What are the benefits of massage therapy for PTSD?!
Question: I feel like I am very blocked by past emotinal pain and although talk therapy is excellent and working very well I still feel that as I am such a kinesthetic person (or was) I need to re-engadge with my active physical side inorder to get well.
I was wondering if massage can break down the blocks and tensions in my body preventing my previously very fluid and strong movement?
My concern is being triggered by during the process of massage. How can I prevent being triggered or is it possible that if the massage therapist breaks through emotional blocks and knots it will release some pain?
Thanks
Answers: I feel like I am very blocked by past emotinal pain and although talk therapy is excellent and working very well I still feel that as I am such a kinesthetic person (or was) I need to re-engadge with my active physical side inorder to get well.
I was wondering if massage can break down the blocks and tensions in my body preventing my previously very fluid and strong movement?
My concern is being triggered by during the process of massage. How can I prevent being triggered or is it possible that if the massage therapist breaks through emotional blocks and knots it will release some pain?
Thanks
As a Massage Therapist, I would usually say, "Yes, Of course it can help" but that also means the person is standing right there in front of me. Massage can and will help, but PTSD also has the exact same symptoms as Fibromyalgia and both manifest in the body the same way. Hot stone massage is probably best for working the body, as the heat from the stones is amazing at helping the body recuperate. However, if you are suffering from PTSD, then I would suggest that you attend and participate in a Native American Sweat Lodge. This would be healing for you on so many different levels!! You would have to do some serious searching and asking around locally, but you can find one. If for some reason you cannot, then Reiki healing would be my second recommendation. A Soul Retrival session might also be necessary. Vitamin therapy is a must. Exercise helps the body deal with the harsh effects of stress upon the body, so begin to exercise a bit slower than what you used to do. Good luck!
Massage therapy is an ancient form of therapy that is meant to relax and release physical and mental tension. It is useful in detoxifying the body, increasing blood circulation, working knots out of your muscles, and giving one a soothing environment to think and release stress. The massage therapist can sense where you carry the stress and work to relieve the physical impact of it on your body. People use massage therapy for pampering purposes, but also for health care purposes. Whether or not it helps you emotionally is an experience you will have to try. When you say triggered, do you mean tapping into your emotional pain? I believe that massage could aid you in centering your emotions and releasing them. The only way to release pain is to come to terms with why it makes you feel that way, and to overcome it. The best of luck to you!
Even better than massage is simple exercise. Regular cardiovascular workouts always help with emotional and mental stress. Good muscle activity (particularly of the lower extremities) also improves passive fluid movement in your body (specifically lymphatic/venous flow).
Massage therapy is always a relaxing and pleasant experience. I would recommend this in addition to exercising (but not as a substitute).
I would try yoga or meditation or biofeedback techniques...all have benefits and help with BP, anxiety etc,,