Massage Therapy: More than Just Rubbing on Bodies

by Carla Huber

Rubbing on people and “happy endings,” are probably what the majority of people think of when they hear massage therapy/therapist. However, if you ever have had the opportunity to receive a massage or know a massage therapist, then you have a better understanding of what it actually assists with. Of course massage therapy has a number of health benefits; it reduces muscle tension, increases blood flow, strengthens the immune system, reduces stress, headaches and insomnia, just to name a few. The benefits go on and on. It also can be so much more than just physical benefits. In a country taken over by electronics, there has been such a disconnect between one another that many times, massage helps fill that void.

A disconnect? Yes. The majority of the day most people are attached to some form of electronic device: a lap top, desktop, tablet, smartphone, whatever your pleasure. I know for me, my cell is the first thing I check in the morning, last thing I check at night, and as long as I am able I probably check it every 30 minutes. Except for one of my classes, phones are not allowed and students using them will be kicked out. People do not talk as often --  really talk, not texting, not snapchat or instant messages.

Often massage unknowingly fills that void. Think about it. You go into a therapist room, and it is a “quiet” zone. That usually means that both the client and the therapist put their cell phones on silent for at least an hour, sometimes up to two, and do not touch them. Of course there are exceptions. I once had a client that was on not one, but two cell phones for half of the hour session. Some just cannot let go. For the most part though, they look forward to it.

Many times, I will be in a session and the client just talks the entire time. If that’s what they want to do, then I normally just go with the flow. Sometimes that client just has so much pent up, and they just need to release it. I’ve had a gentleman that is a full-time caregiver for his wife who has Alzheimer’s. He spent the whole session, telling me about how difficult it is, how he has to start the morning by telling her about their whole life. Mind you he was probably in his 70s, and he had to start all the way back to when they were teens. He spoke about how she is the love of his life. I also have some whose children are going through cancer. Others have no family and are alone and they just need someone to listen. They may be having personal issues at work or home, or a difficult time with their children. I provide a space for them to do that. Being a massage therapist I learned, at least

where I went to school, to go into a session with an open heart, mind and compassion, to create a non-judgmental atmosphere, and a safe place. There also seems to be a lack of physical (non-sexual) touch in our society. Often someone just needs that physical touch that may be lacking. It is more of a compassionate type of touch, a touch that I would compare to someone going through a hard time and a person offering a hug or to hold their hand. A good massage therapist will just be present with the client and allow them to reconnect to themselves, not only on a physical level, but an emotional, sometimes spiritual level as well. Mental and emotional stress sometimes can be a major factor in creating that physical pain. Think of the saying, “He holds the weight of the world on his shoulders,” or “I hold all my stress in my neck,” and it is true.

Even though clients come to me and other therapist for physical pain, they are able to let their guard down and feel comfortable enough to express their feelings and everyday stresses, when otherwise they may not.  It is an honor and a blessing to be able to provide a safe, nonjudgmental place for someone to completely let go and feel comfortable in their own skin.