01/27/2025
One of the things I don’t talk about often enough in my work is how beautifully the spiritual and physical aspects of healing intertwine. As a massage therapist trained in energy work, I’ve come to recognize that our bodies carry so much more than muscles, bones, and tissues—they carry our stories, our emotions, and even the things we’ve been too afraid or too busy to acknowledge.
Science has long shown us how thoughts and emotions influence our physical health, often manifesting as aches, tension, or even chronic pain. When I’m working with someone, I can sometimes sense the emotional energy stored in their body—the areas that are silently crying out for kindness, recognition, and release.
I often find myself speaking softly to these places in the body—almost like a gentle nudge to help them let go of the weight they’ve been carrying for so long. It’s a subtle, unspoken dialogue: a kind acknowledgment of the tension and a loving invitation for it to unwind.
Recently, I had a client come in with shoulder and neck pain. As I worked on her, I couldn’t shake this overwhelming sense of grief that seemed to surround the session. At one point, I even heard, almost audibly, the words, “I love you, Mom.” I didn’t push or pry but continued to work, focusing on creating a space where she could feel safe and supported.
I mentioned the tension in her back and casually asked her about her work. At first, she shared just bits and pieces about her job. But after a long, quiet pause, she opened up. She told me about losing her son—a devastating loss that had happened a year ago and was now nearing its anniversary. Hearing her speak, I felt chills run through me.
While I didn’t share what I had intuitively sensed during the session, I did offer her my condolences and held space for her grief. I continued to massage, focusing on helping her body release the heavy, stagnant energy it had been holding. When the session ended, she hugged me tightly and told me she felt lighter.
Moments like this remind me why I do what I do. Massage is so much more than easing physical pain or relaxing tired muscles. It’s about helping people reconnect with themselves—mind, body, and spirit. It’s about holding space for healing, however it may come.
And I feel so honored to play a part in that journey.
