Massage, Glorious Massage
I once had a friend say to me "If every single person in the world got a massage at least once a month, the world would be a much different, more compassionate place." With the proven benefits of massage going above and beyond just the physical, how can one not agree with this statement?!! Some of the proven benefits of massage are increased relaxation, stress reduction (lowering heart rate and blood pressure), reducing pain and muscle tension, improved circulation, improving sleep and reducing fatigue, eliminating toxins, enhanced immunity, releasing stored emotions, and putting one more in touch with not only their physical selves but their emotional and spiritual selves as well!
The history of massage therapy dates back to 3000BCE (or earlier) in India where it was considered part of a sacred system of natural healing. Used by Hindus and the "life health" practices of Ayurveda, massage therapy was passed down through generations to heal injuries, relieve pain, and prevent and cure illnesses. The earliest written records of massage were discovered in Egypt and China. Tomb paintings in Egypt depicted individuals being kneaded by others. Furthermore, Egyptians are credited with creating reflexoloy in 2500BCE.
My own massage history doesn't date quite as far back although I have been a massage therapist for around 18 years now. It's hard to believe that I didn't even receive my first massage until I was 23 years old! My parents are not the "touchy/feely" type so it was never in the framework of my early life. All that changed in 1997 when I was on a cross country road trip with my friend and my sister and we were staying in Hot Springs, Arkansas for a few days. We decided to "splurge" for the cheap massages offered by students at a local massage school. This was one of the moments that sparked a flame within my soul...I couldn't believe that something could feel so good and make me feel more connected to myself! There were so many highlights from that road trip and this was definitely one of the top ones! However, it didn't occur to me that this was something that I wanted to do (or could do) until about 5 years later. I was working as a Starbucks barista and waitress but really considered myself an artist. I had dropped out of college where I was studying theatre arts so I could have more time to do my own thing, pursuing my love of singing, dancing, and writing. Instead I ended spending most of my time working and going out to raves and dance clubs. I was a party girl but hey...at least I was dancing! Eventually, I realized that the "starving artist" thing was not working out for me and I wanted to find a career in which I could still be creative but which was also more practical. I had a few friends that went to massage school and really seemed to like it. Being somewhat of a born nurturer myself, I decided to give it a try. I am so glad I did! There are many moments that change our lives and really connect us to who we are deep down, and massage school was one of those for me. More than just a means to an end (getting a certificate and becoming a licensed massage therapist), massage school was an intense time of not just learning about the body and how to give a good massage but also digging deep within and uncovering parts of myself at a soul level. It was an amazing time that changed my life! I actually started working as a massage therapist before I graduated massage school. I got my permit to work after completing 200 hours of study and got my first massage job at a local day spa in San Diego. Even though it was far from the best job I've had, I learned a lot about massage (and myself) while working and attending massage school at the same time. I ended up graduating massage school with 750 hours ( I now have well over 1500 hours) of study and have been officially licensed since 2005, although I've been working doing massage since 2003.
Shortly after graduating massage school, I moved to Maui, Hawaii with my (now ex) husband. I got my Hawaii Massage license and in addition to getting pregnant and giving birth to my two children and teaching a Music Together program, I worked as a freelance massage therapist as well as at a little Hawaiian Tea and massage boutique. It was a short but purpose filled 4 years before we moved off island to be near my family in Maine. I lived in Portland Maine for 2 years with my toddlers, while working at the spa at the luxurious eco-friendly Inn by the Sea in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. Aside from working for myself, this was my favorite massage job!
I was sad to leave my job and my friends that I made there but was excited to move back to San Diego, where I got a job at another day spa for 2 years before deciding to go out on my own. Now I primarily do outcall massage, driving to clients houses all over San Diego. I love the freedom that this provides me...especially surrounding creating my own schedule. I work when it is mostly convenient for me and I still have plenty of time to homeschool my kids and teach The Goddess Workout and my Chakra Goddess Classes. I still love massage so much...giving and receiving! In addition to working and holding massage licenses in 3 different states, I have gone on to deepen my studies in many modalities! Just like in life, with massage and healing there is so much to learn! I have been doing Swedish massage, deep tissue, hot stone massage, and prenatal massage for years! I have also learned Lomi Lomi, somatic release, Thai massage, and reflexology. In the last five to ten years, I have deepened my studies and gotten certified in Aromatherapy, Reiki, and Chakra and Crystal healing and I have been incorporating these more into my work.
Here is just a quick run-down of some of the different types of massage and modalities.
Swedish massage - one of the most common types, also known as relaxation massage. Uses a variety of relaxing strokes including kneading and effleurage.
Deep tissue massage - uses deeper strokes and the goal is to target more specific muscles and ease pain.
Prenatal massage - done on pregant women and new Moms that still need special support. Usually uses special cushions and/or pillows.
Hot Stone massage - uses a combination of massage techniques while also using heated stones to warm the body and release tension. One of my favorites!
Lomi Lomi massage - traditional Hawaiian massage that uses a combination of long and fluid massage strokes, special prayer and breathing techniques, and often nut oils such as coconut or macadamia nut oils.
Thai massage - this is often done clothed while with many other types of massage you are undressed (though covered with a sheet). Thai massage uses stretching and compression techniques...almost like yoga being done to you!
Reflexology - accupressure type technique that targets specific points on the hands and feet that correlate to the rest of the body.
Aromatherapy massage - using specific essential oils combined with other massage techniques to treat different issues in the body.
Shiatsu - a form of massage therapy, originating from Japan, based on the same principles as acupuncture, in which pressure is applied to certain points on the body using hands and sometimes feet (Ashiatsu).
Reiki - a form of energy healing in which practictioners use hands on healing techniques to channel energy within the body.
Crystal massage - Using specific crystals and gemstones to work with the different parts and energies of the body (often working with the chakras). Techniques can vary, ranging from energy healing and just laying crystals on the body to actually massaging with the crystals and gemstones.
Ayurvedic massage - designed to create balance among the mind, body, and spirit using ancient ayurvedic principles and techniques. Often referred as "oil massage" because of its typical use of warm herb essential oils.
There are so many different types of massage and massage like modalities but these are just some of the ones I'm most familiar with. Many therapists (myself included) will find the modalities they like and are good at and often combine them into their practice. The important thing is finding a massage therapist that you resonate with and feel safe with. Massage is a time honored practice that continues to gain in popularity and for good reason! If you haven't tried one yet, do it! It is one of the ultimate acts of self care and self love! And if you have and would like to share your own experiences with massage, please do so in the comments. There are also many self massage techniques that you can do to yourself. I like to teach some of these in my Chakra Goddess Classes. For more information on my classes/workshops or any of my offerings, follow me at Chakra Goddess Dance and Healing Arts on Facebook and Instagram, or my website www.chakragoddessdance.com.