Ahimsa is the first Yama in yoga philosophy—a principle of non-violence similar to the Hippocratic Oath “do no harm.” This concept offers layers to explore. You can skim the surface or dive deep, finding value wherever you are in your journey. Each time you revisit these principles, you’ll discover new insights based on your current needs and experiences.
On a surface level, applying Ahimsa to massage is straightforward: don’t hurt your clients. Most therapists start with a healthy fear of causing pain or tissue damage. But once in the field, we’re often met with clients who have a different mindset. Many clients insist, “You can’t hurt me,” or “Go as deep as you want.” They’ve been conditioned to believe that pain equals progress—“no pain, no gain.” They’ve likely had countless bodywork sessions where they encouraged therapists to push beyond their pressure boundaries in search of relief. However this relief is often fleeting, with the same issues resurfacing, sometimes even worse than before.
Pressure in massage is information for the body, and pain is the body’s warning signal that tissue damage is imminent. Bruising and excessive soreness are indicators of that damage. So why do some people ask for pain? Why do they believe they need it to feel better?
This isn’t just anecdotal—it’s a phenomenon studied in the context of the placebo effect. More invasive treatments, even if they’re placebo-based, often yield stronger effects. For instance, a saline IV placebo can have a greater impact than a sugar pill. Similarly, in massage, deeper, more invasive techniques can trigger a placebo effect where discomfort is perceived as more effective. The brain reasons that if mild discomfort helps, then more discomfort must work even better. But the body doesn’t function that way.
The reality is, bruising and soreness are forms of tissue damage, and as a massage therapist, my goal is to avoid causing harm. While there is such a thing as therapeutic inflammation, it’s a fine line. Chronic inflammation can actually harm healthy tissue. A good rule of thumb is to stay within your client’s self-reported pressure tolerance. This approach respects the body’s ability to process the minor inflammation induced by massage quickly and effectively.
Building trust with your clients requires respecting their boundaries. When we push past those limits, the body reacts defensively, tensing up to protect itself. Guarded muscles aren’t receptive to therapeutic work; they’re bracing against what they perceive as a threat.
The essence of Ahimsa is non-violence, but that’s only half the equation. It’s also about exploring what gentle, therapeutic touch really means. How can we engage with the body in a way that’s both goal-oriented and comfort-focused? Mastering this balance is what will elevate your practice to the next level.
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