What I Love This Week- Massage




After being diagnosed with MS I began investigating complementary medicine. I felt that if I accepted the western medicine ‘solution’ (painful injections w/ side effects every other day- no cure) then I was free to get as ‘out there’ as I wanted with other sources of healing. In that journey I discovered crystals, Ayurveda, yoga, Deepak Chopra, chanting my chakras, and aromatherapy. I also discovered the healing power of deep tissue massage and that is where my gratitude lies this week.

Massage is such an intimate act so having a good therapist is paramount and why it took me so long to get a massage in Portland. My Utah therapist was amazing and ended up becoming a good friend.  I hoped for the same situation when I was referred to Carole and once again, I’ve been blessed. She works out of a room in her home where you are surrounded by the art and jewelry she creates. Her table is large and comfortable and once you lie down she begins to cover you with heated blankets (even wrapping one around your feet) making you feel warm and safe. She leaves a music choice up to you (lately I’ve been very into hearing an hour of the Dalai Lama chanting the Gayatri Mantra!). The massage itself is largely deep tissue with the addition of hot stones- a wonderful way to add pressure and heat to release especially tense muscles.

Just as important as how she makes me feel physically, Carole is an incredibly intuitive person. There is not only the physical aspect of the massage, there is energy work. For some this may sound too new agey and weird but I believe we are largely ignorant creatures unaware of what is going on around us and even in us. Our bodies know what they need and a person with a natural gift and training can ferret this out. Carole has both. Generally I walk into a session and unless I have a pressing problem (stiff neck usually) I tell her “Whatever my body says, go with it”. We may talk a bit about what’s going on in my life and then it’s time for 60 minutes of blissed out relaxation. I leave feeling renewed and relaxed. Both my mind and body are quiet which is no small feat.

With the employment change I can only go once a month but I am grateful for even that. Thank you Carole for all you do!




Comments

  1. Hi Catherine

    Thanks for visiting my blog. I am finding yours fascinating.

    Thank you for sharing this post about your travels with MS and complementary medicine.

    I'm a novice yoga student and starting to delve into breathing exercises so what you've written really resonates with me.

    SSG xxx

    Sydney Shop Girl blog

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  2. Best wishes for a healthy journey! Massage is something I cannot live without. I used to go once a month until the economy took it's toll on my finances. But the theraputic value cannot be beat!

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  3. I've had a few massages, but always for luxury, not necessity.

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  4. I think massage (and the healing power of touch in general) is a must-have for everyone. I have back troubles and some weeks I attribute massage to the reason why I am mobile. It's funny but even though I'm mostly naked and someone is slathering hot oil on me, I've never thought of this kind of therapeutic massage as 'intimate'!!

    Don't forget to link back to the Grateful linky post. It's the way the linky goes around! x

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