A pitch for massage therapy!

It is no secret that I have had the great opportunity to be connected with the Program Coordinator of IVCC's Therapeutic Massage Department. As part of a case study, I willingly allowed a licensed massage therapist (student of the Advanced Therapeutic Massage course) to evaluate some of my medial and psychological issues and develop a massage to address my particular issues. I have only had 2 massages so far and I can already notice a HUGE difference in my moods and ability to cope with stress.

Current research indicates that even 1 massage or 1 meditative session can greatly affect an individual's ability to cope with stress and anxiety. My experience also demonstrates this scientific fact.

I would like to encourage anyone, mentally ill or not, to try getting a massage - before an upcoming stressful event or exam, after an upsetting experience or recent illness, and in general for ongoing mental wellness.

My last massage (yesterday) was such an amazing experience; I was blown away by how the massage therapist made me feel. I have chronic pain (among sooo many other medical issues) and I was feeling pain prior to the massage. I was also feeling very anxious and stressed out about an upcoming exam for a college course. After the massage, I felt so light, I could literally feel the endorphins rushing to my brain, I felt tingly all over my body - as if I had just been touched by an angel, I had NO pain and felt like ANYTHING upsetting could happen and I would not even notice. I do not know what it feels like to be "high" but if I had to describe what I thought it felt like, that is EXACTLY how I felt yesterday. I could not stop smiling; it was somewhat embarrassing that I could not stop smiling. It was one of those smiles that makes you look like you are "cheesing" or whatever they call it. LoL

I approached the exam feeling like nothing could possibly throw me out of this mood. A few upsetting things DID happen to me after the massage, but overall, I was unable to feel stressed. For the first time in my life, I think I actually RELAXED. I wish I could continue to have that feeling every day, all day long... and who wouldn't want to feel that way?! It was truly amazing.

Massage therapists have a real gift, particularly the therapist that treated me. I really wish I could explain in better words what it is like... but I guess you will just have to go out and try it for yourself to really KNOW what I'm talking about.