World Championship Massage 2025

Next Championship June 27 – June 29 2025 in Copenhagen

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Massage and Psychology: The Importance of Psychological Understanding for Massage Therapists

Massage therapy is more than just a physical intervention; it is a holistic practice that profoundly impacts both body and mind. Understanding the psychological aspects of this interaction is crucial for massage therapists, as it enables them to create a more effective and empathetic therapeutic environment. This article explores why knowledge of psychology is essential for massage therapists, how it can enhance their professional practice, and how it contributes to making clients feel safe and secure during treatment.

Why is Psychological Knowledge Important for Massage Therapists?

1. Building Trust and Rapport:

A fundamental aspect of any therapeutic relationship is trust. Clients need to feel safe and respected to relax fully and benefit from the treatment. Understanding psychological principles helps therapists establish rapport, create a non-judgmental space, and communicate effectively, all of which are key to building trust.

2. Recognizing and Addressing Emotional Reactions:

During a massage, clients may experience unexpected emotional responses, such as tears or sudden feelings of anxiety. These reactions can be linked to the release of stored tension and emotions in the body. A therapist with psychological insight can handle these situations with sensitivity, providing reassurance and support, rather than dismissing or overlooking them.

3. Understanding the Mind-Body Connection:

Psychological stress often manifests as physical symptoms, such as muscle tension, headaches, or chronic pain. A massage therapist who understands the mind-body connection can tailor treatments to address both physical and emotional needs, offering a more comprehensive approach to healing.

Benefits for the Massage Therapist as a Professional

1. Enhanced Client Communication:

Psychology equips therapists with effective communication skills, such as active listening and empathy. This allows them to understand clients’ concerns more deeply, ask the right questions, and provide explanations that put clients at ease. Good communication helps clarify treatment goals and ensures that clients feel heard and understood, which is crucial for successful therapy outcomes.

2. Improved Client Outcomes:

By incorporating psychological knowledge, therapists can better identify and address the root causes of a client’s physical complaints, which are often linked to stress, trauma, or emotional strain. This holistic understanding can lead to more effective treatment plans, improving client satisfaction and long-term outcomes.

3. Professional Growth and Competence:

Learning about psychology can broaden a massage therapist’s skill set, making them more versatile and competent in handling diverse client needs. This expertise can set them apart in a competitive field, attracting clients who seek a more integrated approach to their well-being.

4. Preventing Professional Burnout:

Massage therapy can be emotionally demanding, especially when working with clients who have complex emotional or physical issues. Understanding psychological principles can help therapists manage their own emotional responses and set healthy boundaries, reducing the risk of burnout and maintaining their well-being.

How Psychology Helps Clients Feel Safe and Secure

1. Creating a Safe Therapeutic Environment:

Clients need to feel physically and emotionally safe to benefit fully from a massage. Therapists can use psychological knowledge to create a welcoming environment, use calming language, and establish clear boundaries. This helps clients feel respected and in control, which is particularly important for those who have experienced trauma or who may feel vulnerable during bodywork.

2. Managing Expectations and Consent:

Clear communication about what the treatment will involve, checking in with the client’s comfort level, and obtaining informed consent are all practices rooted in psychological awareness. This process helps clients feel more in control and reduces anxiety, as they know what to expect and feel empowered to voice their needs and preferences.

3. Reading Non-Verbal Cues:

Clients may not always verbalize their discomfort or emotions. A therapist with psychological training can read non-verbal cues such as body language, facial expressions, or changes in breathing. This awareness allows them to adjust their approach in real-time, ensuring the client remains comfortable and relaxed.

4. Supporting Emotional Release:

Sometimes, massage can trigger an emotional release as physical tension is relieved. A therapist who is prepared for this can provide a supportive presence, acknowledging the client’s experience without judgment. This validation can be deeply healing for clients and enhances the therapeutic relationship.

Conclusion

Integrating psychological knowledge into massage therapy enriches the practice, transforming it from a purely physical treatment into a holistic healing experience. For massage therapists, understanding psychology enhances communication, fosters deeper connections with clients, and improves therapeutic outcomes. For clients, it means feeling seen, heard, and safe, which is essential for both physical and emotional healing. As the massage profession continues to evolve, incorporating psychological principles into practice should become a standard part of training and professional development, ultimately benefiting both therapists and clients alike.

  • Article by Jeppe Tengbjerg (Founder and CEO of the International Massage Association and IMA Academy)

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At the International Massage Association we are ongoing try to elevate the Massage Profession via our many Articles, PodcastsMasterclasses and via the Educational Conference at the World Championship in Massage

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Have you seen what our particpants have to say?

5.0
Based on 49 reviews
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Jurij Juriak
13:46 31 Jan 25
Jesus Gomez
23:07 12 Jan 25
PRASANNA GAMAGE
13:14 07 Jan 25
Thanking for IMA , Share the valuable informations.
Cornelia N
18:11 06 Jan 25
Superb quality information, a true ambassador for massage therapy!
Vlad-Florin Panait
07:13 17 Dec 24
I had an amazing weekend learning about advanced techniques of holistic massage. It was a great experience and I want to thank Kinga and Jeppe for these lessons.
Alligator Tab
10:27 16 Dec 24
Excellent experience. I was impressed after the course.
Kinga Jenei
14:26 15 Dec 24
Bridgette Mensah
05:22 02 Dec 24
I am a massage therapist and I appreciate the article in the sence that reading through refreshes my mind and has also helped me to know I'm using the right techniques in my practice and my clients are always amazed after I treat them.Thank you! So much for sharing it has been enlighten!
Nataly Werthaim
23:11 21 Nov 24
"I took an amazing massage course from IMA, which greatly enhanced my knowledge. It was very well explained and presented with high professionalism. Thank you so much, Jeppe & Kinga ❤️"
May Au
09:57 20 Oct 24
It is a great honor to receive the NMC Overall Winner Award 2024, and I am truly grateful to have Jeppe present it to me. His experience and skills are admired globally, and he is not only highly knowledgeable but also generous and supportive. I feel fortunate to learn from him and I hope we can all continue working together in the massage field to achieve great things. Thank you so much, Jeppe!
Sami Stressade
10:45 20 Sep 24
The International Massage World Championships (IMA) in Copenhagen was an extraordinary experience. It provided a unique platform to compete with the best massage therapists in the world and learn advanced techniques at the highest level.The professional exchange, the valuable feedback from the jury and the inspiring atmosphere have significantly expanded my skills. An absolute recommendation for anyone who wants to perfect their art and make international connections.A special thank you goes to Jeppe Tengbjerg, founder and CEO of the International Massage Association and organizer of the World Championships in Massage. Without his vision and commitment, this outstanding event would not have been possible.
Amanda J M.
03:52 18 Sep 24
Thank you very much for the lessons that IMA has shared with the public... this knowledge will forever be useful for me to grow even more.. hugs and kisses 💆‍♂️🌎🕊🙏😇
semenuk-t Tanya
14:45 25 Aug 24
Very interesting, informative. A colossal experience. Exchange of skills and techniques. Friendly atmosphere....❤️❤️❤️It is worth taking part in order to grow and become better.
I have attended the IMA World massage Champs since 2017, it’s a must in the June calendar each year. Go visit or compete!! Copenhagen is a great City break aswell.
Tereze Belkova
19:06 24 Apr 24
An excellent school where you can not only learn different massage techniques, but also improve your skills. A place that brings together massage professionals from all over the world by organising the World Massage Championships in Denmark.
Michael Pedersen
21:24 05 Mar 24
Huge praise for holding dm in massage 2024.Warm atmosphere, good energy and super well organised.A school that is passionate about giving students the best possible education.Can only warmly recommend the school.
Carsten Anderslund
20:12 05 Mar 24
Carl Newbury
11:28 29 Feb 24
I have been attending Jeppe's events in Copenhagen since 2017. The World Championship in Massage is the highlight of my year networking with massage therapists from all over the World. Well Done Jeppe
Victoria Bilousova
12:54 07 Feb 24
Thank you so much for an amazing World Massage Championship organized in a high level! A lot of new friends and inspiration I found there😇
It was with great pleasure to teach at your school in Denmark, I experienced a good atmosfeer, an interesting class and you as host/teacher mr. Jeppe Tengbjerg.Also thank you for the colaboration to teach at my school in Lelystad the Netherlands last year, it is of great interest to learn from each other and I welcome you again, this year in september 2024.SoeReiMas Courses & CoachingLelystad the Netherlands
Chutima Hälg
00:47 07 Feb 24
I recently had the pleasure of attending a massage seminar jointly organized by IMA Academy and Chiida Academy, and I must say it was a truly enriching experience. The seminar, led by a professional instructor, was a perfect blend of theory and practice, offering valuable insights into the art of massage therapy. The theoretical aspects covered were comprehensive and informative, providing a solid foundation of knowledge for all participants. From anatomy and physiology to various massage techniques and their applications, every aspect was explained with clarity and depth. It was evident that the instructor was not only knowledgeable but also passionate about imparting their expertise to the students. What truly stood out about this seminar was the emphasis on hands-on practice. Participants were given ample opportunities to apply the theoretical concepts they had learned in a supportive and nurturing environment. The instructor's guidance and feedback were invaluable in honing our skills and techniques. Moreover, I was impressed by the caring attitude and thoughtfulness shown towards the students throughout the seminar. From providing necessary materials to addressing individual queries and concerns, the organizers ensured that everyone felt valued and supported. I would like to extend my gratitude to Mr. Jeppe Tengbjerg for his exceptional leadership in making this seminar a resounding success. His expertise, patience, and genuine dedication to the art of massage therapy were truly inspiring.In conclusion, the collaborative effort between IMA Academy and Chiida Academy in presenting this massage seminar was commendable. It was a rewarding experience that left me feeling empowered and equipped with valuable knowledge and skills. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of massage therapy or embark on a career in this field.
Corpore Vital
16:13 06 Feb 24
Professionalism and education at the highest level. The students are very attentive and involved in the way the information is conveyed and because there is a lot of practice, the course becomes even more exciting. Congratulations for the interactive way in which you transmit the information.
Jurij Juriak
13:46 31 Jan 25
Jesus Gomez
23:07 12 Jan 25
Kinga Jenei
14:26 15 Dec 24
Bridgette Mensah
05:22 02 Dec 24
Jeg er en massageterapeut, og jeg sætter pris på artiklen i den forstand, at gennemlæsning genopfrisker mit sind og har også hjulpet mig til at vide, at jeg bruger de rigtige teknikker i min praksis, og mine klienter er altid forbløffede, efter jeg har behandlet dem.Tak! Så meget for at dele det har været oplysende!
Natalija Ilic
13:05 29 Nov 24
Fantastisk konkurrence!!!
Michael Pedersen
21:24 05 Mar 24
Kæmpe stor ros for at afholde dm i massage 2024.Varm atmosfære, god energi og super godt tilrettelagt.En skole der brænder for at give eleverne, den bedst mulige uddannelse.Kan kun på det varmeste anbefale skolen.
Carsten Anderslund
20:12 05 Mar 24
Constantin Roman
02:30 07 Jan 24
Jeg mødte Jeppe Tengbjerg for første gang ved det første World Massage Championship i 2017. Siden da har vi krydset veje mange gange, i forskellige samarbejder relateret til massageverdenen: internationale konkurrencer, danske konkurrencer, kurser, workshops, seminarer, masterclasses mv. . Her var Jeppe skaberen, arrangøren eller i det mindste var han en væsentlig faktor i dannelsen af disse værdifulde platforme for uddannelse, inspiration og promovering, for alle dem, der er involveret i massageverdenen, både som massageudbydere og som massageforbrugere.Jeppe har ydet et kæmpe bidrag til at fremme massageværdier i Danmark og verden. Der kunne siges meget om dette bidrag og om hans egenskaber som professionel og som person. Måske allervigtigst er, at Jeppe Tengbjerg er en inspiration og et forbillede. Han samler flittigt viden og erfaringer, hvorfra han skaber en kilde til ny viden og erfaring til andre og giver den videre.I dag er der allerede mange mennesker i verden, som har nydt godt af det kolossale arbejde, Jeppe konstant udfører. Jeppe er for mig et eksempel på flid, vedholdenhed og engagement.Jeg synes, at Jeppe Tengbjerg er et navn, der allerede er trådt ind i massagens historie.Vil du vide mere om Jeppes arbejde, så følg ham tæt på alle digitale kanaler, hvor han har publiceret talrige artikler og relevante materialer.Hvis du er en massageterapeut interesseret i at blive endnu bedre, så deltag i konkurrencer eller uddannelser promoveret af Jeppe Tengbjerg.Drømmer du om at blive massør, så kontakt Jeppe Tengbjerg.
Camilla Ring
11:57 03 Nov 23
Har taget flere både uddannelser og kurser hos Jeppe og har kun godt at sige om det. Jeg har været rigtig tilfreds og bruger hver dag, al min tillærte viden i min klinik ✨
Anne Breinberg
10:06 22 Sep 23
God skole med et bredt spektrum af sundhedsuddannelser - både enkeltstående og overbyggende.Jeg har tidligere taget massøruddannelsen og hvad dertil hører og er pt. i gang med zoneterapiuddannelsen.
Helene Baumann
04:35 09 Mar 23
Jeg har taget både grunduddannelsen, skadesterapeut, thai yoga massage samt sundhedsfaglig grunduddannelse hos tengbjerg massørskole og jeg er så tilfreds. Man lærer utrolig meget på kurserne og underviserne er så kompetente! Hvis man overvejer at blive massør, kan jeg på det kraftigste anbefale at man smutter til Næstved! :-)
Jurij Juriak
13:46 31 Jan 25
Jesus Gomez
23:07 12 Jan 25
PRASANNA GAMAGE
13:14 07 Jan 25
Thanking for IMA , Share the valuable informations.
Cornelia N
18:11 06 Jan 25
Superb quality information, a true ambassador for massage therapy!
Vlad-Florin Panait
07:13 17 Dec 24
I had an amazing weekend learning about advanced techniques of holistic massage. It was a great experience and I want to thank Kinga and Jeppe for these lessons.
Alligator Tab
10:27 16 Dec 24
Excellent experience. I was impressed after the course.
Kinga Jenei
14:26 15 Dec 24
Bridgette Mensah
05:22 02 Dec 24
I am a massage therapist and I appreciate the article in the sence that reading through refreshes my mind and has also helped me to know I'm using the right techniques in my practice and my clients are always amazed after I treat them.Thank you! So much for sharing it has been enlighten!
Nataly Werthaim
23:11 21 Nov 24
"I took an amazing massage course from IMA, which greatly enhanced my knowledge. It was very well explained and presented with high professionalism. Thank you so much, Jeppe & Kinga ❤️"
May Au
09:57 20 Oct 24
It is a great honor to receive the NMC Overall Winner Award 2024, and I am truly grateful to have Jeppe present it to me. His experience and skills are admired globally, and he is not only highly knowledgeable but also generous and supportive. I feel fortunate to learn from him and I hope we can all continue working together in the massage field to achieve great things. Thank you so much, Jeppe!
Sami Stressade
10:45 20 Sep 24
The International Massage World Championships (IMA) in Copenhagen was an extraordinary experience. It provided a unique platform to compete with the best massage therapists in the world and learn advanced techniques at the highest level.The professional exchange, the valuable feedback from the jury and the inspiring atmosphere have significantly expanded my skills. An absolute recommendation for anyone who wants to perfect their art and make international connections.A special thank you goes to Jeppe Tengbjerg, founder and CEO of the International Massage Association and organizer of the World Championships in Massage. Without his vision and commitment, this outstanding event would not have been possible.
Amanda J M.
03:52 18 Sep 24
Thank you very much for the lessons that IMA has shared with the public... this knowledge will forever be useful for me to grow even more.. hugs and kisses 💆‍♂️🌎🕊🙏😇
semenuk-t Tanya
14:45 25 Aug 24
Very interesting, informative. A colossal experience. Exchange of skills and techniques. Friendly atmosphere....❤️❤️❤️It is worth taking part in order to grow and become better.
I have attended the IMA World massage Champs since 2017, it’s a must in the June calendar each year. Go visit or compete!! Copenhagen is a great City break aswell.
Tereze Belkova
19:06 24 Apr 24
An excellent school where you can not only learn different massage techniques, but also improve your skills. A place that brings together massage professionals from all over the world by organising the World Massage Championships in Denmark.
Michael Pedersen
21:24 05 Mar 24
Huge praise for holding dm in massage 2024.Warm atmosphere, good energy and super well organised.A school that is passionate about giving students the best possible education.Can only warmly recommend the school.
Carsten Anderslund
20:12 05 Mar 24
Carl Newbury
11:28 29 Feb 24
I have been attending Jeppe's events in Copenhagen since 2017. The World Championship in Massage is the highlight of my year networking with massage therapists from all over the World. Well Done Jeppe
Victoria Bilousova
12:54 07 Feb 24
Thank you so much for an amazing World Massage Championship organized in a high level! A lot of new friends and inspiration I found there😇
It was with great pleasure to teach at your school in Denmark, I experienced a good atmosfeer, an interesting class and you as host/teacher mr. Jeppe Tengbjerg.Also thank you for the colaboration to teach at my school in Lelystad the Netherlands last year, it is of great interest to learn from each other and I welcome you again, this year in september 2024.SoeReiMas Courses & CoachingLelystad the Netherlands
Chutima Hälg
00:47 07 Feb 24
I recently had the pleasure of attending a massage seminar jointly organized by IMA Academy and Chiida Academy, and I must say it was a truly enriching experience. The seminar, led by a professional instructor, was a perfect blend of theory and practice, offering valuable insights into the art of massage therapy. The theoretical aspects covered were comprehensive and informative, providing a solid foundation of knowledge for all participants. From anatomy and physiology to various massage techniques and their applications, every aspect was explained with clarity and depth. It was evident that the instructor was not only knowledgeable but also passionate about imparting their expertise to the students. What truly stood out about this seminar was the emphasis on hands-on practice. Participants were given ample opportunities to apply the theoretical concepts they had learned in a supportive and nurturing environment. The instructor's guidance and feedback were invaluable in honing our skills and techniques. Moreover, I was impressed by the caring attitude and thoughtfulness shown towards the students throughout the seminar. From providing necessary materials to addressing individual queries and concerns, the organizers ensured that everyone felt valued and supported. I would like to extend my gratitude to Mr. Jeppe Tengbjerg for his exceptional leadership in making this seminar a resounding success. His expertise, patience, and genuine dedication to the art of massage therapy were truly inspiring.In conclusion, the collaborative effort between IMA Academy and Chiida Academy in presenting this massage seminar was commendable. It was a rewarding experience that left me feeling empowered and equipped with valuable knowledge and skills. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of massage therapy or embark on a career in this field.
Corpore Vital
16:13 06 Feb 24
Professionalism and education at the highest level. The students are very attentive and involved in the way the information is conveyed and because there is a lot of practice, the course becomes even more exciting. Congratulations for the interactive way in which you transmit the information.
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World Championship Massage 2025

Next Championship June 27 – June 29 2025 in Copenhagen

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