Massage Therapy, Tender Loving Care.....

I was having a thought I wanted to share, and it's that the longer I do this the more that body work starts to be not only about the tissues and chronic pain, but just as much about needing some TLC and someone to take care of us.

I see a therapist twice a month. Between work and exercise this keeps me going, being able to give my clients the attention and care that they need. It has been long enough that I have been in this routine that I started to forget that massage helps me with compassion fatigue. Not until I have a larger gap between appointments do I realize that my body and soul needs and craves the physical and emotional support this therapy offers. Everyone needs someone to take care of them so we can get a few minutes of peace and support.

So what is compassion fatigue? Usually when I come across this phrase it is pertaining to those in the medical field, namely nurses. This makes sense because they have long hours taking care of patients and doctors and dare I say are undervalued. Compassion fatigue is the emotional and psychological impact that can occur from helping others and being a support system for stress, traumas, other emotions. According to the Canadian Medical Association these are the three signs or symptoms of compassion fatigue.

Feelings of helplessness and powerlessness in the face of patient suffering.

Reduced feelings of empathy and sensitivity.

Feeling overwhelmed and exhausted by work demands.

But I don't believe that those in high stress trauma or addiction settings are the only ones that can suffer from it. Any one who interacts with others or is a caretaker in some capacity can suffer from compassion fatigue if they do not take care of their own well being properly.

As a massage therapist if my self care is neglected, or I am in a setting that is unfulfilling I lose the empathy for clients that fuels my work and I start to resent them just for being on my table and needing some help.

Body work is so much more than medical treatments or a relaxing day at the spa. Human touch has a profound effect on our system as a whole. From our cells, to our nervous system and immune system. Informed therapeutic touch is medicine for bodies and souls. Getting massage regularly keeps us from getting exhausted, burnt out, and overwhelmed. Don't be afraid to ask for the help you need and have a regular self care routine.