The wonder of massage

[Sarah]

For the past few years, I've chosen to receive my bodywork in the form of specialties, instead of massage. (Rolfing, Craniosacral, Lymph Drainage, Hot Stone, Thai, etc.) This month, I yearned for a regular massage, so I booked an appointment for last Friday. I'm so glad I did! I had forgotten just how wonderful "plain" full-body massage can be. At the end of the session, I felt relaxed & nurtured, from the crown of my head to the tips of my toes. I also felt like I was made whole again, only realizing then how segmented I had felt before.

So, to all of you who specialize in plain ole excellent massage therapy, thank you!

 

[dart]

Bliss,

Thank you for your thoughtful post. Sometimes, there are a few posters on this forum that seem to think that relaxation massage or spa type work is less serious or somehow less important than "therapeutic" or "medical" massage. I have no kick with that. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. 8) But it is nice to have someone remind us of the benefit of old fahioned relaxation work.

I also have specific work done. A highly trained therapist who works on my problem areas and another friend who gives the best hot stone work around. Both are great therapists that I wouldn't trade for anyone else. But sometimes I need a long session of relaxation massage. Nothing makes me so relaxed and nurtured.

I think that treatment work is important and am working to improve my therapeutic skills, however I will never give up relaxation work. It way is too satisfying.

 

[KENSETH-LAMBERT]

Recently I decided to pay for massage instead of trade, and I went to a local spa (therapist owned). I got the most bliss-inducing 90 minutes, and felt like I was floating for much of the afternoon. I was so relaxed, I couldn't pay attention enough to try to steal her techniques!

Most of my practice is deep tissue work, but I have a few relaxation clients, and I hope I make them feel THAT good.

 

[jeremyfairchild]

Most of my practice is deep tissue work, but I have a few relaxation clients, and I hope I make them feel THAT good.

*hehe* That's the same thing I think when I get a good relaxation massage.

 

[ouch that hurt]

Although I don't do a lot of solely Swedish type massage, I have noticed a lot of changes in the clients who come in bi-monthly and monthly specifically for relaxation only massage.

Those clients bodies are much softer in the musculature and their personalities have become more relaxed. I really notice the changes when they come in regularly for that type of work.

In fact, before I moved out here I had a strong opinion against relaxation type massage and just thought of it as "fluff and buff". Inititally I learned LaStone and bodywraps because that is more popular out here and I wanted to be able to offer that as well in order to expand my client base. But after experiencing that kind of work for myself, it really changed my attitude.

At least once a month I really like to spoil myself and get a 90 minute massage with a mud wrap, scrub and any other treatement I can add on.

When you think of all the hormonal influences stress has on the body and how so many health problems are related to stress, how can you say that relaxation based massages aren't therapeutic or medical?

 

[Kelle]

how can you say that relaxation based massages aren't therapeutic or medical?

Bingo!!!

 

[Carlee]

A good relaxation massage is yummy! Every month, I receive one relaxation massage, and one cranio-sacral/feldenkreis session for specific issues.

As long as I've been an MT, I have approached all of my sessions with the relaxation of the client as the initial goal of treatment, followed by physiological re-education of areas needing specific attention. A tight spot isn't going to fully release unless the client is in a state of openness to change, ie total relaxation.

With so many fancy new interesting therapeutic techniques out there for us to learn, I think that we sometimes forget just how rare and special it is in this day and age to feel truly relaxed, and the ensuing amazing health benefits of stress-relief massage.

Can you imagine what a better world this could be if everyone received regular relaxation massages?

Thanks for bringing this topic to our attention again. I'm all for it!