Published: May 29, 2007 02:36 pm      

Taking time for you

Benefits of Massage Therapy

Somerset — When we got our writing assignments for this month’s Southern Kentucky Health & Fitness magazine, I was both excited and a little apprehensive.

As reporters, we don’t know what story we will be working on next until the assignment sheet is put on our desks. My assignment was to get a massage and write about the experience.

Most people would think, “Wow! What a great assignment.” One of my co-workers practically begged to switch stories. “I need a massage! I need a massage!” reporter Chris Harris yelled from across the newsroom.

It’s not that I didn’t want a massage. I’ve never had a massage. However, if I accepted this assignment, I would have to let you, the readers, into my private life.

I write about other people’s experiences. I rarely focus attention on myself or share my personal thoughts — unless there is some injustice I feel compelled to speak out on. You may think that’s ironic since I make my living putting other people’s thoughts into print.

I guess I could have refused to do the story, but then I would have had to explain to the managing editor why I didn’t want a massage. “Are you crazy?” I could hear him say. My only other option was to switch story assignments with one of the other reporters and hope no one noticed.

I finally decided to stop complaining and ‘Just Do It,’ like the Nike commercial says. It wasn’t going to kill me to do this article. Getting a massage would be a benefit.

While some of you may think this is wasted space, here’s what I learned about myself, and hopefully readers can take something away from my little adventure:

Be open-minded to new experiences

I tend to close myself off to new experiences. I talk myself out of something before I have had time to consider the possibilities.

“I’m not young anymore. Would I have to take off all of my clothes? What would the massage therapist think?” These thoughts kept running through my mind.

Silly thoughts can spoil some

of life’s best experiences

Massage therapist Cheri Gomez looked over my insecurities. As soon as I walked into the Body, Mind and Spirit Studio at Blakley Family YMCA, a weight was lifted off my shoulders.

Take time for yourself

As women, we often don’t take time to care for our own physical well-being. We are caregivers, not caretakers.

“We don’t take time out for ourselves,” said Cheri. “(Some) people think a massage is too expensive, but it is cheaper than buying a new outfit to make you feel better.”

I learned a massage is not reserved for a certain age group, body type or only those who can afford a little bit of pampering. More and more people are getting massages for health benefits they provide the body.

“Treating the body to massage therapy is a drug-free, non-invasive and humanistic approach based on the body’s natural abilities to heal itself,” said Cheri, a former registered nurse.

Physiological effects of massage therapy

• Increasing circulation, allowing the body to pump more oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs.

• Relaxing and softening injured and overused muscles.

• Reducing spasms and cramping.

• Increasing joint flexibility.

• Reducing recovery time for strenuous workouts and eliminating subsequent pains of the athlete at any level.

• Improving range of motion and decreasing discomfort for patients with low back pain.

• Stimulating the Lymph system, the body’s natural defense against toxic invaders.

I can provide personal testimony that a massage helps to relax muscles in the neck and back.

While Cheri isn’t a doctor, she has known of instances where massage therapy has helped with depression.

“We are certainly not doctors or nurses. We are massage therapists and we work along with other health professionals,” she said. “I encourage people, men or women, if they are dealing with depression to come and have a massage.”

Start the cycle of well-being

We all lead busy lives. Many of us don’t exercise, eat healthy foods or take time to relax because we are too busy. We tell ourselves we don’t have time to go the gym, have a massage or eat our vegetables because, in our minds, there are more important things to do.

A massage is one way Cheri says we can start the cycle of well-being. One of the first things she does when a new client comes in for a massage is to get his or her medical history. It is an important part of the evaluation process because it lets her know about any injury or medical condition before she begins therapy.

Don’t be shy

Cheri’s general rule of thumb is to develop a level of comfort with the client. When it comes time for the massage, she tells clients to undress “to a level of their comfort.” Cheri is a professional and everything about the experience is professionally done. Insecurities seem to melt away.

Each massage is customized to the client’s needs and wants. “My goal is to make sure you have a positive experience,” she said.

The hot stone massage was my favorite. This treatment stimulates the circulation and is a perfect way to warm up the body.

Cheri uses oils or creams, whichever the client prefers. A massage can take from 30 minutes to two hours, depending on the therapy treatment. Prices vary. A session is scheduled by appointment.

A lesson learned

If there’s a lesson to be learned, it is not to be afraid to try new experiences. We cannot grow if we are not willing to try something different from time to time. Getting a massage is not a big deal. The experience can be the first step toward a greater adventure.

Will I get another massage? You can count on it. In fact, Cheri invited me back for a return visit. n