Massage Therapy Music
(4 Types that help us relax and heal)
Good massage therapy music for your session is critical! Anyone who tells you it isn't, has no idea about true relaxation in massage therapy.
Music sets the tone for relaxation.
Get the music right, and you are prepared for the best gift you can give...the gift of true relaxation.
Other things matter too; like smell of the room, calmness of therapist's voice, warmth of the oil or lotion, flickering of candles, and the feel of the massage table sheets.
But the music is, by far, the most critical aspect of the first 5 minutes of the session.
There are many different types of music, using many different instruments to create a calming sound-scape.
Learning how to choose massage music for relaxation actually requires you to dip deep into your soul!
4 Types of Massage Therapy Music
- New Age - Some of the most popular new age musicians often market and sell their music to massage therapists, who search for the perfect healing sounds for their sessions.
- Guitar - Relaxing guitar massage music is another common choice for therapists who want to provide a soothing atmosphere.
- Piano - Healing piano massage music and nature music are also found in many massage rooms and spas, as well as in many homes for those who search for relaxation for unwinding or sleep.
- Flute - You may also prefer native flute music for your massage. Flute music is very grounding, taking us back in a sense, to our origins and allowing us to feel safe and at peace.
Artists most known for great massage music:
“Music for Healing” – Steve Halpern
Halpern is known as a sound healing expert in the New Age massage community. The first few times I listened to him, I thought this is a little weird, but I was enchanted. By the end of the CD, I felt very relaxed by the variety of sounds that came together perfectly. If you like New Age music, give Steve a try. This album has great reviews on Amazon.
These CDs are always a favorite with massage therapists. Clients seem to be particularly fond of the "Music for Healing", "Inner Peace", and "Echos of A Dream" albums.
Massage therapy music sets the stage for healing
Here's how to choose the best music:
Tempo: Opt for music with a BPM (beats per minute) around 60-65, which matches the average resting heartbeat. This helps synchronize the brain's activity and promotes relaxation.
Instrumentation: Choose music with fewer instruments, like solo instruments or gentle background music. Avoid complex arrangements that can be distracting.
Genre: Consider genres like new age , or celtic music, all known for their soothing qualities.
Specific examples:
- Gentle acoustic melodies
- Soft piano pieces
- Nature sounds like ocean waves, wind chimes, or rain
- Native American, Celtic, or Indian music with stringed instruments, drums, and flutes
- Mantra chants
- Ambient music
Tips for choosing and using music:
- Test the music yourself: Ensure the music is relaxing and you enjoy listening to it.
- Consider client preferences: Some clients may prefer certain genres or sounds, so it's good to ask their preferences.
- Avoid repetition: Ensure the music doesn't become repetitive or jarring to the client.
- Music with lyrics: While some people may find lyrics relaxing, others may find them distracting.
- Nature sounds: Be mindful of how sounds like water may affect some clients, as they can sometimes trigger a urinary response.
- Have a Wide Selection of Options:No one wants to listen to the same song over and over every day, so make sure you have more than one playlist available for your massage clinic.
- Likewise, not every client likes the same genres or artists, so it’s good to have a few you can quickly switch between.
- Make sure each is a fairly long playlist that can go for at least a few hours. The last thing you want during a massage therapy session is for your playlist to end halfway through and be left in silence. Talk about awkward!
Massage music is healing...just the music. But, when therapeutic touch is added, there is potential for a deeper healing to take place....for the mind, body, and spirit healing!
Read more about the physical and mental music health benefits.
Together, the hands of the therapist and chords of the music prepares the client to begin release of stress, tension, worry, fear, and sometimes even trauma.
The healing is not done by the therapist or the music. The healing is done by the client, when the client is ready to heal. Only then, will they be able to truly let go of their problems.
When you have had a stressful day, there is nothing like relaxing music to help you unwind and release the worries of the day.
What's your favorite massage therapy music for relaxation and healing?
Go back to Massage Education Guide Homepage from Massage Therapy Music
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