Does Fear Keep You From Getting A Massage?

I purposefully did not use a standard massage image of the beautiful thin woman with perfect makeup and hair with what appears to be a flawless body lying on a massage table with candles all around her, a flower in her hair, and hot stones down her back. 

The reason is I hear from women all the time..."I do not get massages because I do not want someone to see my body" or "I'm not into getting massages" which is code for I'm not comfortable with my body and the way I look.  This saddens me because I used to be one of them.  As women we are so hard on ourselves and how we perceive our bodies.  Negative body image is just that...negative.  How can we as women turn negative into a positive?  Accept yourself where you are.  If changes need to be made find a friend who can be your champion and encourager and start taking one step at a time towards that change.  Regular therapeutic massage sessions are a great first step.

Trust me,  I have struggled and said all the same things.  In fact, I almost didn't return to massage  school when I found out we actually had to massage each other.  The horror!  I had never had a therapeutic massage and at that time my body image was at an all time low.  50 years old, 5'3",  20 pounds overweight, chronic back pain.  The thought of having to undress (though we are covered at all times) and have someone touch me was horrifying.  I saw all my flaws immediately grow to monster size.   But no one else in the class paid attention to my perceived flaws.  No one said, "Oh my gosh, you are 20 lbs overweight" or "Gross, you have a huge scar on your arm".  We all just accepted each other where we were and soon became very comfortable getting massages from each other.  

Sometimes life can throw us curve balls that can cause us to have a negative body image.  A injury or disease can alter how our body looks.  I was in a car accident my senior year and suffered from crushed cheek bones, my bottom lip almost removed and other facial injuries.  Because of that injury smiling has been difficult for me because my bottom lip does not stretch like others when they smile due to the scar tissue.  Someone may have/had cancer and have lost their hair or have had to have a breast removed or have some other scar due to surgery.  Someone may suffer from a disease that requires medications that causes you to gain weight.   Curve balls!

But the truth is we are all fearfully and wonderfully made (curve balls and all).  Each unique in shape and size. That is what makes us beautiful.  This is what makes you YOU!   As a massage therapist that is what I see...a beautiful individual who is unique.  I see YOU.  When I am working on someone all I see are the muscles underneath the skin.  I notice if the muscles are tight and knotted up or if they are pliable and soft.  Does the skin move easily or are they areas of restriction.  Are you holding tension in your jaw or shoulders.  That's all.   Otherwise, I see you as you.  A beautiful creation.

So my challenge to all women is to let go of the negative body images and begin to get regular therapeutic massages.  You will notice in no time at all how much more accepting you are of your body and how much better you feel.  I invite you to come and experience therapeutic massage therapy at Embrace Life! Therapeutic Massage.  If you are nervous about coming alone bring a friend.  I have a nice couch they can relax on while you are getting your massage.  You will find it a safe place to just be you.  No judgement here.  Learn to love yourself and your body.  We can't survive in this world without YOU!

Call right now at 713-384-9793 or click on the button below and put that fear of getting a massage behind you.
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