Choosing the best music for Massage.
Many holistic therapists and spas find that using background music in the therapy room can have several benefits, both for the practitioner and the client alike. With such a wide variety of ‘Relaxation Music’ or ‘Massage Music’ available to download though, which albums and genres are likely to prove most popular?
Firstly, the best music for a massage session is likely to be slow, with flowing, continual melody that does not jolt the patient out of their relaxed state. Obviously loud drumming or sudden changes of tempo are not ideal.
Secondly, although memorable tunes might seem desirable, they can in fact become irritating to the client and practitioner – nobody wants to leave a therapy session with a catchy tune running through their head. The most suitable massage music is often very neutral and unobtrusive – creating an ambiance of relaxation and calm, without becoming too dominant or putting the listener into an emotional state.
When giving any form of massage or healing, it is important to keep track of time, so that the therapist knows when the session is coming to an end. These days, much purpose written massage music is specifically timed in 5 or 10 minute tracks, allowing the practitioner to know how far through the session they are, without continually looking at their watch and breaking connection with the client.
A benefit of using music for massage at all is that it helps the client to focus on the treatment and can help to mask any background noise – for example, conversations outside in the waiting room or at the Spa reception.
The best music for massage will be tailored to the tastes of each client and therapist. Some people enjoy the flowing synthesizers and electronically generated sounds characteristic of much New Age Music, whereas others might find this too artificial and prefer an altogether more natural music during a natural therapy. Music written for flutes, strings, piano, harps or other soft, real instruments can be both tasteful and have a fresh, authentic, sound. There will also be some clients who prefer complete silence during a massage or Reiki session.
Since a masseuse or holistic therapist will be working continually with the music, it is worth them investing in several contrasting albums so that the music does not becoming too repetitive – perhaps some will be gentle classical music, others might be purpose written ‘new age’ or ‘relaxation music’, composed solely for the purpose of aiding relaxation during massage and therapies such as Reiki, aromatherapy, healing or beauty treatments. Clients might particularly enjoy one style and request it to be played at their next appointment.
Vaughan Jones is a musician and composer who believes that by using real instruments to record uplifting and relaxing music, a more authentic and natural sound can be achieved which is of benefit to the listener or client undergoing holistic therapies. He has produced two albums in this way - 'Music for Healing, Relaxation and Massage' and 'Little Star Lullabies - Relaxing Instrumental Music to Help Babies and Children Sleep'. Both albums are recorded primarily for a string orchestra with featured solos from flutes, oboes, piano and recorder. His website is www.musicforhealing.org.uk