I never have had any aspirations of running a day spa.
Nor am I likely to ever get paid for my services, though they are much in demand these days.
My single, (very) satisfied, (frequent) repeat customer is continually teaching me what I need to learn in order to master the art of avian massage.
Whether I happen to particularly feel like it on any given day or not. 😉
First, ensure that the customer is comfortable and very, very relaxed. Think “coma” and you’re on the right track.Next, wait for the customer’s cue that you should begin. If unsure, look for (un)subtle hints in the form of eye contact.Follow the customer’s cues at all times. They may signal you with neck adjustments, chirps of pleasure, chirps of displeasure, and, to make sure you have no trouble distinguishing between the two, nips.You can massage the feathers clockwise back towards the neck and front towards the beak.Very softly pulling feathers away from the neck and back is also very enjoyable.Using the thumb to massage feathers in a counter-clockwise pattern has become a favorite of late.You can also massage down across the customer’s back in between the wing blades to ease tension.Finally, be sure to brace the customer’s head to help them keep their sense of balance while performing intensive massage patterns.
Many masseuses who are new to the profession wonder how to know when the customer is done being massaged. A nip (or the delicate sound of avian beak-grinding – a sure prelude to napping) is a reliable indicator.
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Animal sensitive and intuitive with Animal Love Languages. Parrot, tortoise and box turtle mama. Dachshund auntie. www.animallovelanguages.com
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Under the wings is a winner in our house too!!
Haha – discriminating avians know what they like!!