Module 4

Massage Therapists

Every ritual, protocol, and guest touchpoint — from the first consultation question to the final SOAP note.

⏱ 25–30 min read 📋 11 Rituals & 3 Enhancements ✍️ Protocols & Tools Included

What's in This Module

Your complete reference for everything massage at PALOMA.

🧖
Part 1 — Know the Menu
Every ritual and enhancement at a glance
💬
Part 2 — The Guest Journey
Intake, consultation, matching, and close
📋
Part 3 — In the Treatment Room
Step-by-step protocols for every ritual
🗂️
Part 4 — Running Your Shift
DAAG, checklists, and SOAP notes

Note: Massage space standards — room setup, ambiance, linen placement, and environmental expectations — are documented in the Space Standards module.

Part 1
Know the Menu
Every ritual and enhancement — what it is, who it's for, and how to talk about it

Massage Protocols — Enhancements

Enhancements are add-ons that elevate any massage ritual. Know them well — recommending the right enhancement shows care and increases the guest's overall experience.

Enhancement Target Price What It Is
OSEA Undaria Oil Dry skin +$10 Replace massage oil with OSEA Undaria Body Oil for antioxidant-rich hydration
Aromatherapy Relaxation +$10 UMA Ayurvedic Essential Oil Blends in a 6-point ritual
Aromatic Hot Towel Foot Treatment Relaxation +$15 Steamed hot towels steeped in UMA Calm or Rest Oil to relax and soften the skin
CBD Gummies Relaxation $7 / $10 25mg Broad Spectrum CBD — Vegan, Gluten Free, Berry Flavored
Roots Unbound Dry skin, tired legs 30 min / $55 Detoxifying, Exfoliating & Hydrating Ritual — OSEA Body Polish exfoliation followed by OSEA Undaria Oil on knees to feet
Hot/Cold Pack Tension, pain, inflammation +$15 Alleviates inflammation and tension with alternating heat and cold therapy
Enhancement Protocols
Aromatic Hot Towel Foot Treatment — Step-by-Step

Ideally done before or after massaging legs and feet, not at the start of service (avoid touching feet then proceeding to face and head).

  1. Moisten two hand towels and place in towel warmer in treatment room. (If a Coordinator is scheduled, this may already be done.)
  2. Drape a large bath towel at the foot end of the table.
  3. Select the correct UMA oil: AM shift → Uma Energy | PM shift → Uma Calm
  4. Place 1–2 drops of oil on each hot towel.
  5. Uncover feet and part of lower leg.
  6. Remove one hot towel from warmer and wrap that foot. Apply compression 3–5 times. Wrap with part of the large towel.
  7. Repeat with opposite foot.
  8. Apply compressions to both feet simultaneously.
  9. Unwrap one foot, quickly massage the hot towel off, and cover with sheet. Repeat with opposite foot.
Supplies Needed
  • Two damp hot towels (prepped prior to add-on)
  • One large bath towel
  • Uma Oil (Calm or Energy)
Contraindications
  • Pregnancy
  • Sensitivity to heat
  • Allergy to Uma ingredients
Cupping for Pain — Step-by-Step

Cupping can be performed on pre- and post-natal guests, but the entire abdominal area must be avoided. Incorporate cupping into the massage on areas of extreme tension.

Stationary Cupping

  1. Place towel in pink ceramic tray. Select 5–10 cups and place in tray with pressure pump gun.
  2. Attach cup to pump and place one at a time — avoid attaching pump after placement to prevent unnecessary pressure.
  3. Place cups on the insertion and origin of specific muscles, adhesion areas, or restricted fascia.
  4. One to two full pumps is sufficient pressure.
  5. Watch for rapid blood pulling or quick skin discoloration.
  6. Cups can be stationary for a minimum of 1 minute and maximum of 15 minutes.
  7. Release pressure and remove. Do not repeatedly cup the same area.

Gliding Cupping

  1. Use ½ pump of pressure.
  2. Gently glide the cup back and forth along the entire muscle or area of adhesion. If you cannot glide, release and reapply with less pressure.
  3. Avoid blemishes, moles, and skin tags.
  4. Do not glide repeatedly on the same area.

Expect circular marks ranging from light pink (fades in 6–12 hours) to deep purple (tender 24–48 hours, fades over 7–12 days). Gliding creates a speckling pattern.

Supplies Needed
  • Plastic pressure cups
  • Pressure pump gun
  • Small hand towel
  • Pink ceramic tray
Contraindications
  • Any blood clotting issue
  • Blood thinners (heart condition)
  • Injury within 48 hours
  • Areas of extreme inflammation
  • Anemia
Hot/Cold Therapy (Internal Add-On) — Step-by-Step

Ideal for guests with arthritic joints, recent injury or trauma (more than 48 hours old), or inflammation from deep tension.

  1. Apply heat pack to the area of extreme tension and let sit for 1–3 minutes. Work another area while heat pack is stationary.
  2. Remove heat pack, place back in insulated bag to keep hot. Massage the area.
  3. Apply Cryoball or cold marble stones to the area where heat was applied.
  4. Glide over the area multiple times to reduce inflammation — avoid bony landmarks and do not leave stones stationary on the skin.
  5. Watch skin for extreme redness. Repeat steps as needed.

Assembling Heat Pack

  • Insert flax heat pack into cover. Wrap cover around heat pack.
  • Place covered heat pack in warming bag. Plug in warming bag.

Assembling Cold Marble Stones / Cryoball

  • Place towel in tray, insert ice pack, place stones on towel on shelf.
  • Cryoball option: place in freezer tray or on ice pack.
Supplies Needed
  • Small flax heat pack + cover
  • Insulated heating bag
  • Cryoball or cold marble stones
Contraindications
  • Pregnancy
  • Sensitivity to heat or cold
Part 2
The Guest Journey
How to greet, consult, match, and close every guest with care

Guest Intake & Prompt Questions

The guest experience doesn't pause when the front desk hands the guest off — it deepens. From the moment you greet your guest in the lobby to the moment you hand them back to the front desk, you are their guide. Every step below is part of building the trust and care that defines a PALOMA experience.

Before entering the lobby, review your guest's name and service so you can greet them with intention.

  1. Enter the lobby or vestibule and say the guest's name at an appropriate volume — warm and confident, not loud.
  2. Introduce yourself and offer to help with any items. If the guest has a glass of water, take it with you.
  3. Before entering the treatment hallway, ask the guest if they need to use the restroom.
  4. Remind the guest of spa etiquette:
    • Cell phone on silent or turned off
    • No talking in the treatment hallway
    • Quiet voices while in the treatment room

Use this protocol when the guest has a single service with no additional treatment following.

Intake & Service Confirmation

  1. Get to know why the guest is here. Are they here for relaxation, pain or discomfort relief, or as part of a group or celebration?
  2. Determine if this is the right service for their needs. If a different service or an upgrade would serve them better — and time allows — offer it now.
  3. Check for enhancements or add-ons not already added at booking.
  4. Confirm the service and hands-on time so the guest knows exactly what to expect.

Room Orientation

  1. Instruct the guest on where to place their belongings:
    • Small belongings on the shelf
    • Phone, keys, or glasses can go in the sanitizer tray
    • Clothes on the hooks
  2. Explain positioning: Supine (face up) or prone (face down), underneath the sheets and blanket.
  3. Encourage the guest to verbalize any preferences during treatment — massage movements and pressure, table temperature, and talking or noise level.
  4. Let the guest know they can undress once you have stepped out, and that you will knock before re-entering.

Use this protocol when the guest has a second service following their massage. The transition bag changes how you instruct them on their belongings.

Intake & Service Confirmation

  1. Get to know why the guest is here. Relaxation, pain or discomfort, or a group celebration?
  2. Determine if this is the right service for their needs. Upgrade or adjust if necessary and time allows.
  3. Check for enhancements or add-ons not already added at booking.
  4. Confirm the service and hands-on time.

Room Orientation — Transition Bag Protocol

  1. Instruct the guest on belongings using the transition bag:
    • Phone can go in the sanitizer tray
    • Clothes and all other belongings go inside the transition bag
    • After the service, put on the robe provided instead of getting dressed
  2. Explain positioning: Supine or prone, underneath the sheets and blanket.
  3. Encourage the guest to verbalize preferences during treatment — pressure, temperature, noise level.
  4. Let the guest know they can undress once you've stepped out and that you will knock before re-entering.

Sample Script — Transition Bag:

"OK [Guest's name], I see you have another service following your massage today. I have a transition bag here for your clothes and belongings — please place them inside the bag. After the service, instead of getting dressed, put on the robe provided and open the curtain when you're ready, and I will be right back to get you."

💡 Repeat these instructions at the close of the service as a reminder to the guest.

These questions help ensure every guest feels heard, comfortable, and well-cared for at every stage of the session. Two check-in touchpoints during the massage are recommended for new guests or guests trying a new service.

Before the Massage

Reason for Visit

"What brings you in for a massage today?"
"Are you experiencing any specific pain or discomfort?"

Pain & Tension Areas

"Are there any areas of your body where you feel particular tension or pain?"
"Are there any areas you would like me to avoid?"

Pressure Preferences

"How do you like the pressure — light, medium, or deep?"
"Have you experienced discomfort with certain pressures in the past?"
💡 If a guest requests deep pressure but is booked for a Swedish massage: "You're booked for [service name], which is our Swedish massage — a fantastic option for relaxation. Based on your pressure preference, I'd actually recommend The Power or The Reformer. Would you like to look at upgrading today?"

Goals & Outcomes

"What are you hoping to achieve from today's session — relaxation, pain relief, something else?"
"Are there any specific results you're looking for?"

During the Massage

Comfort & Pressure Check

"Is the pressure okay for you?"
"How would you describe the pressure I'm using — too light, too firm, or just right?"
"Are you comfortable with the temperature and positioning?"

Focus Areas

"Would you like me to spend more time on any specific area?"
"Is there anywhere you feel needs more attention?"
"How are you feeling so far?"

After the Massage

These questions lead naturally into the Massage Recommendation Form and SOAP Notes.

"Do you have any questions or concerns about the session?"
"What is your daily routine like — do you sit, stand, or move around a lot?"
"Do you participate in any physical activities or sports?"
"Would you like recommendations for stretches or exercises to help with your issues?"

The final 3–5 minutes of every session are as important as the first. This is where you deepen the relationship, set the guest up for ongoing wellness, and hand off to the Experience Guide with clarity.

Wellness Recommendation Form

  • ·Front of form: Guest name and your name
  • ·Back of form: Future service recommendation, enhancement, time and frequency, additional services, and at-home product recommendations
  • ·Recommendations should be intentional and specific to the guest's needs — include at least two product suggestions and always encourage the infrared sauna
  • ·Go over the form with the guest before they leave the room
  • ·If the guest has a transition, hand the form to an Experience Guide — they will walk the guest through aftercare at checkout
Think of Experience Guides as your nurses — they walk guests through aftercare instructions and retail recommendations when you can't. The more detailed your form, the better they can advocate for your guest.

Water

Always offer additional water at the close of the session. This is especially important for deep tissue, lymphatic, and sauna guests whose bodies need rehydration after intensive work.

Room & Tools

Follow the procedure for a proper room flip or closing, and complete all cleaning protocols for tools and implements before your next guest.

Match the Guest to the Right Ritual

Every guest arrives with a need. Flip each card to see which ritual fits.

"I've never had a massage before."
Start with The Paloma (Swedish) or The Healer (30 min). Build comfort before introducing therapeutic pressure.
"I have all-over pain and stiffness."
The Power (Deep Tissue). If they also want CBD support, upgrade to The Higher Realm DT.
"My [back / neck / legs] are killing me."
The Reformer (targeted upper or lower body). Combine with the Hot/Cold enhancement for maximum relief.
"I just need to relax."
The Himalayan or The Higher Realm (Swedish). Suggest adding Aromatherapy for even deeper relaxation.
"My skin is so dry lately."
The Monsoon (hydrating ritual) or add the OSEA Undaria Oil enhancement to any massage.
"I'm pregnant / just had a baby."
The Mother. Verify gestation/postpartum eligibility. Only UMA BLISS aromatherapy is approved for this service.
"I have a lot of inflammation / joint pain."
The Higher Realm DT or The Grounding Stone. Both use CBD to work sensitized areas without further irritation.
"I only have 30 minutes."
The Healer — focused on their area of greatest need. Suggest booking a longer service next time.
Part 3
In the Treatment Room
Step-by-step protocols for every ritual — supplies, technique, and contraindications

Massage Protocols — Rituals

Each accordion below contains the complete therapist protocol for that ritual — supplies, technique notes, contraindications, and retail/service suggestions.

Relaxing Rituals
The Paloma — Swedish Protocol

"A Swedish massage ideal for those guests new to massage or looking for a way to relax."

Technique

  1. Have the guest take several deep breaths as you apply static touch to shoulders.
  2. Apply techniques in long, fluid movements so as not to overstimulate the nerves — the goal is a more sedative effect. Effleurage and gliding should be the basis of this ritual.
  3. Have the guest take several deep breaths while applying compressive movements to further elongate muscular tissue.
  4. Re-drape the area.
  5. Conclude with energy balancing chime.
  6. Fill out Recommendation Form and offer additional water.
Supplies
  • Coconut Oil
Contraindications
  • History of or current Deep Vein Thrombosis
  • Pregnancy
  • Injury within 48 hours
Retail: OSEA Body Oil, Body Brush Suggest: Meditation, Sauna, The Himalayan Great with: Aromatherapy or Hot Towel add-on
The Himalayan — Salt Stone Protocol

"A Swedish style massage incorporating warm salt stones — perfect for guests looking for a look-good and feel-good massage."

Technique

  1. Inform the guest to verbalize any discomfort or excessive heat from the stones.
  2. Apply static touch to shoulders with several deep breaths.
  3. Apply techniques in long fluid movements (effleurage and gliding as the basis).
  4. Use stones to warm the tissue, manipulate with hands, then go back over with stones — this allows penetration through superficial tissues to release deeper tension.
  5. Never place stones directly on skin and leave them. Use the sheet or a small hand towel as a barrier between stationary stones and skin.
  6. Re-drape each area to ensure warmth and full benefit of heat.
  7. Conclude with energy balancing chime. Fill out Recommendation Form and offer water.

Warming Bag Setup

  • Place cover over heating element. Place stones in warming bag. Plug in.
Supplies
  • Coconut Oil
  • Insulated warming bag + cover
  • 1 hand towel
  • Salt stones (6–10 max)
Contraindications
  • History of or current Deep Vein Thrombosis
  • Pregnancy
  • Injury within 48 hours
Retail: All-over body oil, Body brush Suggest: Meditation, Sauna, The Grounding Stone Great with: Aromatherapy enhancement or upgrade to Grounding Stone Note: Great for eczema, psoriasis, mild respiratory issues
The Higher Realm (Swedish) — CBD Swedish Protocol

"Our #1 massage. Ideal for guests looking to relax and alleviate muscular pain without deep tissue."

Technique

  1. Upon greeting and consultation, confirm guest has received their edibles (2 × 25mg CBD gummies).
  2. Apply static touch to shoulders with several deep breaths.
  3. Using signature CBD massage oil, apply techniques in long fluid movements — effleurage and gliding as the basis.
  4. Apply small amounts of topical CBD treatment to areas of concern or where it will benefit most.
  5. Apply compressive movements with several deep breaths to further elongate muscular tissue.
  6. Re-drape, conclude with chime, fill out Recommendation Form, offer water.
Supplies
  • Signature CBD massage oil (black bottle)
  • Cooling or warming CBD topical (½–1 tsp)
Contraindications
  • History of or current Deep Vein Thrombosis
  • Pregnancy
  • Injury within 48 hours
  • Allergy to CBD or derivatives
Retail: PALOMA CBD Edibles, GrÖn, Lord Jones Suggest: Meditation, Sauna, The Grounding Stone CBD allows work on sensitive inflamed areas without further irritation — always reference PALOMA's CBD info sheet
Restorative Rituals
The Healer — 30-Min Express Protocol

Guest chooses focus area: Head & Neck, Back & Shoulders, or Legs & Feet.

Head & Neck

  1. Static touch to shoulders, deep breaths. Work frontalis into scalp.
  2. Use gliding, friction, and kneading to loosen fascia through scalp and hairline (alleviates sinus and head pain).
  3. Extra attention to temples and occipital area. Work SCM along full length. Work Levator and Spinalis.

Back & Shoulders

  1. Static touch to shoulders, deep breaths.
  2. Work Levator and Upper Trapezius. Work Rotator Group.
  3. Work Lower Traps and Erector Spinae. Work Lats and Serratus. Additional back muscles as needed.

Legs & Feet

  1. Static touch, deep breaths. Work IT Band, Quads, Soleus, additional leg muscles.
  2. Work lateral and medial Malleolus. Work toes and all surface areas of the foot.
  3. Work Hamstrings, Gastrocs, additional leg muscles.
Supplies
  • Coconut Oil
Contraindications
  • History of or current Deep Vein Thrombosis
  • Injury within 48 hours
Retail: Lovie hot/cold packs, Good Medicine Balm Suggest: Sauna, Reformer, Power
The Power — Deep Tissue Protocol

"Ideal for guests with all-over pain and stiffness. Not recommended for those new to massage."

Technique

  1. Apply static touch to shoulders with several deep breaths.
  2. Apply deep friction and kneading to each area of the body. Start superficially and work deeper, then return to superficial.
  3. Work in a slower manner — do not heighten sensitivity due to tension and inflammation.
  4. Apply compressive movements with deep breaths to further elongate muscular tissue.
  5. Re-drape, conclude with chime, fill out Recommendation Form, offer water.
Supplies
  • Coconut Oil
Contraindications
  • History of or current Deep Vein Thrombosis
  • Pregnancy
  • Injury within 48 hours
  • Spondylolysis, Degenerative disc disease, Bulging or herniated disc (could exacerbate)
Retail: EIR Warming Oil, EIR Topical Balm Suggest: Sauna, Higher Realm DT
The Reformer — Therapeutic Protocol

"Ideal for guests with a particular area of pain or lack of flexibility. Great intro to the massage menu for guests who may not be ready for full deep tissue."

Technique

  1. Apply static touch to shoulders with several deep breaths.
  2. Apply compression and cross-fiber techniques to loosen superficial tissue — traditionally done without lubricant to allow more friction within the tissue.
  3. Provide passive stretching techniques to decompress joints.
  4. Apply hold-and-release techniques to help reset the muscular tissue.
  5. Apply direct firm pressure to the main area of focus.
  6. Use firm gliding and kneading to loosen restricted muscular tissue.
  7. Apply Heat Pack to back or leg area depending on client's need. Use Cryoball as needed for areas of inflammation and swelling.
  8. Deep breaths + compressive movements to elongate muscular tissue. Re-drape, chime, Recommendation Form, water.

Heat helps loosen superficial tissue layers so the therapist can penetrate deeper without forceful manipulation. Cold soothes and eases inflammation in joints and soft tissue.

Supplies
  • EIR Warming Oil
  • Menthol Topical
  • Large or Small Heat Pack (per need)
  • Cryoball or Cold Marble Stones
Contraindications
  • History of or current Deep Vein Thrombosis
  • Pregnancy (due to products used)
  • Injury within 48 hours
Retail: Large hot/cold body wrap, Dual pack hot/cold Suggest: Sauna, Grounding Stone
The Higher Realm (Deep Tissue) — CBD Deep Tissue Protocol

"Our #1 massage. Ideal for guests looking for deep relaxation along with the therapeutic relief of deep tissue techniques."

Technique

  1. Upon greeting, confirm guest has received their edibles (2 × 25mg CBD gummies).
  2. Apply static touch to shoulders with deep breaths.
  3. Apply deep friction and kneading to each area. Start superficial, work deeper, return to superficial.
  4. Work in a slower manner so as not to heighten sensitivity due to inflammation.
  5. Spend sufficient time on areas of pain and discomfort.
  6. Apply CBD topical to areas of concern, inflammation, or where the therapist sees it most needed.
  7. Compressive movements with deep breaths. Re-drape, chime, Recommendation Form, water.
Supplies
  • Signature CBD massage oil (black bottle)
  • Cooling or warming CBD topical (½–1 tsp)
Contraindications
  • History of or current Deep Vein Thrombosis
  • Pregnancy
  • Injury within 48 hours
  • Allergy to CBD or derivatives
Retail: Vertly Bath Salts, Mary's Muscle Freeze Suggest: Sauna, Grounding Stone
The Grounding Stone — CBD + Salt Stone Protocol

"Combines The Higher Realm and The Himalayan. Created for guests who need to melt away tension from an overworked body and mind."

Technique

  1. Inform the guest to verbalize discomfort or excessive heat from stones.
  2. Static touch to shoulders with deep breaths.
  3. Apply techniques in long fluid movements — effleurage and firm gliding as the basis.
  4. Use stones to warm tissue, manipulate with hands, then go back over with stones — penetrates superficial tissue to release deeper tension.
  5. Never place stones directly on skin without a sheet or hand towel barrier when stationary.
  6. Re-drape each area to ensure warmth.
  7. Apply CBD balm to areas of extreme tightness or inflammation.
  8. Compressive movements with deep breaths. Re-drape, chime, Recommendation Form, water.
Supplies
  • CBD Signature Oil
  • Insulated warming bag + cover
  • 1 hand towel
  • Salt stones (6–10 max)
  • CBD coconut oil blend
  • Topical CBD warming balm
Contraindications
  • History of or current Deep Vein Thrombosis
  • Pregnancy
  • Injury within 48 hours
  • Allergy to CBD
  • Heat sensitivity
  • Allergy to Himalayan Salt
Retail: Vertly Bath Salts, Body Brush Suggest: Meditation, Sauna, Zen Pack enhancement
Specialty Rituals
The Mother — Pre & Post Natal Protocol

"Tailored to the needs of new moms and moms-to-be using exclusively HATCH products designed specifically with mothers in mind."

Eligibility Requirements

  • Prenatal: Must be at minimum 12 weeks gestation (or 20 weeks if IVF)
  • Postnatal: Must be 6 weeks postpartum (8 weeks if cesarean delivery)
  • Safe to lay on belly or any comfortable position up to 28 weeks gestation
  • When supine, the back should be slightly elevated
  • After 28 weeks: recommend semi-upright position or left-side lying for most of the session

Technique

  1. Upon consultation, inform guest to verbalize any discomfort from massage or positioning.
  2. Static touch to shoulders with deep breaths.
  3. Apply techniques in long fluid movements — effleurage and gliding as the basis. Do not overstimulate the nerves.
  4. Avoid deep pressure on lumbar area, ankles, and feet.
  5. Re-drape each area to ensure warmth and comfort.
  6. After massaging legs and feet, apply a small amount of HATCH Down Girl (slight cooling sensation) and lightly massage in.
  7. Put 1–3 pumps of Belly Oil in a bowl for the guest to apply to belly, bust, or buttocks after the session.
  8. Compressive movements with deep breaths. Re-drape, chime, Recommendation Form, water.

Pillow Placement

  • Semi-inclined position can be used at any point during pregnancy
  • Extra pillows on stool or under table — not on the floor
  • Side-lying: body pillow or standard pillow placed longways on table
Supplies
  • HATCH Belly Oil
  • HATCH Down Girl
  • Various pillows for guest comfort
  • Small bowl to offer Belly Oil
Aromatherapy Note
  • Only UMA BLISS is safe for expectant mothers
  • Cupping is safe if the entire core area is avoided
Retail: HATCH products Suggest: Meditation
Uma Massage — Ayurvedic Detox Ritual Protocol

90-minute Ayurvedic-inspired ritual combining lymphatic massage, dry brushing, warm UMA botanical oils, breathwork, and aromatherapy.

Step 1: Opening Ritual (5 min)

  • Invite guest to lie supine. Lead guided breathwork (3–5 deep breaths).
  • Offer grounding aromatherapy — present UMA oils for guest inhalation.
  • Perform light energy connection hold: scalp → third eye → shoulders.

Step 2: Dry Brushing with Cecily Braden Lymphatic Brush (10 min)

  1. Press fingertips into hollow of collar bones; make swooping J-motion 10 times.
  2. Tap left armpit 10 times. Pick up dry brush, start from elbow brushing toward heart. Repeat 3 times.
  3. Clockwise circular strokes on abdomen, 10 times. Continue long circular strokes on sides up to armpits.
  4. Left inner thighs: C-stroke into the groin lymph node. Then broad strokes inward from knee to groin. C-strokes around the knee. Ankle up to knee, knee to groin — repeat 4 times for full leg.
  5. Repeat mapping on right side.

Step 3: Lymphatic Massage — Front Body (35 min)

  • Apply warmed UMA oil with intention.
  • Face & Neck: jawline, temples, cervical nodes — 10 min
  • Arms & Décolleté: hands to axilla — 10 min
  • Abdomen: clockwise circles and sweeps — 5 min
  • Legs: feet to thighs — 10 min

Step 4: Lymphatic Massage — Back Body (30 min)

  • Back: sacrum to shoulders, hold sacrum — 15 min
  • Back of Legs: heels to knees — 10 min
  • Foot reflexology — 5 min

Step 5: Closing Ritual (5–10 min)

  • Gentle hold at sacrum or heart.
  • Final breathwork with calming essential oil.
  • Invite guest to rest silently for a few moments before letting them know the session has concluded.
Supplies
  • Cecily Braden Lymphatic Brush
  • Warmed UMA Ayurvedic botanical oil
  • Uma Aromatherapy oils (Calm or Energy)
  • Fresh linens, bolsters, optional warm towels
  • Large sauna towel
Post-Treatment
  • Gift the Cecily Braden Lymphatic Brush with self-care usage tips
  • Recommend hydration and rest
  • Offer an Ayurvedic wellness tip (warm lemon water, dry brushing routine)
Maintain rhythmic, intentional flow throughout — this is both a physical and energetic treatment
Part 4
Running Your Shift
The DAAG, opening & closing checklists, and SOAP notes

Operational Tools

LMT Opening & Closing Checklist

Opening
  • Check the DAAG for Room Assignment and to see if someone is scheduled in your room after you
  • Ensure table warmer is on and everything in room is plugged in
  • Massage oil bottles are filled
  • Ensure hot towels are ready
  • You have service/enhancement accoutrements in your room for your first guest
  • Review the DAAG Client Notes
  • Review Intake Forms for your first guest
Mid-Day (when someone is in your room after you)
  • Strip all dirty linens & replace with clean sheets
  • Wipe down walls with hot towel / clean up oil spills
  • Wipe down all oil bottles & surfaces
  • Refill massage oil bottles
  • Clean implements used & put them away
  • Clean dishes used during shift & put in dishwasher
  • SOAP notes!
Closing (when no one else is in your room after you)
  • Strip all dirty linens and blanket & replace with clean sheets and blanket
  • Wipe down walls with hot towel and clean up any oil spills
  • Sweep/Swiffer treatment room cement floor (under basket and around rugs)
  • Empty hot towel cabinet
  • Wipe down all bottles, surfaces, and equipment with disinfectant wipes
  • Windex mirror
  • Refill massage oil bottles
  • Unplug sound machine and power strip
  • Clean implements or tools used & put them away
  • Clean dishes used during shift & put in dishwasher
  • SOAP notes!

SOAP Notes

SOAP notes capture critical information in the guest's profile. They ensure continuity of care, prevent recommending something the guest has already tried, and support a plan of treatment. Always complete SOAP notes after every service.

S
Service
Notate type of service and duration.
Example: 60 min Paloma with aromatherapy
O
Observation
Notate tightness, inflammation, range of motion, or flexibility issues. The more information, the better.
Example: Limited ROM in left hip, tight traps, complaint of low back soreness, Uma calm
A
Action
Notate any product recommendations so you don't offer the same thing twice if not needed by the guest.
Example: Recommend Good Medicine Balm and Uma Calm
P
Plan
Notate any plan of treatment the guest should follow — include time and duration.
Example: Recommend 60 min Higher Realm every 4 weeks

Reading the DAAG (Day At A Glance)

The DAAG is your daily roadmap. It shows room assignments, transition bags, enhancements, dome setups, and special guest notes — all in one view. Refresh the app continuously throughout the day to catch any updates.

Example DAAG (Day At A Glance) spreadsheet showing therapist room assignments, guest notes, and service details
Example DAAG — Review this at the start of every shift to understand room assignments, transitions, and guest needs for the day.
Special Guest Experiences

Some visits require more from us than a standard appointment. When you see any of the following flagged on the DAAG, treat it as a cue to go above and beyond.

Transition Services

A guest receiving 2 or more spa services in treatment rooms (e.g., massage + facial). Transitions let guests move between treatments without fully dressing, preserving their meditative state.

Group Appointments

2 or more guests scheduled for spa services together. Groups require intentional coordination before, during, and after — the goal is for everyone to feel equally celebrated and cared for.

Spa Journeys

An immersive, multi-service experience with a curated sequence of treatments, rituals, and sensory moments. Each Journey has its own flow, beverage, and parting gift.

Pay Close Attention To
  • Room Assignments — especially if an evening therapist is in the same room as a morning therapist. Flipping that room is first priority.
  • Transition Bags — must be in the correct treatment room before you bring the guest back. EC's responsibility, but service providers should confirm.
  • Dome Set Ups — check and confirm dome configuration throughout the day.
  • Sauna Transitions — sanitize and reset the sauna after each session to keep the day's flow on time.
  • Closing Dome Set Up — if you are the closing Experience Coordinator, this is a key part of your closing responsibilities.
Color Highlight Key
YELLOW Transition Robe/Bag — Guest has more than one service and will transition between treatment rooms. Coordinators prep; service providers confirm.
BLUE Enhancement Add-On — Guest has an enhancement already booked. Some prep may be needed — ask a Coordinator if you need help.
GREEN Group Appointment — Pick up these guests from the lobby at the same time as the other therapist.
PINK Cacao Needed — Coordinators prep and serve warm cacao at the correct time (Fire Within Journeys, public Sound Baths, and private Meditation experiences).
ORANGE Take Note — Guest may have a special request, a pop-up note on their profile, or is celebrating something. Give extra attention.