Connecting

To provide, and receive, a quality massage, a two-way energetic connection needs to be established in a therapeutic session. Similar to the model of a communication loop, each party in a conversation is sending and receiving information. A therapist can simply begin a session using a protocol without “listening to the body” with a proper connection. I notice that some therapist use “functional moves”: strokes that are performed simply to spread oil on the body. Often, they are performed quickly and to my perception, mindlessly. Also, if strokes are too rapid, the client’s nervous system will not “feel” sufficiently to induce the parasympathetic response in which deep relaxation occurs. It is this response that one feels restored, rejuvenated, peaceful and calm.

The client may also not be connected as well. Worries of the moment and mental stress flood consciousness and keep the sensory mechanoreceptors from “feeling” effectively. Therefore, it always helps to communicate what is going on to some degree, as awareness and “venting” will help you get it off your chest. With “bodymind” massage, I encourage clients to communicate their feelings, state the intention of what they wish to feel and help them reframe their experience. Is tension experienced in a particular area related to  mental or emotional stress? Therapeutic massage needs to take into account all aspects of being and is evolving to include body, mind, and spirit.