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Massage on Shabbos

Can one get a shoulder/back massage on Shabbos? Can the masseur use oil to make for a smoother massage?

Answer:

If the massage is part of a medical course of treatment, it is not permitted, unless a person would be unable to function without it.

For regualar massage, which means to relieve tension, to ease pain, or for pleasure, the massage is is permitted, and oil (but not cream) can be used.

Sources:

The Shulchan Aruch (328:42) writes that it is forbidden to excercise on Shabbos, in a manner that will cause the person to sweat.

The Biur Halachah explains that this follows the ruling of the Rambam (not like Rashi), and the question of massage will apparently be contingent on this dispute.

In practice, the Biur Halachah sides with the Rambam, and therefore massage will be permitted — provided that it is not defined as an act of “healing.” This is the ruling given by the Seridei Eish (1:30), based on the Rambam.

by contrast, the Shulchan Aruch Ha-Rav (328:47) writes that massage (vigorous) is forbidden. This ruling is based on the ruling of the Shulchan Aruch in siman 327 (2), where the Shulchan Aruch is stringent in this matter, unless the massage is done in an unusual way. The reason for this is because vigorous massaging in the usual manner is considered uvdin de-chol, a “weedkay occupation.”

This ruling, however, is based on the Gemara in Shabbos (147a-b) according to Rashi, and as we have seen, the Mishnah Berurah (and other authorities) write that the principle ruling in the matter follows the Rambam, who is lenient.

See also Mishnah Berurah 327:7, who points out the lenient ruling of the Rambam, as noted above. The Shemiras Shabbos Kehilchasa is also lenient on this issue (Chap. 34, note 95).

Best wishes.

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