Challenges of summer and the heat

[Answer King]

Well the heat has arrived in Northern Ontario

I just completed working a 3 day wellness retreat, where I did 20hrs. stretched over the three days. Most of it chair work. I love doing chair work, and although it only makes up a small portion of my practice, occasionally events like this come up where I do a lot in a short time.

I have a few questions for those that do chair work more frequently.
How do you deal with heat? Your own as you work, and the clients. This weekend was indoor with fans and open windows, but still hot with clients almost puddling, and definitely sweating through their shirt backs.
How do you deal with those wearing tank type tops whose sweaty skin is about as sticky as duct tape?
I worked hard to adapt and make sure that all left with good results, but had to change it up quite a bit for each client. Seems each had slightly different clothing or heat related challenge.

Thanks
Darren

 

[hotguy101]

The heat's arrived in Northern Wisconsin as well, not to mention the humidity.
I did some chair massage for a friend in her home the other night and quite frankly had her take off her shirt so I could do the massage on her skin rather than through a shirt. I started working her shoulders and upper back with MFR and then switched to acupressure, finishing up with a little aromatherapy. (You can use a couple drops of cool water on your finger tips as a lubricant.)
You do what you can to make them feel great... but in this weather the best results come from drinking lots of water.
When you can't have the client remove their shirt... of course tanks or t-shirts would probably be best. As for how to cool the client down... I'd offer lots of cold water, before and after the session. I'd have a fans moving the air around a lot in the room. And I'd consider making or creating some e.o. sprays. Perhaps some with refreshing (lemon/lime, peppermint etc) essential oils which could be misted in the air around the clients to make them feel cooler or more energized.

As for keeping yourself cool, perhaps one of those scarves that you soak in water and then tie around your neck? They're made by several different companies...
Cooldownz, Icy Cools, Polar Products, etc...
Some products can be found on amazon.com, qvc.com, etc.

Here's a link to the last one. They make all kinds of stuff...
http://polarsoftice.com/

Just a few random thoughts. t102

 

[psyche]

I find I can overheat doing long chair massage sessions even in winter. I agree that drinking lots of water is crucial. I try to avoid working outside without shelter.

For the client, if you are using a chair with a vinyl chest pad, consider adding a towel or other absorbent fabric over it, especially if the people are fully clothed. (Then you don't have to change one more thing between clients.) Also, a fabric cover over the face cradle before you add the disposable face cradle cover seems to help reduce the amount of sweating

In a hot situation, I will wear a sleeveless t-shirt, but not spaghetti straps. I will also wear capris, but I draw the line at shorts unless it is going to be unbearably hot. Good supporting sandals instead of socks and shoes also help.

 

[King Crimson]

I like using the cooling neck wrap ( I just found thanks to others here) that you soak in water. For the clients I put a smooth light weight piece of fabric over their back to reduce friction. I made mine myself out of a satin type fabric, but you can buy them from massage supply places. It does not actually keep the client cooler, but it does make them more comfy. I also take my own fan along with me when I do chair massage, especially if I'm not sure of the location.

 

[Kate]

good golly - it's been so long since i've done chair massage. and this weekend i have a 3 day event.. i forgot about the heat! yikes!