NaPodPoMo 2024 – Day 8 – Massage Therapy as a Form of Radical Self-Care

Welcome back to the RadicalRx show where we delve into transformative approaches to living well and thriving. I'm Ellen K. Martin and today I thought we could explore radical self care through the lens of massage therapy. Massage therapy offers profound benefits from reducing muscle tension and improving circulation to alleviating stress and boosting immune function. It enhances sleep and flexibility and it even supports the lymphatic system. Now let's explore the different types of massage and how they contribute to our well being.

Now, I just got back from my bi weekly massage therapy session which I affectionately refer to as my torture massage. Now, this torture massage is actually a deep tissue massage. It's intense and sometimes quite painful. But I'll tell you what, it plays a vital role in keeping me moving and maintaining lymph flow. Despite the intensity, it's been crucial in my healing journey. On the flip side, Swedish massage offers a gentle, relaxing contrast.

It's a refreshing alternative to the intensity of deep tissue work. I've even considered incorporating Swedish massage in the off weeks, alternating between the torture massage one week and the soothing Swedish technique the next. I've also tried hot stone massage a couple of times. The warmth of the stones is deeply relaxing and it was an enjoyable experience. However, it's not something I'd necessarily look forward to on a regular basis.

For me, hot stone massage is something I might do again in the future, but it's really not at the top of my list. Now relux reflexology, on the other hand, it's another type of massage that I really enjoy. As a kid, I was one of those weirdos who actually enjoyed having my feet rubbed and even tickled a little bit. So it's no surprise that foot reflexology is one of my favorite treats.

There's something incredibly soothing about the focus on the points of the feet that makes reflexology a deeply relaxing experience. I don't get to experience it as often as I'd like, so I may need to make an effort to do it a lot more often. Now onto shiatsu. While my massage therapist doesn't specifically call it shiatsu massage, he does incorporate the energy work that's part of the shiatsu modality.

This Japanese technique uses finger pressure on specific points along the body's energy pathways, aiming to balance energy and promote healing. So to kind of sum up a little bit, massage therapy is really a cornerstone of radical self care. With its myriad benefits from reducing muscle tension and improving circulation to alleviating stress and boosting immune function, it's a powerful way to enhance overall well being. Whether it's the intensity of deep tissue, the relaxing flow of Swedish massage, or even the warmth of hot stones, the energy balancing of shiatsu, or the focused relief of reflexology, there's a massage modality for everyone.

I encourage you to consider adding massage therapy to your own radical self care routine. But don't just take my word for it. Before incorporating anything new, make sure to consult with your doctors and your medical care team to make sure that it's not contraindicated for you. Thanks again for joining me on this journey. Take care. And until next time, don't forget to breathe. Oh, and now for a quick disclaimer.

I am not a licensed professional of any sort. I'm not a licensed medical professional and nothing I say should be construed as medical advice. Got that? Always do your own research and consult your medical professionals before making changes to your health care routine.