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9 Simple Rituals to Calm Your Client Oct 12, 2024

Creating a calm, receptive state before beginning hands-on or any wellbeing therapy is vital to the healing process. Polyvagal Theory, developed by Stephen Porges, explains that a person must enter the “ventral vagal” state, where they feel safe, connected, and at ease, to be most receptive to healing. I couldn’t agree more...

9 Simple Rituals to Calm Your Client

 by Lizzie Badger, Founder of the Pro-Touch Movement

Introduction

Creating a calm, receptive state before beginning hands-on or any wellbeing therapy is vital to the healing process. Polyvagal Theory, developed by Stephen Porges, explains that a person must enter the “ventral vagal” state, where they feel safe, connected, and at ease, to be most receptive to healing. I couldn’t agree more! Along with other tips and tools in my “Trust” series of Blogs, these simple pre-treatment rituals can help guide your client into this healing state, allowing for a more effective and relaxing session.

Here are 9 rituals to consider before beginning your hands-on therapy. Discuss your available options with your client prior to leaving them to settle on the treatment couch or chair. They may have a particular favourite - or like to try something new.

1. Chiming Bells Three Times
   

Gently chiming bells three times at the start of the session signals a shift in energy and time. The sound helps bring your client’s attention into the present moment, allowing them to let go of outside distractions and focus on their healing journey.

Why it works: The clear tones of the bells create a calming resonance that helps quiet the mind, encouraging your client to settle into the session with a sense of clarity and grounding. It signals a sacred and safe space that belongs to them.

2. Sounding a Crystal Bowl (Root Chakra Frequency)

Playing a crystal bowl tuned to 396 Hz, the frequency associated with the root chakra, helps ground your client’s energy and promotes a sense of safety. The deep, soothing tones vibrate through the body, helping the client feel more present and secure.

Why it works: The sound frequencies help balance the client’s energy, resonating through the body, which shifts the vagal nerve response, encouraging feelings of stability and grounding, which are essential for relaxation and healing.

3. White Sage Smudge

Burning sage and gently waving it around the client as they lay on the table helps clear stagnant energy, creating a clean energetic environment for the session. Sage has long been used for its purifying properties in many spiritual traditions, and its familiar scent can instantly relax the client.

Why it works: According to ancient wisdom, sage helps cleanse not only the room’s energy but also the client’s energetic field, creating a sense of renewal and openness. This allows the client to feel lighter and more prepared for the therapy. It is also a physical signal that this moment is special and the session has begun.

4. Holy Water or Grounding Spritz Over the Client

Spritzing a gentle mist of holy water or a blend of rose geranium essential oil over the client provides a refreshing sensory experience. Rose geranium, with its sweet, floral scent, promotes emotional balance and calm. The mist can also help cleanse the client’s auric field, removing any energetic residue they may be carrying.

Why it works: The cool sensation of the mist on the skin helps bring the client’s awareness back to their body, while the calming properties of rose geranium help ease emotional tension. This spritz may also help purify their energetic field, creating a clearer space for healing.

5. Hands on Shoulders with Guided Deep Breathing

Start the session by placing your hands gently on the client’s shoulders, whilst guiding them through three to five deep breaths. This grounding touch, combined with synchronized breathing, helps calm their nervous system and creates a sense of trust between you and the client.

Why it works: The warmth of your hands offers comfort and reassurance, while deep, co-regulated breathing further relaxes and connects with the client. This combination helps them feel centred, safe, and ready for their healing treatment.

6. Feet Massage and Traction Pull (if appropriate)

Begin the session with a gentle foot massage, followed by a traction pull to stretch and release tension in the legs and lower back. (Not all therapies will allow for this of course, and make sure your client isn’t contraindicated). Foot massage helps the client feel grounded, while the traction pull eases built-up tension.

Why it works: Feet are associated with grounding, and this soothing touch helps the client feel more connected to their body. The traction pull further enhances a sense of release and relaxation, encouraging the client to let go.

7. Candle Lighting and a Blessing/Intention

Lighting a candle and offering a blessing or intention brings a sacred quality to your space together. Whether spoken aloud or silently, this ritual helps set the tone for the session, aligning both you and the client with the healing process.

Why it works: The soft glow of the candle creates a peaceful, focused environment, while setting an intention enhances the purpose of the session. This ritual helps both you and the client stay present and connected plus builds a sense of trust in something greater than yourselves.

8. Weighted Blanket or Warm Towels

Place a light weighted blanket and/or warm towel over the client’s body before starting your hands-on work. The weight of the blanket or warmth of the towels creates a comforting sensation, helping to calm the body and prepare it for treatment.

Why it works: The gentle pressure from a weighted blanket or the warmth of a towel relaxes muscles and provides a sense of security. This allows the client to settle into a deeper state of relaxation before the session begins.

9. Visualization or Guided Imagery

Guide the client through a simple visualization exercise as they lie on the table. Encourage them to imagine a peaceful scene, like a serene forest or a calm beach, helping them to relax and focus on their breath.

Why it works: Visualization distracts the mind from stress and promotes a calm, peaceful state, helping the client release mental tension. This makes it easier for them to relax and be open to the hands-on or therapy work ahead.

Conclusion

By incorporating these rituals into your pre-treatment routine, you set the stage for a calm, sacred, and healing environment. These practices help guide your client into a state of receptivity via a ventral vagal alignment, allowing for a more profound therapeutic experience. With a relaxed and open client, the benefits of your hands-on therapy can be fully received, fostering deeper healing and connection.