Christian Massage?

[Betty Sparkles]

What is a Christian massage? This woman asked me if I did Christian Massage and if I called myself a healer? And wanted to know if I went to a Christian Massage school. I didn't know there was such a thing?



I had no idea what section this fit in so I stuck it in "Techniques/Modalities."

 

[gaga4cash]

I'm curious, what did you tell her and what was her response?

 

[joe.attaboy]

As a former Christian, I can tell you that it is likely that she is asking if your practice is free from energetic techniques such as reiki and the use of "qi," crystals, etc. Also whether your space is free from "idols" such as quan yin, buddha, fu dogs, wiccan symbols or other "pagan" decorations. For some strict Christian groups, these things would be regarded as demonic and your practice avoided for fear of being exposed to their influences.

She may not have meant it in this extreme, but it is possible.

 

[MilitaryPolicemen]

I'm curious, what did you tell her and what was her response?

I haven't told her anything yet, because it was by email. :shock:

I looked up Christian Massage on Google and found that this is actually a massage modality. It is done with the client fully clothed with Christian intentions that God will do all the healing and I won't. :?: I read that it is somewhat Reiki-ish or Faith healing. There's prayer to God and stuff.

I'll just have to tell her no, I don't do that modality. :?
Here's a website where someone was receiving Christian Massage: http://home.att.net/~jnozum/No_Suicides.htm

 

[betty s/nikoly]

Here's one example of a Christian Massage School (Seventh Day Adventist):
http://www.weimar.edu/about.php

It's actually a small college, where massage therapy is one of their academic programs.

 

[jeffrey]

Hey I remember that Jon Nozum guy! He was participating in discussions here for a while. I remember him fondly as the guy who redefined the word reiki as being a "ray" of love (light?) from God and God being the "key" to healing . . . and I believe he also didn't like pink lotions. He's an individual all right!

 

[tenten]

As a Lomi Lomi practitioner and also a Christian, I'm inclined to believe in a higher source for healing. Lomi is based on useing prayers or "Pules" to bring forth not only the healing powers of the therapist but for healing coming from God. The Hawaiians are a very spiritual ciulture. Ranging from ancient polytheistic practices and current Christian values. I am certain that I alone cannot heal my clients but my trust in God is the key. In a way, when i put my faith into God's blessings for my work, then a lot of pressure is off me. I do my best and let Him take over. In Lomi, an actual session with a client doesnt begin with the touch of massage, rather it begins hours, even days before the initial meeting. I start to pray for my clients in advance, hoping they will be pain free, healed and open to anything I bring to the table. If you are dieing of thirst and I give you a cup of water.....you would thank me, right?? Why not thank the cup? It actually gave you what you needed but in reality we know who was the main reason for quenching your thirst.....We are all just " Cups" in the scheme of healing....there is a higher power which fills us to heal.

 

[miami J]

I would tell her that since Messiah and Massage has the same root meaning to annoint and that Jesus layed hands on people to heal, then yes! Further, crystals and stones were used on the preist breastplates in the Bible. And if she wants to bring Christian music, then so be it.

 

[j3w3lz08]

Did anyone read any of that site ? He has a list and it says things NOT getting a massage can cause,a few listed was ,fetishes,dead babies and a few more weird things. I have never heard of or seen these things listed on any massage site, I have never seen or read anything to that nature either. I suppose someone was right when they said it takes all kinds....

 

[Lexicographer]

I think you should tell her what type of massage you practice and whether or not that includes any sort of spirituality - Christian or otherwise.

The murky waters created by therapists who want to include their religion or "spirituality" in their massage work has created the need to ask these sort of questions. As a rational person, I don't need to know what you put your faith in any more than I need to know you believe in Santa Claus. All I want to know is that you believe you can give a proper massage.

 

[amee G]

The murky waters created by therapists who want to include their religion or "spirituality" in their massage work has created the need to ask these sort of questions.

Maybe a little of it, but quite a bit of organized Christianity includes the idea that you really must mix only with people or practices that are expressly, specifically "christian." (Not all of it, but the part that believes this is strict and growing.) A caller who asks this kind of question is not usually looking for something neutral -- she's usually looking specifically for someone whose beliefs are in line with hers. As much as I personally don't want anybody talking about their spirituality while I visit their massage office, I don't think we can take most of the blame for this kind of situation.

 

[Roxxannie]

I don't think I need to tell anybody where my faith lies...it's my personal business (as is my medical history, my political views, etc). Just because she wants to tell me what she believes in, that's on her. I don't think I need to tell anybody anything about what I do on my off-duty time.

If she wants a massage, she wants a massage. If she wants to be prejudice, that's her ignorance and her loss.

 

[Ary Jan]

Did anyone read any of that site ? He has a list and it says things NOT getting a massage can cause,a few listed was ,fetishes,dead babies and a few more weird things. I have never heard of or seen these things listed on any massage site, I have never seen or read anything to that nature either. I suppose someone was right when they said it takes all kinds....

*blinks hard*

What??? LOL There have been people who GET massages who have fetishes, dead babies and a few more weird things... :

 

[Peppe]

Clients come from many backgrounds & belief systems.

My feeling is there are some of them who would be way
out of their comfort zone with some modalities and not
with others. You may or may not want to be bothered
to inquire as to what she is looking for or has experienced
as to "Christian Massage". Personally I would probably just
say its not my modality and leave it at that.

 

[Big]

Personally I would probably just
say its not my modality and leave it at that.

That's what I've done.

 

[gman]

*blinks hard*

What??? LOL There have been people who GET massages who have fetishes, dead babies and a few more weird things... :

I just don't find this funny. I really can't see why you would write this. It was good that nayinbavarian pointed out that this individual has written some bizarre information on his site, after you mentioned the individual had a site, - but for the record, even if he writes this nonsense which you decided to link to, I really take offense at laughing about any "dead babies". It is in poor taste as far as I am concerned. t085

 

[Pompal 09.]

Don't worry about it, Mimi, some people on this board are quite sensitive. I don't believe you were laughing about dead babies, specifically, but about the sorts of idiocy that come out of some people's mouths, which just happened to include "dead babies".

Pueppi, perhaps you should take a moment to re-read what was said.

There are lots of things said on this board that I find ignorant or offensive in some way or another but I defend the poster's right to make those statements so long as they are not disruptive to the "community". I don't see how Mimi's comments could be considered such.

What some consider "poor taste", lots of us consider "free speech".

 

[xxdrzchulaxx]

I have had on occasion been asked "Are you a Christian" by a new client. Usually they seem very nervous bringing this up.

I simply state that my religious belief is personal and I don't discuss it , or make it a point of discussion with my clients. If they are not cool with that boundary they can seek out someone else who they feel more comfortable with.

 

[livelifesmiling]

What some consider "poor taste", lots of us consider "free speech".

Yes, I too was exercising my right to "free speech". Funny how that works.

 

[Pompal 09.]

: You're right, Pueppi!