Couples find relaxation
at massage workshop

The Western Springs Recreation Department offers residents an unusual instructional program.

By Tracy Alden

A Massage Workshop for couples has proven to be a popular program in Western Springs.

The program is set up to be a "hands on" (pardon the pun) workshop that lasts 2 1/2 hours. During the workshop participants are introduced to basic massage strokes and full body massage in the Esalen and Swedish styles. They are given the opportunity to receive some strokes while also learning to give a relaxing and healthful massage.

Initial idea

The idea for the workshop first occurred while discussing massage with the future instructors, Peter and Valeric Didriksen. Valeric was a registered nurse at a hospital and had a second job as a professional masseuse at a local spa. One day we were discussing some of the strange questions and occurrences that come up during a massage, and were making the usual jokes about massage parlors, when it seemed a good idea to try a workshop through the Recreation Department.

Planning the workshop

In order to make it legitimate, instructional and beneficial, the idea of a couples workshop made sense. As long as someone came with a partner, each could practice on the other and receive full benefit of the instruction. Also, we thought people might feel more comfortable in this group setting if all participants were couples.

We decided to charge $20 per couple and split the revenue on a percentage basis between the department and the instructors. Peter and Valeric planned the workshop, and the department handled the promotion and registration.

Instructional material

The instructors developed a 10-page handout that defined terms, gave detailed instructions on massaging the various parts of the body from head to toes, and provided a suggested reading list.

Terms that were defined and described in the handout included: effleurage or stroking in long, sweeping movements; petrissage or kneading, which consists of lifting, rolling, squeezing or wringing the musculature; friction or circular movement which loosens up joints, tendons and muscles; tapotement or percussion which includes hacking, cupping and pounding, all of which provide an exhilarating and stimulating finale to a massage treatment, and vibration or a trembling of the tissues performed by placing the hand or fingers on the body and rapidly shaking, trembling and pressing.

Massage techniques

Step-by-step directions explained how to use these strokes on the various parts of the body. Headings in the handout for the major parts of the body were head/neck/face, arms and hands, chest and abdomen, legs, back, and feet.

The basic technique was roughly the same for each part. Participants began by warming the area with their hands (but they warmed hands first). Next, they began at a particular point to perform the various strokes in a prescribed manner; then they moved on to the next point or area, and so on until it was finished.

Style, rhythm, and flow of the massage were covered as well as anatomical terms and helpful "tips." The reading list consisted of 22 books that covered massage, reflexology, anatomy, and health.

Spreading the word

We met prior to the workshop to work out details, including the steps in the presentation of material and the use of

Illinois Parks and Recreation 9 July/August 1988

Massage Workshop

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mats for people to lay on. Promotional work included gaining the interest of the local newspaper which sent a photographer for a pre-workshop article.

Of course, the workshop information was placed in the recreation brochure, which attracted most of the participants. We had set a maximum of 10 couples, and we got that number plus some on a waiting list a week before the workshop started.

The first workshop was held in February, 1987, and received very favorable comments from participants, primarily because the instructors were well prepared. The material in the 10-page handout was thoroughly covered, as were topics such as oils and lotions, and the controversial subject of reflexology.

Valeric Didriksen uses her husband, Peter, to demonstrate the Swedish-style massage techniques that are part of her Western Springs Recreation Department class, which includes tips on basic massage techniques. (Suburban LIFE newspaper photo by Jim Tennison.)

It was one of those programs that was fun to see take place. Valeric was the expert and the technician, and Peter was the demonstrator (receiver of instructional massage) and the jester. This helped put the group at ease.

For example, as the group gathered, Peter went into a closet and came out a minute later wearing only a towel, and making some silly comments about his physique and his role as demonstrator. The laughing audience immediately became relaxed and focused on the first technique covered, and the rest, as they say, is history.

The instructors' attitude and presentation contribute to the workshop's popularity and success.

Program refinements

After this first workshop the instructors noted some areas for improvement which were implemented in later sessions. One regarded organizing the presentation of material; the other concerned preparing the participants for the workshop.

At the first workshop couples arrived in street clothes. This baggy clothing made it difficult for them to give and receive massages. Letters from the instructors were subsequently sent to participants before other workshops asking them to wear swim suits under their clothes and to bring a robe. This letter helped set the tone for the workshop.

There was one other matter that occurred afterward. Since oils and lotions were used, and people were laying on mats, the oil got on the mats. The mats were used the next morning during an exercise class, after which we received complaints about their condition.

Next time, arrangements were made to have the mats cleaned before the morning exercise class. We had a second workshop in April, 1987, and a third in February, 1988. A fourth class will be offered, but no date has been set.

Community response

Since these workshops began, we've received several inquiries. A Multiple Sclerosis support group wanted information because it was considering offering the workshop to its members. Also, a "discussion group" made up of couples was considering the same thing.

The only concern came while discussing new and creative programs with the police chief who said, "Let's not get too creative with massage."

If you're considering this type of program, but don't know a qualified instructor, our instructors can be contacted through the Western Springs Recreation Department, (312) 246-9070. You might also consider contacting hospital or health spa staff.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Tracy Alden is the director of recreation at the Western Springs Recreation Department.

Illinois Parks and Recreation 11 July/August 1988