I recently read an excellent description of wellness. Wellness care focuses on improving function rather than hiding symptoms. Since I was a young girl, I wondered why I would be sick. The focus was on the symptoms and removing discomfort. Not a bad thing in and of itself. During my time in massage therapy school, through my anatomy and physiology classes I came to understand that the symptoms are there for a reason - to alert me to the fact that something was amiss in my body.
Massage therapy school made me more aware of my body. I have learned to feel things and sense things about myself that I did not imagine was possible. Our bodies adjust to physical, emotional and chemical stressors. The body is constantly adapting to these stressors. When the stressor becomes too intense, the body wears itself out trying to adapt and maintain balance. I've learned to pay attention when symptoms arise. I've learned to take inventory of my life and see if there are any stressors that are causing the imbalance in my body. My wellness is compromised and I need to make some changes in my life.
So why do I say all this? I want to encourage you to really tune into your body. The more you listen to your body, the more you are able to pick up on the symptoms and begin to consider the stressors in your life. Regular massage is a great way to help you tune into your own body. Working with your massage therapist, you will begin to feel and sense things in your body. Talk to your massage therapist. Ask questions about what you feel. Ask your therapist what they are doing and why. The more educated you become, the more steps you take on your journey toward wellness.
