Massage Therapy Isn't a Luxury (JL)

Massage Therapy isn't a luxury; it's a necessity for wellness.

As a 40+ year old woman, I can count on one hand the number of times I've gotten a massage. As a mother of four, I can tell you that's simply not enough! I always felt as though a massage or spa treatment were too much of a luxury to spend money on. Rather than getting a massage on a regular basis, it was reserved as a special treat I would allow myself on holiday.

Last year, I was given a gift card to a local spa. Before it expired, I decided to carve time out of my week to prioritize some much needed "Me time" before the kids were out on winter break. Upon walking through the doors, the ambient mood was completely different from the buzz outside from holiday shopping. The lights were turned low, hypnotic music was playing in the background and the scent of lavender put me instantly at ease.

No easy feat considering the pressure I felt from Christmas budget constraints, living and co-parenting with my ex, finding the perfect gift for everyone I love and not being able to share in the joy of the season with people no longer in my life. I wanted just the basic massage; no extras. I'm sure the gift card didn't cover everything let alone scents, stones and other sensory specials. The front desk attendant said she'd throw in a free scent with me being a new customer. Between the lavender, citrus or eucalyptus, I chose lavender.

Moments later, an assigned massage therapist showed me to a small room. His name was Daniel. This being my first time behind closed doors with a man I barely knew could be quite unnerving to someone whose marriage ended 1.5 years ago and last pseudo-relationship did not go so well. He asked me a few questions about my body and ailments. Then this stranger asked me to undress and lie on the narrow, cushioned table dressed like a bed in the middle of the room. A few candles illuminated the room, along with a small dimmer light. Daniel had the lighting set just right as well as the temperature of the room and massage table. The scent of lavender filled the air and seemingly surrounded the headrest. Again, it was the precise proportion of aromatics to oxygen ratio to take me to another headspace. He asked if everything was to my liking. Honestly, his attention to detail and consideration for my preferences was quite refreshing.

I wondered what I should be thinking about while I had my massage. I should know how to meditate by now. I've done yoga on and off for over 20 years, which usually involved constant movement and focus on breathing - in through my mouth and out through my nose. So I kept my eyes closed most of the time and tried to focus on happy thoughts. But intrusive memories kept taking me back to a place and time I'd never go again... so then I decided I should try to stay in the moment by focusing on the actual massage.

Daniel's hands pressed along my back in a very rhythmic and methodical way that I actually enjoyed. It dawned on me that physical touch was my least favorite of the love languages, yet this was something I felt I was very much missing from my life. Especially, since the divorce and especially since my last attempt at letting someone in my life.

Within the first ten minutes of my one hour massage, I decided that this type of peace and attention to my own physical and psychological wellbeing is just what I needed on a regular basis. Not because I deserve it like an award for a job well done, a birthday surprise or a compulsory holiday gift, I owe it to myself because it leads to better health. Holistically speaking, massage therapy supports the physical, emotional and spiritual health of an individual. For that reason, I decided to sign up for the membership and prioritize getting a monthly massage for the sake of wellness alone. As we move into the new year, I will prioritize myself and my health more.

Massage Therapy was almost like going to counseling, but without a stranger asking intimate and uncomfortable questions. With the glow of candles behind my eyelids, zen music in my ears, lavender in my nose, and Daniel's hands on my body, I realized that I didn't need anyone to connect to other than myself.

I will continue carve out more moments like this and bring more spa-like treatments into my home. One way you can do this at home, too, is by bringing in lavender (or other) scented diffusers that also provide ambient sound, such as the Artnaturals Essential Oil Diffuser & White Noise Sound Machine. Upgrade your bedding to replicate the silky softness used in the spa by ordering sheets like those from THXSILK, or endulge in this luxurious body firming lotion by La Perla. Surround yourself with beautiful soy candles like this elegant, hourglass cream-colored pillar candle.

Remind yourself... Massage Therapy isn't a luxury; it's a necessity for wellness.

Photo credit: Image by cookie_studio on Freepik