Unscientific survey time, with apologies to those who've seen this on FB

[bridgeweaver]

I am conducting an unscientific poll to determine how folk would feel about their massage therapist working barefoot. I'm considering this for myself as a health matter, but I have no sense how prevalent it is in the field (I'm asking for those data elsewhere but other body workers here may chime in) and how people would feel about it. Assume

Comments

[wildchildfbnbg]

Assuming that all hygiene and safety considerations are taken into account, I personally have no problem with my massage therapist working barefoot. I believe that if the person performing bodywork on me is comfortable and not carrying tension in their body, they are going to be able to be more in tune with whatever treatment my body needs,and that can only benefit me. I used to see a massage therapist who worked out of her home, and she would occasionally wear her slippers while giving me my massage. For all I know, she may have kicked the slippers off before doing my massage, but as there was nothing to make her bare feet obvious to me (such as a smell), I never noticed.

[inflectionpoint]

this.

If it makes them more comfortable and grounded, I am fine with it.

[elisandra]

I wouldn't care a lick if all other things were right with the situation.

[lifiawol]

Great site, very impressive.

[aleeceh]

Since most of my massage experiences have been in places where bare feet are the norm (like Harbin Hot Springs or my own home), I think it's fairly safe to say I've been massaged by an unshod practitioner more often than not, and yet I don't think I have ever noticed one way or the other. So, apparently, I care so little it doesn't even register. However, I've noticed other people tend to be more squicky about feet than I, so I wouldn't assume my opinion is representative of the general population. I'd be a little surprised if there isn't some applicable prohibition in the public health code, but I trust you have researched that already. I can't recall details, but I think there are social taboos you may need to be mindful of with clients from specific cultural backgrounds. Ultimately I expect you'll just have to ask for and respect individual preferences. If you are more comfortable, obviously you will do better work, but that benefit won't transfer to a client whose mind can't get past your naked feet for whatever reason.