Massage and Emotions

"The body cloaks the invisible soul, and reveals it's shape and expression. When we identify with the body, we identify with the soul's expression in physical form, ...as well as it physical qualities: male or female, young or old, healthy or sick."
  - Anodea Judith, Eastern Body Western Mind,
    Psychology of the Chakra System as a Path to the Self

Safe touch and the caring presence of a therapist can be a powerful healing force. Massage can assist you in feeling reconected to your body and help you decrease emotional numbing.

While working on physical symptoms during the course of a massage session it is perfectly normal to experience an emotional reaction.
Massage may tap into deeper emotional issues. The emotion may not necessarily be connected to anything specific. You have the choice at any time in your session to stop the session temporarily or end it entirely.

Treatment of chronic issues may connect a person with the aftermath of abuse. Some reported physical concerns that have been reported while working on the healing process from abuse include chronic muscle tension, digestive disorders, migraine headaches, etc.

If you come in planning to deal with trauma or abuse—whether emotional or physical in nature—our first session can be to simply meet each other and discuss your needs while we begin to establish a rapport.

Sessions are conducted with established draping. Only the part or your body being worked on at the time would be uncovered. It is also possible to work on top of the sheet only. During your session you should disrobe to your comfort level. For you that might be fully clothed, it may be no top with bra and pants on, it might be underware only.

Massage can help establish a feeling of safety. Massage can also be a great adjunct to psychotherapy. Referrals to psychotherapists are available.

Reference: Audra Hixson, "Victimes Speak Out: Insights on Sexual Abuse and Domestic Violence," Massage & Bodywork Magazine, January/February 2009

www.GracefulStrengthMassage.com