The yogic principle of Saucha, which translates to purity, is perhaps one of the most straightforward yet challenging concepts to discuss within the context of massage therapy—not because it’s unimportant, but because it often feels, frankly, boring.
Cleanliness and hygiene are, after all, fundamental to our profession. We all know that maintaining a clean environment is essential for the safety of both our clients and ourselves. So why do so many massage therapists cut corners when it comes to these basic practices?
The Temptation to Cut Corners
Reflecting back on the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a noticeable divide in the massage community. Some therapists adhered strictly to CDC guidelines—wearing masks, implementing enhanced sanitation protocols, and closing their practices when required. Meanwhile, others were skeptical of the science and resistant to government directives. These therapists often justified their actions by believing that the service they provided was too vital to interrupt, even if it meant compromising on safety protocols.
A striking example of this corner-cutting mentality is the practice of “stacking sheets.” This is when therapists place all the sheets they plan to use for the day on their table and simply peel off the top layer between clients. It’s highly unhygienic and shows how laziness or a misguided attempt at efficiency can lead to compromising one’s values.
Beyond the Basics of Hygiene
The purpose of discussing Saucha isn’t to imply that therapists don’t know what to do. Most of us are well aware of proper sanitation practices: washing hands, disinfecting tables, changing sheets, etc. There may be a small percentage of therapists who, due to inadequate education or lack of formal training, genuinely don’t know the correct procedures. But for the vast majority, the issue isn’t ignorance—it’s inconsistency.
We all have moments where we get lazy or cut corners, especially when pressed for time. However, true commitment to Saucha goes beyond just knowing what to do. It’s about embodying a value system that you consistently live by. It’s about having integrity in your actions, even when no one is watching.
Elevating Saucha Beyond Surface-Level Cleanliness
When we talk about Saucha in the context of yoga philosophy, it’s more than just the physical act of maintaining cleanliness. Yes, it includes washing your hands, sanitizing your space, and using fresh linens. But it’s also about cultivating a mindset of purity in all that you do. It’s about upholding a standard, not just because it’s required, but because you believe in the importance of doing so.
We can zoom in on the specifics—keeping our treatment spaces clean, using proper draping, and ensuring the health and safety of our clients. But we can also zoom out and see Saucha as a broader commitment to purity in our intentions, our actions, and the way we conduct our practice. It’s about holding ourselves to a higher standard, even when it’s inconvenient.
The True Meaning of Saucha
I’m not asking you to become obsessed with cleanliness for its own sake. Rather, I’m inviting you to reflect on how Saucha can elevate your practice and your life. Consider how purity influences the way you show up for your clients, how you respect their safety, and how you stay true to your professional ethics.
By embracing Saucha not just as a set of guidelines, but as a core value, you commit to showing up with integrity every single time. It’s not about perfection—it’s about consistency. It’s about recognizing that purity, whether in cleanliness, ethics, or intention, is an ongoing practice that supports the trust and healing environment you create for your clients.
Ultimately, Saucha is about more than just following the rules; it’s about honoring the trust your clients place in you and holding yourself accountable to a standard that reflects your commitment to their well-being.
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