HACKING WITH CARE

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====== A few words on ethical conduct in massage ======


  * Always observe the **precautions and contraindications**, consult the [[Massage precautions & contra indications sign]] 
  * Respect each other. **No discriminative or prejudiced** speech, attitude or behaviour, **no violence, harassment, coercion** is ever appropriate. 
  * Observe **hygiene and safety rules**: wash your hands before and after each session, use disposable paper covers or clean towels to protect the table, cushions, clothes. Work in a safe, clean, ventilated, space. Only use good quality products.
  * Be **transparent and honest about your actual qualifications** in care-giving, do not pretend to have skills or knowledge you don't have. An attentive amateur can accomplish a great deal already, so no need to brag. 
  * Do not give a massage to someone who is not quite sure they want one. Here, like in love, it has to be a **YES**, from the beginning to the end. Anyone can decide to stop whenever they want.  
  * Respect **physical reserves**. No one has to take their clothes off for massage if they don't want to (very good massages can be provided with clothes on). Similarly, if you, the giver, are not comfortable with nudity, you should say so. 
  * Because massages induce relaxation of the nervous system, it can sometimes trigger erection or **reactions similar to those of sexual arousal** in both men and women. It's not so frequent that you should worry about it, and besides, it is really nothing to be ashamed of. The masseur/se should bear in mind that however sexual in appearance, these reactions might not be experienced as such by the receiver, and so they should **never be considered as an invitation to act on them**. 
  * There can sometimes be surprising **emotional release** during massage (or other forms of care) Please familiarize yourself with this possibility reading our article [[Emotional Release during Massage - What's happening and How best to respond]]. Stay calm, composed, kind. Be especially wary and mindful of the possibility of personal information being revealed to you in that moment: Do NOT encourage words or let the person tell you too much about themselves. If necessary let them know that your reluctance to hear more is for their own good. 
  * Discuss **"privacy settings"** with your partner prior to the session − what would they be comfortable with? Can you talk about this massage later, to someone else? The default privacy setting in massage is "whatever happens in the massage room, stays in the massage room", period. Don't mention to others that you have given a massage to that someone. 
  * Massage for **children**: Only in presence of their parent/adult tutor - No one to one sessions.