DRAPING
By: Christie W. Naeher, LCMT
I am asked by many clients about my draping techniques. I thought this would be a good venue to explain how massage draping is done, why it is done, and hope that each client will understand that there are no exceptions on the draping here at Indigo Blue Massage & Wellness.
Draping for massage in the State of Virginia, Fairfax County and the Town of Vienna is the law. All clients must and will be draped at all times during their massage session.
I personally use sheets because they are already on the bed and are convenient and easy to use. Our sheets are a 100% soft cotton flannel. During a standard massage, the only part of the body that is exposed is the part of the body that is being massaged at the time. If the leg is being massaged, the leg will be exposed and the sheet will draped between the groin and under the leg.
During an Esalen Massage, the draping is somewhat different, and I make sure that each client understands the draping technique, and that it is done that way for a purpose.
Esalen is done with long flowing strokes that move from shoulder to foot, foot to shoulder and the therapist is consistent with the flow of the strokes. Only removing the hands from the body for oil or cream. One half of the body is undraped and tucked between the legs. The glute is exposed when prone and that is important that the client understands that. If the client is uncomfortable with the glute exposure, the therapist can work around it. A client's comfort and safety is of the utmost importance during a massage session and any massage therapist can and should work within the client's wishes.
Most people who are familiar with Esalen or have looked into Esalen massage, sometime have the impression that it is a "nude" massage. If you look further, and in doing some research with the Esalen Institute, you will find that is not the case. The State of California requires that all "paid" massage sessions be draped at all times. Most of the states in the US are requiring that legitimate, licensed, certified massage therapists drape during a paid massage. If you have been to a therapist that has done or will do "nude" or inappropriate massage practices, that is highly illegal, and that therapist should be reported to the Board of Nursing for the State of Virginia for that violation.
I have worked very hard as a professional in this industry to have massage recognized as a therapeutic, medicinal practice. Massage has been used for centuries to heal the body, mind and spirit. That is what Christie and Indigo Blue Massage & Wellness is all about. It is a holistic, healing environment for clients to feel safe, secure and a place to heal. Thank you for respecting me as a therapeutic massage therapist, and I will, in turn, respect you as a client.
Christie Naeher, LCMT
