The second principle of Comfort Touch is comforting. As one of the six key concepts (SCRIBE: slow, comforting, respectful, into center, broad, and encompassing) that inform this nurturing style of acupressure, “comforting” characterizes the intention of the practice.
We begin the session with the client by making sure that she or he is comfortable. They may be in a regular bed at home, a hospital bed, a wheelchair or a recliner – wherever they are most comfortable. We make sure that the client is in the best position possible – most often the supine or seated position – and make any adjustments necessary, using pillows, cushions or towels, to assist them. We pay particular attention to make sure their spine is in alignment and they are positioned in a manner which facilitates ease of breathing.
As practitioners we learn specialized body patterning which also allows us to be comfortable as we adapt to the particular circumstances in which we offer touch. It is not necessary to compromise one’s own comfort in order to offer comfort. In fact, our attention to our own correct body mechanics/patterning is integral to the quality of touch that is imparted to the client.
As you begin, let your client know that you are offering Comfort Touch, and ask if they have any particular requests, or areas of pain or discomfort needing attention. Assure them that the touch should feel comfortable, and ask them to let you know if they are experiencing anything uncomfortable. Your intention is to offer a soothing, comforting touch. Your intention is to ease pain, not to try and 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, and support them in their ability to make healthy adaptations to life’s changes and challenges.
The intention to comfort the client is consistent with the intention of hospice care and palliative medicine, the developing medical specialty that works to improve the quality of life for people living with chronic illnesses. This makes it an ideal complementary therapy in hospices, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities and homecare.
For me personally, I enjoy the experience of giving Comfort Touch, knowing that I am making a difference in the quality of someone’s life. Both my client and myself can relax, letting go of concern for results, and the need to “fix” or “be fixed.” And in that letting go, change does happen, deeply nurturing both the giver and receiver of touch.
Adapted from “Comfort Touch: Massage for the Elderly and the Ill” (Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins, 2009). For more information on Comfort Touch® articles, resources, and trainings visit: www.comforttouch.com.
