- The setting of the massage: Comfort Touch can be practiced anywhere. No special equipment is required. The client can be fully clothed in a chair, recliner or on a bed of any height.

- Body mechanics for the giver of touch: The therapist must adjust to the client by adapting her body mechanics to maximise effectiveness of the contact and ensure safety. Practitioners must be comfortable in their own bodies to offer comfort, and in some situations will need to limit what they do in order to respect their own bodies.

- The positioning of the client: Comfort Touch is usually performed with the client in the supine position. The prone position is contraindicated due to the limited mobility of the client, as well as concerns about breathing. It is also difficult to communicate with a client in the prone position. Techniques are adapted to be performed in the supine position, as well as the seated or side-lying positions. Pillows and towels are used liberally to position the client comfortably.

- Specific techniques of Comfort Touch: The techniques of Comfort Touch are largely derived from Asian bodywork (shiatsu and acupressure), which gives great adaptability and flexibility to the work. It incorporates an understanding of the energetic qualities of the meridian system of the body, as well as major motor points of the muscles. This work is characterised by the intention to offer comfort. Other general principles that govern the work are described below:

The Principles of Comfort Touch
There are six principles that guide the practitioner of Comfort Touch. Comfort Touch is:

Slow — Relax and be present in the moment, letting your own breath be full and deep. Moving slowly creates a restful atmosphere and allows for a safe and appropriate experience for both the giver and receiver of touch.

Comforting — Make the person comfortable and offer a soothing, nurturing touch. Your intention is to ease pain, not to try to cure or fix the person. The word “comfort” literally means “with strength.” To give comfort one must come from a place of inner personal strength and share that strength and support with the person who needs it. To comfort also means to acknowledge the individual’s inner strength and resources.

Respectful — Always maintain a respectful attitude toward your clients, appreciating the vulnerability they may feel about being touched. Listen to what they tell you, verbally and non-verbally. Be sensitive to their feedback about your touch. A respectful attitude that is compassionate and non-judgmental contributes to a safe and healing atmosphere for the client.

Into Centre — The direction of pressure in Comfort Touch is in to the centre of the particular part of the body you are touching. Pressure is applied perpendicularly to the skin, thereby preventing tearing of the skin or bruising of the tissues. The focus of intention is into the core or central axis of the part of the body being touched. This specific direction of pressure and accurate focusing inward of intention allow for a penetrating touch, even with light to moderate pressure. Both the giver and receiver of touch experience a profoundly deep sense of connection.

Broad — In general, all strokes are applied with a broad even pressure. This contributes to a feeling of soothing comfort and connection. While the pressure may be firm, the broadness of contact prevents the likelihood of injury or discomfort. Encompassing – The practitioner’s touch surrounds the person’s body. Encompassing touch contributes to a feeling of wholeness, of being cared for and acknowledged as a worthwhile human being.

Technique
Techniques for practicing Comfort Touch follow the principles described above, using broad, encompassing contact applied to the part of the body being touched. While the techniques are simple, it is important that they be practiced accurately for greatest effect. Comfort Touch is not a light form of Swedish massage. It does not use effleurage, petrissage or kneading, as these strokes can damage the tissue of the person whose body is compromised by age or ill health. More importantly, Comfort Touch acts on the nervous system in such a way that it causes deep relaxation by sedating the nervous system. This also accounts for its effectiveness in relieving pain.

Communication and Consent
As a practitioner it is always important to state your intention to the client. I introduce myself and give a brief explanation of the treatment. I take a full medical history from the client, but if this is not possible I will glean information from the carer or health care professional to ensure that the treatment given is appropriate to the individual’s needs. I will give a brief explanation of the principles of Comfort Touch and ask if the client has any areas they would particularly like me to work.

Throughout the session I ask or listen for feedback, whether verbal or non-verbal. I let clients know that this touch should feel good. It should not be uncomfortable or painful. I notice their breathing and watch for facial expressions and other movements in their bodies. With those people who are deemed to be comatose, or those who are termed uncommunicative because of dementia, or otherwise unable to speak I will introduce myself and state my intentions. I listen and watch for any response, adjusting the treatment accordingly.

Precautions in the Use of Comfort Touch
There is only one total contraindication to Comfort Touch and that is if a person does not want to be touched. There are certain conditions, however, where touch is not recommended for specific areas:
- the site of tumours or lumps
- the site of recent surgery
- deep vein thrombosis (This situation often arises following surgery and it is advised to avoid touch below the waist until cleared by a doctor.)
- phlebitis (inflammation of a vein)
- recent fractures
- burns, rashes, undiagnosed or contagious skin conditions or areas of skin irritation
- open sores or injuries
- areas of infection or inflammation
- any area that is painful to the touch
- areas of acute pain, or pain of unknown origin

In these situations I will seek the guidance of the client’s GP or Nursing professional who can assess the situation prior to treatment being given.

How much will it cost?

½ hour £ 15.00

1 hour £ 25.00

Gift Vouchers available – a wonderful treat for that special occasion.

Why not give it a try and see for yourself the positive effects that Comfort Touch has on mind, body and spirit.