How Massage Heals: The Holidays and Emotional Hardships
Heidi Overman
Grief, loss, trauma, depression—as the holidays approach, these issues can become elevated.
Many clients deal with a range of emotional hardships. Some are grieving the recent loss of a loved one, while others are struggling to overcome traumas. Coping with the sorrow of losing a pet, grappling with the implications of a new medical diagnosis, or facing the challenges of depression can make the holidays a tough time.
The holidays often bring a host of issues to the forefront, which can make them distressing and emotionally charged. It’s common to turn to therapy and coaching for support during these times. However, massage therapists are trained to assist clients through emotional release.
What is emotional release? Emotional release massage addresses both physical and emotional aspects of tension and stress. By targeting areas of the body where emotions may be stored, practitioners can help clients release trapped emotions and promote relaxation. It works through the process of experiencing and expressing deep feelings that may have been suppressed or avoided, whether consciously or subconsciously.
Why is it important? Our bodies hold on to trauma and emotions that are trapped in our tissues and can manifest as pain and various health issues. Emotions profoundly influence both our mental and physical states. Unprocessed trauma can leave the body with chronic symptoms like muscle tension, headaches, digestive problems, anxiety, and panic attacks. This happens as the brain becomes detached from the body’s physical experiences, trapping the traumatic energy within the tissues of our muscles, fascia, and organs. Over time, this can lead to deterioration and various diseases.
How to Prepare and How to Respond
Set your expectations: Entering your sessions without the expectation of an immediate emotional release is advisable. It may take several sessions before your body begins to release those pent-up emotions.
Allow yourself to feel: Emotions surfacing during a massage should be welcomed. It’s important to let yourself fully feel and express these emotions.
Communicate: Creating a supportive environment and fostering a strong relationship is crucial for effective communication. This allows them to help you feel secure and cared for during the session.
Breathe: During moments of emotional release, concentrate on your breathing. Deep and mindful breaths can assist in keeping you centered and present.
Practice self-compassion: Releasing emotions is a constructive part of the healing journey. Treat yourself with compassion throughout this process and recognize the bravery required to face and let go of profound emotions.
It’s crucial for your body to understand that releasing tension is permissible. We proceed gently, with light touch and energy work to engage your nervous system, reassuring your brain that it’s in a secure environment and can safely release emotions.
The holidays are upon us and choosing a quality massage going into the holidays can help your quality of life and emotional well being.
If you are interested in a therapeutic massage, wellness retreats, or acupuncture, please call me for an appointment at 520-639-6987. My website is emptycupwellness.com and I’m located at 10132 N Oracle Rd., Ste 160 Tucson, AZ 85704 in the business park just behind the Fairfield Inn.
Coping with Political Stress and Anxiety
Dr. Rose Bricker
Anxiety and stress are high due to the current events in our country. Political stress can affect our mental and physical well-being. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) reported in the last election that a large number of Americans were reporting that politics was taking a significant toll on their health, both mental and physical. Based on my research, I believe that continues to be true today. But what’s the difference between stress and anxiety?
Stress is typically a response to an external event, such as the upcoming election; arguing with a friend, neighbor, or a family member; and/or any other external challenge or demand.
Anxiety is typically internal and our reaction to stressful events. We feel a sense of apprehension or dread.
Both stress and anxiety can have symptoms that are challenging. Symptoms consist of feelings of fear, excessive worrying, headaches, difficulty sleeping, shortness of breath, irritability, anger, stomach aches, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, feeling lightheaded, chest pain, feeling overwhelmed, and increased alcohol use, just to name a few.
Ways to Cope with These Symptoms
* Identify and challenge your negative thinking. Anxiety is about fear. It’s important to challenge those fear-based thoughts to reduce anxiety.
* Journal. Journaling is a productive way to manage feelings of fear and anxiety.
* Exercise. Exercise is extremely helpful. Walking, weight training, and cardio exercises are all great. Exercise releases endorphins that help relieve stress and anxiety. It’s often called the “magic pill.”
* Get regular sleep. Sleep helps you reduce stress, think more clearly, and make better decisions. It helps restore, repair, and remove toxins from your brain. It improves your heart health.
* Avoid or reduce your intake of caffeine, sugar, ultra-processed (junk) foods. These foods promote anxiety and stress.
* Eat healthy foods. Foods that are in their natural state such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats can help reduce anxiety. These foods provide the nutrients our brain needs to function properly.
* Talk with a friend. Talking to others can allow us to get the support we need when we are feeling anxious.
* Take a 30 minute relaxing bath. This is a great time to listen to soothing music.
* Go see a funny movie. Laughing also releases endorphins, which are known as one of the “happiness chemicals.”
* Try relaxation techniques. Meditation, yoga, hypnotherapy, tapping, and deep breathing can be beneficial in reducing anxiety.
* Seek professional help. You can improve the quality of your life by learning ways to manage stress and anxiety with Solution-Focused Brief Therapy.
If you would like more information about anxiety, stress, and self care, please call me at 520-820-4079, Blue Lemon Therapy, for a 30-minute complimentary appointment. I have a new location in The Magee Center, 2252 Magee Road, Casa Adobes, AZ 85742.