Download ABMP’s Massage Exchange Planning Form to plan your practice session with classmates. Then, track your massage exchanges with the Session Exchange Form.
Massage Exchange Checklist
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Great Massage Exchanges
During your massage training program, you and your classmates will exchange massage sessions to practice your hands-on skills. These sessions give you the opportunity to refine your techniques, learn to transition smoothly between techniques, and develop fluid whole-body sessions. To get the most from massage exchanges:
Create a Written Plan
Before you place your hands on your “client,” use ABMP’s Massage Exchange Planning form to develop a strategy for practice time. With a written plan, you are more likely to practice techniques on various body areas, practice techniques that are difficult for you, and use exchange time effectively.
Work With Someone You Trust
To get the most from exchange sessions, you’ll want to work with a classmate you trust. This way, you can try out new skills and get honest feedback in a safe environment. Be fearless by trying each stroke on different body areas and at different depths and paces to get feedback about what works.
Work With Different Body Types
You don’t want to fall into the habit of only exchanging massage with one person. Develop your trust with multiple classmates so you have the opportunity to work with many different body types. If you only work with one body type, you’ll have difficulty transferring techniques to other types. Tissue quality, the movement ability of joints, and the way you use your body weight to facilitate depth of strokes may change based on the size and condition of the body you work with. Be prepared to work with every body type when you become a professional.
Be a Feedback-Giver and Not a Client
When you’re acting as the practice body, strive to be a feedback-giver and not a client. Clients relax, fall asleep, or check out. Support your classmate by giving him or her lots of feedback about what you like, the degree of pressure and if you want more or less, and strokes that feel as if they need improvement. Ask your classmate to do the same for you when you switch roles.
Focus on Techniques that Feel Difficult
It’s easy to make practice time about doing what comes naturally. Instead of applying all of the strokes that feel easy and natural, focus on what feels difficult or unnatural. This is the only way to really develop your massage and bodywork method toolbox.
Use Music to Build Fluidity
During practice sessions, choose music that is fluid, has an even tempo, and makes you want to dance. Spend 10 minutes of every practice session “dancing” your massage. Dance while you apply techniques and match your strokes to the music. This is a great way to build your fluidity and to improve your body mechanics.