How to Choose a Treatment Playlist

Top Tips For Choosing Your Treatment Playlist, if you are working as a self-employed Complementary Therapist, you’ll know that one of the many perks is being able to choose the type of music you offer your clients.

Of course, there are many tranquil sounds that a client expects when coming for an hour of relaxation – but what is the right music to play? We’ve done a little research into the type of music you’d expect in a spa environment and why some sounds work better than others.

• Soothing instrumental music successfully provides a relaxing soundscape. However, if there are any lyrical elements to consider, try to choose songs where the words cannot be fully identified. Music by artists like Enya, where the lyrics are long, flowing and intertwining work well.
• Sounds of nature work very well as our bodies are designed to respond positively to the natural environment. Research suggests that soft ocean waves and babbling brooks are the most relaxing soundscapes – however, for some people, it can stimulate the need to urinate, so always ask your client beforehand if they need to use the restroom.
• Wooden sounds are also very good at creating a tranquil setting. Wind instruments, such as panpipes and wooden flutes offer an organic and natural sound. Just like the sound of the wind, our body recognises noises that are similar in quality.
• An important thing to consider, is if your playlist is long enough to endure the length of treatment on offer. To be safe, always add another 20 minutes to cover the time before and after your treatment, when your client is getting ready.
• When creating your playlist, be conscious that you are creating a flow of relaxation for your client. Make sure that your tracks have a similar rhythm. Music that becomes very fast can be stressful for the client and will interrupt their natural pace of relaxation.
• Some folk choose music that has 60-80 beats per minute to help relax their clients. A slower beat will allow the nervous system and heart to synchronize and therefore, move the individual into the relaxation zone faster.
• Finally, you want the volume of your tracks to be similar. When we blend songs to create our own playlist, we need to watch out for the volume change between songs.

Despite all of these things, do keep in mind the treatment you are offering. For example, during a Thai Massage treatment, traditional Thai music would suit. If you were offering Sports Massage, perhaps a slightly more invigorating and upbeat playlist might work.