Bodywork

In any conversation about massage, I start by calling it bodywork instead of massage because when you say massage, people make unfortunate jokes about happy endings.

To begin, I have learned over the years, from recommending bodywork, that massage is not for everyone.  Some people just don’t like to be touched, and massage is not for them.  No worries!

I have been very privileged to receive a great many massages in my life.  When I lived in San Francisco, I knew one massage therapist very well, and she used a variety of techniques on me.  Thus began my learning about different massage techniques:  shiatsu, Swedish, Hellerwork, hot stone, reflexology, chair massage (at work!), aromatherapy massage, trigger point massage, breathwork and others which I have benefited from but whose names I have forgotten.  It was, after all, 20 years ago.  If you have any questions about types of massage, leave a comment and I’ll respond.

Now I am fortunate to visit the Houston School of Massage (phone 713-681-5275).  They offer a 60 minute massage for only $35.  They are able to do this because trained students do massage right before they graduate as massage therapists.  They also, a few times a year, offer gift certificates for $25 or $30 an hour.  It’s a great deal.  I have had many great massages there.

Last week I had a really phenomenal 2 hour massage – my first 2 hour session.  The masseur was very skilled.  He really worked on my tense spots – my calves and my neck.  The massage room is always relaxing and soothing.  Ambient music plays.  The lights are low.  During your time there you can let go of your stress and tension.

Massage has been proven to help the body recuperate.  It relaxes the body and allows it to heal.  You are likely to get relief from: anxiety, digestive disorders, fibromyalgia, headaches, insomnia related to stress, and soft tissue strains or injuries.

So, I hope that those of you who are so inclined, will give yourself the gift of bodywork!