Nausea can be a tricky issue. Needless to say, when a client walks from the door feeling queasy, the last thing that you want to do is to hammer them with top-level routines. If you are like me, you are a little hesitant in the beginning. Because after all, you don’t want to create a bigger mess. I’d like to suggest some ideas or methods that can assist in alleviating nausea through massage in a soft, intentional manner.
As someone who deals with massage for nausea, I am aware that calm is step one. The last thing I want is to make someone who probably feels threatened uncomfortable. Allow me to take you through a few strategies, as well as things to avoid and how to read your client’s non-verbal cues. So here we go: how to be of assistance, relief, and comfort to the nauseous person you will be massaging!
Nausea and How Massage Can Help
Start with the why: understanding why the person is feeling this way can inform your approach. A client may feel nauseous for a variety of reasons: stress and anxiety, problems with digestion, pregnancy. In each of these scenarios, massage often helps by soothing the nervous system, relaxing the muscles, and sometimes improving digestion. But remember, your goal is to ease the discomfort—not to eliminate nausea entirely in one session.
If you’re working with a client who’s queasy, go slow. I like to start by asking a few questions. “How long have you been feeling this way?” or “Do you know what might have triggered it?” are excellent questions to begin with. These let me know what I’m dealing with, and it also lets my client know that I am really listening.
It is also suggested that one’s touch be placed in an easy and never vigorous manner, which would make nausea worse. Place yourself in this person’s shoes—at times when you are sick, the last thing that you want is deep pressure or even fast-paced techniques.
Setting Up a Calm and Comfortable Environment
The environment in which you give a massage can make all the difference. Sometimes a calming atmosphere can reduce nausea even before you begin. Here’s what I suggest:
- Cut down the stimulation: Turn off bright lights. The bright lighting often makes nausea worse, whereas soft lighting does well and anything harsh is turned off. Warm and calming lighting is a solace.
- Smell Alert: Pungent smells easily trigger nausea. While scents of peppermint or ginger should help soothe nausea, being cautious is better. Ask your client if they are sensitive to odors and introduce the smells very gradually.
- Soft Music/Nature Sounds: In my opinion, the best sounds are those that are soft and gentle. Anything that has too much rhythm is going to make a client anxious when trying to relax, so it is always best to just avoid those types of sounds altogether. I personally like ocean sounds or light rain.
I also always have at hand water and tissues. Sometimes, a client just needs to take a break because they need water or to take a few deep breaths.
Using Gentle Techniques: Focus on Calming the Nervous System
When any individual is nauseated, less is better. Gentle, slow, and purposeful movements are best. Start with a light touch and let the client guide you regarding pressure. Naive clients most often respond to subtle techniques rather than to deep, muscle-targeted massage. Following are some techniques I use regularly:
- Effleurage strokes are soft, gliding strokes across the muscle using the palmar surface of the hands that help relax muscles and pacify the nervous system. I do this on my arms, across the back, and neck. It is smooth and rhythmic and does not put too much tension on the body. It serves me to bring my client into a relaxed state rather than immediately moving into deeper and possibly more intense strokes.
- Hands and Feet: Even working further away from the stomach zone, such as hands and feet, may be helpful. I just work gentle compressions and light circular motions on these areas. Working on the hands and feet is very relaxing, most definitely taking away from a queasy feeling.
- Acupressure Point Applications: With my client’s consent, I apply acupressure to specific points known to help alleviate nausea. A point between the tendons about two inches below the wrist is called Pericardium 6, more commonly referred to as P6. This point may be helpful in easing nausea by gently pressing on it. I will always check in with my clients and explain what I am doing so they will feel comfortable.
Working in the session now and avoiding the abdominal region unless the client wants me to. The stomach area is vulnerable to feeling sensitive if one is nauseous, and touching may heighten this uncomfortable sensation.
Communicating and Reading Body Language
I don’t know how many times I could repeat that communication is key during the massage. A nauseating client will be embarrassed, ashamed, or just uninformed on what’s going to happen. Then, this is where your empathy comes into play, and here is how it works: I make sure to explain everything I am doing and for what reason. Simple statements like “Let me know if you need a break” or “Tell me if the pressure is too much” assist your client in feeling in control.
Watch for discomfort cues. If a client starts to shift around, becomes short of breath, or looks strained, I would always stop and inquire if they were all right and needed a break. Sometimes people do not want to interrupt, but you can reassure them that it is perfectly okay to speak up. Commonly, I say, “Your comfort is the number one importance, so at any time, should anything feel off, please let me know.”
Adjusting Techniques Based on Feedback
I have to adjust techniques according to their feedback because the way someone experiences nausea is always different. If a client is feeling better with one particular movement, I’ll continue that movement. If something feels uncomfortable, then it’s changed to something very gentle.
One example I often think about is a client who came in nauseous from a migraine. She loved light, rhythmic strokes on her back as very soothing. On the other hand, she didn’t like any neck work at all, as this made her dizziness worse. In that case, I focused more on areas that for her felt grounding, like the lower back and hands. The key is to remain flexible and responsive.
When to Pause or End the Session
Sometimes, despite our best effort, a client’s nausea does not improve—or it exacerbates. If that happens, don’t push it. I have had sessions where it is clear my client needs to lie still or even take a moment alone. I’ll also let them know the option to end the session early or to take a break at any time is always a choice too. Letting them know their well-being comes first may make a world of difference.
Quick Tips to Remember
- Cool Compress: If your client is hot or flushed, offer a cool compress. I always have a couple of cool towels available for emergencies.
- Encourage Deep Breathing: Deep, slow breathing can be soothing to nausea. Many times I lead a client in three or four deep breaths; it may be grounding.
- Very Light Stretching: Some light stretching can be helpful if the client is up to it—perhaps some area of the shoulders or arms. Keep it very light, and always ask if this feels comfortable for them.
