers, most of which is unpractical.  The worst I saw was a lightweight cream provided in a 2-ounce cup per appointment, and the therapist was not allowed to use more than 2 ounces of massage medium per client which was beyond impractical. Anyone who assigns a specific number of ounces of massage medium to be used with any particular client is likely inexperience and uneducated.  That’s because:

• Massage clients can be of various sizes. A 90-pound female client will almost always require less massage medium than a 400-pound client with a larger surface area to cover. As such, providing a 2-ounce ratio per client is likely wasteful with some clients and painfully short with others.

• Massage recipients can have skin hydration differences, with anything between skin dryness and dehydration to oiliness or any other combination.  Some massage clients can have such oily skin that you might not need to use much massage medium at all.  While others can have such dry skin, that massage medium reapplication may be constant, especially if you’re using a highly absorbent product.

• The massage medium’s absorbency rate can also change the amount of massage medium required for the specific task at hand, whether it’s to glide over the underlying soft tissue, compress the underlying soft tissue, cause friction or other purposes.  Changing the massage medium being used on the same exact client can change the amount of massage medium required depending on the product’s absorbency.  Some massage mediums sit on the skin and are not very absorbent, such as Vaseline.  While other massage mediums might instantly absorb, requiring more frequent re-application.

• Some clients may have excessive body hair requiring greater massage medium application too.  Massage therapists should be prepared to use extra massage medium on a hairy client to reduce a painful pulling of the client’s body hair.

In general terms, massage oils and creams would provide the greatest amount of slip or glide with the least amount of absorption while gels, lotions and powders provide the greatest amount of friction and fastest absorption rates.  While every product is different, those generalities amongst massage mediums apply to most but not all.   Relaxation appointments usually require massage mediums with greater while deep tissue and focal bodywork such as myofascial release or trigger point therapy would generally use massage mediums with less slip, such as gels, powders, lotions or perhaps no massage medium at all.

In conclusion, there is no exact amount of massage medium that should be used for clients because this is an individual situation that is based upon client size, modality type, body hair, absorption rate and other factors which require customized amounts.  The right amount will be what feels best to you and your client with an effective result.

Different licenses have different scopes of practice, usually depending on the state you are licensed and practicing in.  Always check with your licensed scope of practice prior to administering a new service to a client.

There are may different products and ingredients that could be added to regular massage or bodywork service to give it a special touch.

To create an earth angel experience, think about using some of these specialized products:

1. Clary sage essential oil has an earthy aroma to it. It also provides euphoric, warming, balancing and relaxing therapeutic effects.
2. Jasmine essential oil has a floral aroma which is also euphoric, warming and uplifting. 
3. Dead sea salts have lots of different minerals that can boost hydration and reduce inflammation. You can use dead sea salts to create a full body scrub, or simply just a back, hand or foot scrub.
4. Similar to dead sea salts, dead sea mud also has a lot of different minerals with therapeutic effects, plus can be detoxifying when applied as a spa body wrap.
5. Using hot stones is a wonderful way to add mother earth to the appointment, plus the warmth is extremely comforting to most when properly applied and used. NEVER apply hot stones directly to the skin without 2 barriers as depicted in the picture above.

Adding specialized ingredients to regular appointment services can change the context and frame of mind for the appointment, to celebrate a special occasion or simply experience something different to break up a monotonous routine.

Be sure to train in aromatherapy plus body scrub, wrap, hot stone and massage applications and contraindications prior to administering any type of service to a client.

For full directions on how to create this treatment, or to learn more, please register for quality, affordable, professional training at: https://ceinstitute.com/

Here is a Massage Therapy Instructor Demonstration of how to setup a Hot Stone Massage bath with a heating element.  

Do not practice hot stone massage without formal hot stone and massage therapy training.

For professional hot stone massage training, please visit and register for class at: https://ceinstitute.com/collections/hot-stone

As cited from our Massage Magazine article on Heated Thermotherapies:

Heated thermotherapies increase blood flow and cellular metabolism, which can help reduce muscle spasms, increase tissue elasticity and decrease pain. 

Heat induces viscoelastic property changes in collagenous tissues. A large systematic review found that heat increases range of motion (ROM) with these collagenous tissue changes. Additionally, the study concluded that a combination of heat and stretching is more effective than stretching alone.

Increased healing potential: In one study, a heating pad increased blood flow to the trapezius muscle up to 144% in healthy individuals. Increased blood flow applied to an injury site is thought to increase the supply of nutrients and oxygen to the injury, thus a promotion or potential acceleration of healing processes.

For complete hot stone massage training, please register for class at: https://ceinstitute.com/collections/hot-stone

#hotstone #hotstonemassage #bodywork #massage #massagetherapist #lmt #massagetherapy #stonemassage #bodywork #bodyworker #thermaltherapy #thermotherapy #thermotherapies #HEAT #MASSAGEtherapy #MASSAGEtherapist #PATIENT-centeredcare #health

Hot stone massage is known as thermal therapy (or thermotherapy) that increases circulation.  It is an “Ancient Ritual” that provides “deep relaxation”.

Basalt molten lava is commonly used in hot stone massage. This is the traditional black volcanic rock that is known to absorb/retain heat well.  The lava flow reaches between 700 to 1,200 °C which generates a lot of “energy” within the stone.

For complete hot stone massage training, please register for class at: https://ceinstitute.com/collections/hot-stone

Here is a short visual instructor demonstration video of hot stone massage therapy application on the foot, with passive range of motion:

#footmassage #hotstone #hotstonemassage #bodywork #massage #massagetherapist #lmt #massagetherapy #stonemassage #bodywork #bodyworker #thermaltherapy #thermotherapy #thermotherapies #HEAT  #healthcare #footpain

Cleaning and Washing Your Stones for Hot Stone Massage

BE THOROUGH & SANITARY.  Most hot stone professional warmers will have a removable liner.  Remove all materials from the warmer and then remove the liner.  Wash the liner first prior to relining with a new towel and clean stones. 

Stones must be individually washed in between each session, as shown here in this visual instructor demonstration video.

Use “grease cutting” dish detergent and a sponge and wash stones individually.  Use a toothbrush with cleanser if it seems like there is any stickiness to the stone or any of the other hot stone materials.  

Leave stone warmer unplugged between sessions. Keep all hot stone materials together always, so that you do not forget something important such as a thermometer or slotted spoon during your massage session.

Recharging Your Stones

Sometimes stones will might feel a little “sluggish” in energy, especially after extra use and/or cleaning. Some therapists feel the stones absorb client energies. To recharge your stones:

• Lay stones outside during a Full Moon to recharge energetic properties
• Lay stones in the grass or in rain if Full Moon is not available

For complete hot stone massage training, please register for class at: https://ceinstitute.com/collections/hot-stone

 #hotstone #hotstonemassage #bodywork #massage #massagetherapist #lmt #massagetherapy #stonemassage #bodywork #bodyworker #thermaltherapy #thermotherapy #thermotherapies #HEAT #MASSAGEtherapy #infectionprotection #cleaning #wash #hotstonebath #stoneheater #stonemassgeheater #hotstoneheater #health

A massage stone heater is also known as a stone bath unit. Hot stone massage therapists are known to use turkey roasters, crock pots, kitchen griddles, hot towel cabins, kettles, heating pads and other types of heating devices, in addition to professional stone massage bath units, to heat their stones. For best practices during hot stone massage, all stones must be fully immersed in water within a heating unit prior to use. This is known as the "bath". Most stone bath units that have a built-in temperature gauge within a hot stone bath operating range are preferred. 

Heating sources such as a hot towel cabi or kitchen griddle that do not include a total water immersion can create uneven stone surface temperatures. Unevenly heated stones are not reliable or safe to use, especially when working near maximum operating temperatures for hot stone massage.

Stone bath units must also have an adjustable temperature control. Practitioners must continually adjust the bath temperature as needed, especially if cooler stones are returned to the bath, to maintain a proper operating temperature.

For complete hot stone massage training, please register for class at: https://ceinstitute.com/collections/hot-stone

In this short instructional video, we'll explain what should be used for heating massage stones, and more importantly, what should not be used:

 #hotstone #hotstonemassage #bodywork #massage #massagetherapist #lmt #massagetherapy #stonemassage #bodywork #bodyworker #thermaltherapy #thermotherapy #thermotherapies #HEAT #MASSAGEtherapy #MASSAGEtherapists #SKINcare #BURNS #scalds #PATIENT-centeredcare  #PATIENTsafety #hotstonebath #stoneheater #stonemassgeheater #hotstoneheater #health

Establishing consistent opening rituals could prove to be beneficial, especially in group practice. Spending one minute or more with anything that feels familiar at the start of any session could feel comforting when an old client quickly reconnects with familiar touch.  Many clients could instantly relax when they recognize what they are feeling and receiving.

In this article, we focused mostly on opening rituals, and added in a few common closing rituals as well. We provided sample and common rituals for the following massage therapy and soft tissue bodywork applications: 

• Abhyanga & Ayurvedic Massage
• Aromatherapy Massage
• Craniosacral Therapy
• Chair Massage
• Cupping Massage
• Deep Tissue Massage
• Geriatric Massage
• Hot Stone Massage
• Ice Massage
• Lomi Lomi Massage
• Manual Lymphatic Drainage
• Myofascial Release
• Neuromuscular Therapy
• Oncology Massage 
• Post-Surgical Bodywork
• Prenatal Massage
• Reflexology
• Reiki
• Sports Event Massage
• Swedish Massage
• Thai Massage
• Trigger Point Therapy

Here is a list of common closing rituals that can be commonly practiced amongst all modalities: 

• Thank the client for their time.
• Express wishful thoughts silently or aloud for the client.
• Apply a hold with static placement of their hands on the client’s body.
• Ask the client to take some deep breaths.
• Perform body brushing techniques.
• Use a towel to remove massage medium from the client’s skin.
• Assist a client off the treatment table with select services or customers.
• Turn up any dim lighting so the client has greater visibility and acclimation back to reality.

Of course, no one has to follow these lists and practitioners can make up their own opening and closing practices as well!  What's most important is allowing your client to feel comfortable and instantly relax in your work area.

To learn more, please register for quality affordable professional training at: https://ceinstitute.com/

You can read this article in full at Massage Magazine by clicking HERE.

 #Abhyanga #Ayurvedic Massage #AromatherapyMassage #CraniosacralTherapy #ChairMassage #CuppingMassage #DeepTissueMassage #GeriatricMassage #HotStoneMassage #IceMassage #ManualLymphaticDrainage #MyofascialRelease #NeuromuscularTherapy #OncologyMassage #Post-SurgicalBodywork #PrenatalMassage #Reflexology #Reiki #SportsMassage #SwedishMassage #ThaiMassage #TriggerPointTherapy #lomilomi

Evidence-based massage practice applies a hands-on researched protocol to a client. The objective is to simulate hands-on applications with methods and protocols found to be beneficial in research or provide therapeutic outcomes, similar to what was achieved in the research study.

Sometimes a researched protocol which show what is not appropriate in massage therapy or bodywork practice.  Studies often exclude subjects with various disqualifications which create various parameters for the student.  Sometimes these exclusions are born from massage contraindications which are important to follow.  from participating due to various constraints or contraindications. This is why the entire study must be read and considered prior to real-time application or practice for evidence-based massage therapy practice.

To learn more, please register for quality, affordable, professional training at: https://ceinstitute.com/

To view our evidence-based massage article in full, published @MassageMag, please click HERE!

#swedishmassage #evidencebased #myofascialrelease #triggerpoint #hotstone #hotstonemassage #aromatherapy #aromatherapymasage #sportsmassage #prenatalmassage #oncologymassage #chairmassage #cuppingmassage #avyurvedicmassage #generalmassage #massagetherapy #lmt #mt #massage #lomiloimmassage #mld #manuallymphaticdrainage #lymphaticdrainage #medicalmassage #reflexology