Massage practices and spas around the globe can increase sales by reaching a very susceptible market: the client with environmental and chemical sensitivities. Perhaps even more important would be the reduction of negative outcomes after a spa treatment or massage.
Some allergens can be quite hidden to the non-sufferer while others will be very obvious to the bodyworker. Anything from products to environmental fragrancing could set off an allergic response in the spa or wellness center.
Know Massage Product Ingredients
Most massage therapists have a favorite cream or lotion they prefer to use day in and day out. This may not be suitable for all client types though and can actually cause a sensitization in the practitioner herself after long-term use.
For clients that observe a vegan lifestyle, the practitioner will need to carry an appropriate product for both the session and the customer. Vegan products contain no animal products or byproducts, including dairy, eggs, or honey. Additionally the product should not have been tested on animals at any stage in the development or testing process.
Customers with wheat and gluten sensitivities and allergies can have negative reactions to a massage lotion or cream that contains a wheat product. The same is true for those with tree nut allergies. These allergen ingredients can be hidden in many products so a single oil, like jojoba or olive, may be required instead of a blended lotion or cream product.
Unfortunately for the profession, many manufacturers are adding synthetic ingredients, unsafe perfumes, and artificial fragrances to massage creams and lotions. Clients with environmental sensitivities, fragrance allergies, compromised health conditions, and poor skin quality can have reactions to these synthetic products.
Practice Safe Aromatherapy in the Massage Room
To cut costs and increase the volume of product for sale, some shady manufacturers are adding petroleum and chemical ingredients to essential oils. Even worse, some advertise synthetic fragrances as “aromatherapy” without the disclosure that the ingredients are not plant based or have harmful additives.
Plug-in based room freshener products are the worst culprits for allergic reactions in customers sitting in the waiting room. Candles from popular bath and home furnishing stores can also wreak havoc on the environmentally sensitive client.
Consider switching to a fragrance-free practice or choose safer products such as plant based candles and room diffusers for a more holistic office.
The Hypo-allergenic Wellness Practice
This type of office is likely to employ a multi-faceted approach to keeping allergens contained to one area or out of the space altogether. Here’s a helpful checklist to consider when planning for a more hypo-allergenic massage or bodywork practice:
- Air purifier – helps to remove airborne allergens so clients can breathe easy during their massage.
- Nut-free oils – Keep a bottle of jojoba plant wax on hand for clients with nut allergies.
- Fragrance-free cleaners – Avoid perfumed wipes, surface sprays and bathroom cleaning products. Switch to unscented laundry detergents for massage linens and skip the synthetic dryer sheets and fabric softeners.
- Add air cleaning plants – Improve air quality naturally by adding these kinds of plants to the waiting area and treatment room.
Alert Clients to New Practices That Will Keep Them Safe
After implementing ways to accommodate the sensitive client, let them know! Use a press release, newsletter or postcard to inform past and current customers of new products that are better for humans and the planet.
Keep signs in a visible location that encourage clients to declare any allergies so an alternative product can be used during a session. Add a section to health history forms so the client can list items she is sensitive or allergic to.
When in doubt, do a skin patch test and have the client return in 24 hours to check for irritation or redness after product application.
Amy Kreydin - Amy Kreydin, NBCRT, CCAP, BD is a Board Certified Reflexologist and Clinical Aromatherapist.
Join the Conversation