Most bodywork professionals have music playing during a treatment. Some exceptions might include very clinical settings, or remote or outdoor settings where Mother Nature takes over in place of music.
Listening to music during a massage can help create a deeper sense of relaxation but it can also be invigorating. An album should be chosen based on the intent of the bodywork session – meditative, relaxing, calming, energizing, and healing.
New Age and World Music in the Massage Room
These are perhaps the most common styles of music played during massage and natural health treatments. Get started with these albums:
- The Ultimate Most Relaxing New Age Music in the Universe [2005] – a nice two-disc set with a compilation of a variety of popular New Age musicians.
- B Tribe: Spiritual Spiritual [2001] – with Latin elements this disc can infuse energy without being overly Flamenco or fiery.
- Enya: A Day Without Rain [2000] – vocals and Celtic-fusion album this disc is comfortable at a lower volume to relax by.
- Kate Price: Isle of Dreaming [2006] – eclectic Celtic-inspired album with cross-genre World music sounds.
- Loreena McKennitt: The Book of Secrets [2006] – another Celtic-meets-World-music album featuring Canadian singer McKennitt’s vocals as Soprano-folk singer.
- Putumayo: Dreamland [2003] – a children’s World music album, Dreamland is also a nice introduction to relaxing World music.
Instrumental Music Genres
Solitary instrumental music styles might include the harp, guitar, piano, violin or flute. Not particularly classical in nature this style of music lends itself well to relaxation, particularly the softer albums. An example of an energizing soundtrack would be a Spanish guitar compilation – known for its energy and rhythm.
- Llewellyn: Healing Massage [2000] – a popular choice for the massage room this album features relaxing piano music but won’t bore the practitioner to sleep.
- Hilary Stagg: Timeless Ways [1993] – ethereal electric harp features very graceful songs that blend gently from one track to the next.
- R. Carlos Nakai: Canyon Trilogy [1988] – beautiful Native American flute that makes a great background soundtrack.
- Sounds of Wood and Steel, Volumes 1 [1998] and 2 [1999] – acoustic guitar sounds are relaxing without attaching the entire album to one musical genre.
Classical Music Suited for Massage
Not all classical music albums are suited towards massage. Here are some good ones though:
- The Most Relaxing Classical Album in the World…Ever! [1999] – cleverly titled this two-disc set features many familiar artists from Puccini to Beethoven, Mozart to Pachelbel. Clients may find themselves humming along to this one.
- Classical Music for Sleep [2001] – this relaxing classical compilation reins in some of the more abrupt changes that would otherwise disturb a sleeping client.
Swap Music to Keep Content Fresh
Massage therapists may wish to use media swapping websites to keep fresh music going in the treatment room. Music burnout can be experienced by both the practitioner and the client so changing out music on a regular basis can remedy this problem.
Amy Kreydin - Amy Kreydin, NBCRT, CCAP, BD is a Board Certified Reflexologist and Clinical Aromatherapist.
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