Sustainability and Massage

Sustainability and Massage

When running a professional massage business it is important to recognize the environmental, social and economic effects it has. It is our responsibility to make it as sustainable with as little impact on our surroundings as possible. By reducing dependence on certain resources, ensuring the clinic is client focused and operating with a profit then we can run a business that will be sustainable in all three areas.

Environmental Sustainability and Massage:

According to the Evergreen group (n.d) a sustainable business is one that acts in an environmentally responsible way and there are no negative impacts due to its existence. To reduce the impact a massage clinic may have on society and the planet we need to reduce the dependence on fossil fuels. For a healthy future for the upcoming generations, changes need to occur. It has become a nationwide approach to keep New Zealand clean and beautiful. For example there are and increasing number of green products on the shelf these days and the movement to decrease the usage of plastic bags has caught on in many supermarkets and retail stores. A smart move in the right direction for a massage clinic would be to check all the resources used have been assessed for their need, are the most sustainable option available, are being used efficiently and when disposing are able to be recycled or reused (Sustainability New Zealand, 2009). Strive to change the ways of the business if it is not the most efficient and sustainable method. Reflect on the use of the resource and the impact it has on our environment. For instance dry linens on the line instead of relying on electricity powered means. Use natural lighting where possible or an alternative is to use eco-friendly light bulbs. Another way to help the environment is to think about products and their whole life cycle as this will help you make the correct sustainable decisions.

Social Sustainability and Massage:

Social sustainability has similar principles to environmental sustainability, to respect the future generation. Employ client focused policies to uphold your social principles. Take into account the time considerations of not only the therapist but of the client. Clients may not have time to stay in the waiting room for 20 minutes because the therapist is running late so adapt a conscientious outlook regarding the time frame that is managed. It will keep clients happy and also displays a sense of professionalism (Beck, 2006). Treat all clients as equals with the utmost respect and dignity regardless of their religious beliefs, traditions, gender, and ethnicity. Client confidentiality and keeping records secure is another imperative aspect that will sustain the business reputation. Word of mouth is a powerful marketing tool. If the client confidentiality agreement is broken, this may be the downfall of a business, because without the trust between the client and the therapist, it may prove difficult to maintain regain a professional reputation. A therapist can build healthy social relationships with other parties whether they are clients or other professionals of the area and maintain social sustainability in the local community.


Economic Sustainability and Massage:

The challenge for economic sustainability is to develop a balanced, natural and profitable practice to meet the client’s needs all without being detrimental to our local community environment. Business plans need to be in place before the clinic can thrive. Such things as a lease, lighting, heating, towels and water need to be taken into account and all those hidden expenses as part of an everyday cost for a massage clinic. The finest asset a massage practice has is in actuality the therapist themselves. Ensure that burnouts do not occur by taking regular breaks between clients to relax, reflect and reground before welcoming the next client. Self care is also vital alongside correct body mechanics to avoid repeated stress on the joints (Beck, 2006). To keep the business afloat a competitive fee needs to be set and not selective for the particular clients. Considerations for the fee are not merely on the market place value but what you as a therapist deems value for money. An additional factor to take into account is by supporting local business and using them to buy the products and services needed; we can contribute to the economy of our community. Talking and informing other business owners and shedding some light on having a sustainable business will also help the communities’ economic sustainability.



Owning a sustainable business is one of my long terms goals. To understand the impacts that it may have and to keep it socially, environmentally and economically sustainable is important. By having sustainability incorporated in the business ethics wherever possible then this goal can be achieved.



References:
Beck, M. F. (2006). Theory and Practice of Therapeutic Massage (4th ed.). New York, United States of America: Thomson Delmar Learning.

Ministry for the Environment (2009). Sustainability. Retrieved August 23, 2009, from http://www.sustainability.govt.nz/

The Evergreen Group (n.d). What is a sustainable business? Retrieved August 23, 2009, from
http://www.theevergreengroup.com/sustainable-business.htm