Every time we touch our clients, we enter their energy field and visa versa. It is an integral part of doing bodywork, whether it is Swedish massage, sports massage or another modality. What is energy? According to modern physics, energy is what you find when you break down a body or an object into very small parts; it is invisible energy. "It followed from the special theory of relativity that mass and energy are both but different manifestations of the same thing – a somewhat unfamiliar concept for the average mind." Albert Einstein.

The Chinese call that energy Qi (pronounced chee). It is our life force. When it disappears, we stop living. It is in us and all around us in our aura, chakras and other energy systems.

The two energy systems we encounter as soon as we approach a client (or any other person for that matter), are the aura and the chakras. The aura is a sphere of energy with multiple layers. It acts as a protective atmosphere around you but also connects you to the earth environment. It can be thought as your "space suit" that filters some of the energies you encounter, keeping out the ones that are detrimental, but also drawing in the ones that you need. The chakras are like "power stations" or vortexes extending out, attuned to larger energies in the universe. There are seven chakras located in ascending sequence from your pubic bone up to your head. The aura has seven bands which attach to the body through the chakras. Each auric band attaches to a specific chakra. When the aura filters out or attracts energy, it does so through the chakras.

As we enter a client's energy field, our aura and chakras interact with theirs. Because of that interaction, it is our duty as massage therapists and bodyworkers to make sure that our energy is sturdy, peaceful and balanced. This is important for them but also for us.

Clients come to us for relief of pain, physical injuries and for relaxation. Very often the massage/bodywork session is the only time in a client's busy life when they can pause and take care of themselves. If the therapist is not grounded or is tired, preoccupied, in a bad mood or distracted, the client will feel it, his or her energy will be affected and the quality of our interventions will be lessened. The therapeutic effect of the session can become diminished or non-existent. Conversely, if our energy is not sturdy, we can be impacted by a client's distressed energy, making it difficult to release this negative effect at the end of the massage, possibly affecting energy for the rest of the day. If it happens too frequently, ultimately we will not be able to sustain the physical, mental and energetic demands of our craft.

How do we make sure that our energy is in good shape? Good quality sleep is essential, which means getting enough hours and not going to bed too late. According to acupuncturist Dr Nan Lu, "...more energy is required to keep the body's systems active after midnight, a time when the body naturally should be resting. Most people are surprised when I tell them they expend nearly two or three times the amount of energy when staying up very late."

At the beginning of the work day, prepare yourself with an energy building and centering routine: energy exercises, Qigong, Tai Chi or meditation. Before a session, ground yourself. There are a few quick easy ways to ground yourself. You can walk barefoot on the grass for a few minutes or, standing up, you can visualize that your feet extend into the ground like tree roots. Clear your mind by staying quiet for a little while. Put away your problems in your "personal iCloud" and, of course, stay away from your smartphone. Focus on your intention.

Between clients, clear yourself of the client's energy by washing your arms up to the elbows. You can also visualize their energy leaving your body or do some energy exercises. Make sure that you schedule enough time between clients so you can release the energy of the previous one and clear the space for the next.

At the end of the day, take care of yourself and have some time to reflect on the work of the day. A shower can be beneficial to wash away the accumulated energies and remember to change your clothes. Walking in nature at a quiet pace is also a great way to relax and transition to the next part of the day.

As clients lie on our tables and we touch them to relieve their pain, aches and stress, our energy intertwines with theirs in a subtle dance. This is sacred work which ultimately benefits both participants. Be prepared.