Is Relaxation Massage Necessary?

I asked and you answered. A whopping 83% of you said that, Yes, relaxation massage IS necessary. That's incredible! The short answer to, "is it necessary?" is "No." The long answer is, "It depends." Relaxation massage is not specifically necessary to a whole and fulfilling life. However, the components of relaxation massage are. We are social beings and need others in our life to cocreate a rich and fulfilling experience. We need touch and connection with others.


Touch doesn't have to be sexual or sensual. It doesn't have to be clinical. Touch doesn't have to be judgmental. It doesn't have to elicit power or control. Being able to experience physical touch and connection in an empathetic and compassionate manner is good for everyone.


I hear some of you saying, "I don't like massage. It makes me uncomfortable," and that’s ok and completely understandable. Massage isn't for everyone. Not everyone feels comfortable in the relaxation massage environment. It can sometimes fell, well, creepy. I get it. Even I, as a massage therapist, have felt creeped out by massage environments. That just means that relaxation style is not right for you.


Did you know that there are several types of relaxation techniques, many of which are clothed? There's Reflexology and Craniosacral Therapy (two of my personal favorites), Thai Yoga Massage, Reiki, Shiatsu, this list goes on. If you are not interested in a therapy that is passive and maybe includes less touch might I suggest Somatic Therapy, FeldenKrais, Touch for Health, Yoga, Tai Chi, Manual Movement Therapy, etc. All these modalities follow the same base principal and that is to calm the nervous system.


A little advice for you when seeking out a professional to work with:

• It is ok to ask as many questions as you need to get a feel for the professional you want to work with. If you feel like you are being rushed through your questions, then you might consider moving on.
• You are ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS allowed to speak up if you don't like something or something is hurting you. Contrary to popular belief, massage should never hurt. it may have moments of discomfort, but you should always be able to stay relaxed and breathe normally through any tension. Some modalities are lighter and are just as effective if not more so at releasing tension, so don't be quick to discredit a gentler approach. It's counter-intuitive to have to hold tension to reduce tension.
• If your therapist is repeatedly not listening to your concerns, it might be time to move on.
• If you feel like you are being pushed out of your comfort zone in a way that makes you extremely uncomfortable then you need to not return to that therapist. There are ways to have our comfort zone challenged in a manner that is respectful and compassionate.
• If you ever feel like you are just not jiving with your therapist then it may be time to move on. There are plenty of great therapists out there and there is definitely one for you.

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The fact is having a space and a person who you can sit with in a non-judgmental capacity, who is there to help you grow is extremely beneficial. Having someone you don't have to tell a backstory to or who knows you intimately that can still "hold space" for you can be very healing in times of stress. If you are interested in getting to know me and my services, I offer a free 30 minute consultation by phone, Zoom, or in person. If we feel that we are not a good fit for each other, I have a network of some wonderful therapists who all offer different approaches locally and all over the world. I may not be the therapist for you, but I may be able to help you find one that is.

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