Receiving

I just received a relieving massage from my friend and fellow Licensed Massage Therapist, Bea. During each session I always say to myself, "I should receive more often." I felt relaxed even while she found and addressed trigger points in my calves and hamstrings. I rolled off the table after thanking her, and found a new body standing underneath me. Weeks of jogging, lifting, and anxiety - gone.

I felt profound gratitude and joy. Irene Smith, a legend in the massage world for her work with dying people, said,
"Touch was never meant to be a luxury. It is a basic human need."

Findings from the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami have proven this in studies with pre-maturely born infants. Regular, kind touch from other people encouraged greater weight gain and responsivity, as opposed to only being touched when necessary.

Massage Therapy is a consistent form of this healthy touch, so vital to our success as individuals. It need not be a treat, but an aspect of your routine as essential as exercise, fresh air, clean water and good laughs.