Under much pressure?

Pressure is a word we use to describe mental stressors’ effects on our physical body as well as to describe a physical force. We say things like “I’m under a lot of pressure because of X, or I can’t handle this pressure to do Y.”, which I take to reflect our mind’s yearning to connect us with our physical body. Massage therapists use pressure to relieve muscle tension, resulting in decreased mental and physical tension, thereby reestablishing our connection to ourselves. However, pressure must be used wisely or the body will perceive it as a threat.

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The body responds to the messages sent by the nervous system, which in the case of feeling stress results in a shift to a fight or flight state. When we’re engaged in this state, our bodies are wired for survival, meaning we won’t be in the mood for a nap to say the least. This is why a therapist’s first job is to make the client comfortable, otherwise every technique will engage their inclination to tense up. Additionally, this tension resists the pressure the therapist is applying, in a way repelling the massage with it’s own pressure.

I begin most of my massages with a conversation about pressure, because as a receiver I know the urge to ask a therapist for ‘everything they got’, but it’s much wiser to work with the nervous system than against it. A good therapist builds up to depth, allowing the more superficial muscles to relax out of the way, and allow the pressure to travel deeper. When we think about our body, we often isolate our control of muscles from our  resting state, but the brain is responsible for sending out the signals for both!

I instruct my clients to engage my pressure with their mind, be present with my touch, and consciously feel their body’s tension be relieved. When we engage the brain to naturally release tension from within, the effects are longer lasting than taking the ‘battering ram’ approach; applying a painful pressure. In school we referred to clients seeking this brand of massage as ‘adrenaline seekers’; as the body responds to the quick onset of pressure by producing chemicals that reduce pain.

I hope this post helped you understand what to look for and how to think about pressure. We must understand that our words reflect our inner selves, and seek ways to overcome them, thus empowering ourselves. Pressure will never go away, but we have a means to manage and control our response to the pressure in our lives, by getting a massage!

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So give us a call – 512-393-4287 !