The Healing Power of Touch: A Personal Journey through Massage Therapy and more!
Recently, while driving, I caught a segment on CBC News discussing the latest research on the profound impact of "touch" on human well-being [1]. As a certified massage therapist and a mother, my initial reactions were a mix of "Duh, of course" and a triumphant "Yay, we are finally catching up." Having witnessed firsthand the transformative effects of loving and respectful touch, both in my professional practice and personal life, I couldn't agree more with the newfound recognition of its significance.
In my family life, I have vivid memories of the times when a gentle touch had the power to "kiss the pain away." Whether it was a soothing rub, accompanied by the comforting melody of the "sana que sana colita de rana" song, and a kiss on a childhood injury or moments of sadness met with a comforting hug from my sister, the impact was undeniable. These instances not only restored a sense of well-being but also triggered a release of feel-good hormones, with cortisol levels decreasing and dopamine rising, creating a profound feeling of safety and peace.
My personal journey into massage therapy, holistic healing, and energy work began during the darkest period of my life—amidst the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Struggling with the loss of my husband, and as a single parent to two kids, life felt tough, sad, and overwhelmingly dark. It was during this challenging time that I stumbled upon a shiatsu introduction course, not knowing that it would become the catalyst for a life-altering transformation.
Attending the shiatsu introduction, I had no prior understanding of this healing art. Little did I know that this seemingly small decision would mark the beginning of my healing journey. Week by week, as different meridians were worked on, I felt my energy start to move. I began to reconnect with my body, with the Earth, and with the collective healing energy of those who had touched my life in the past, those currently present, and those yet to come.
In the world of massage therapy, holistic healing, and energy work, the power of touch goes beyond the physical realm. It serves as a bridge to emotional healing, a pathway to reconnecting with oneself and others. My personal experience underscores the profound impact that touch, administered with love and respect, can have on the human spirit. As the importance of touch gains recognition in mainstream discourse, I'm reminded of the simple yet transformative truth: sometimes, all it takes is a touch to heal.
Source:
[1]: CBC Radio - "Getting in Touch: How Physical Contact Can Impact Your Well-being." [Link](https://www.cbc.ca/radio/nowornever/getting-in-touch-how-physical-contact-can-impact-your-well-being-1.6340240)
