I was taught to do seated / lying on couch combo and I understand that the VTCT course at the local college uses the same method.
Iโve found the transition from seat to couch very un-disruptive to the relaxation experience and the clients have welcomed the lie down. In fact, many times, snoring ensues within moments of the clientโs head hitting the couch, LOL. Iโve found a chair / Lafuma recliner combo works well too.
I, personally, find it difficult to fully relax unless Iโm supine, so Iโve always enjoyed and indeed looked forward to this part of the routine when Iโve had a treatment myself. My sister has had both a seated and a lying down IHM and says she prefers my method.
Iโve seen a method in an IHM book by Francesca Gould where a towel is rolled up to form a bolster to support the clientโs neck and head for the facial massage, this is totally impractical for me as Iโm just over 5ft tall and I work barefooted or in flatties, the clientโs head would rest just beneath my chin, LOL.
However, its down to choice whether you do it wearing a Sari, cross-legged behind your client on a Goan beach or you use one of those massage chair contraptions - We must remember that we should consider our own safety and comfort as much as the clientโs and I know that, the way I work, Iโm not putting any undue stresses or strains on my own muscular/skeletal system.