Your body is the most incredible machine you will ever come across. It takes the oxygen molecules from the air and transports them through your circulatory system to exactly where they need to be. It takes the food you eat and separates it into the essential vitamins and nutrients you need and brings them to your organs and tissues without error. It does all of that and more, all without having to ask or even think about it. Your body knows exactly what to do.
How does my body talk to me?
Pain is our body's way of communicating to us that something isn't right. When we hurt ourselves physically, our nerves send signals to the brain to translate the injury into the feeling of pain, and it becomes obvious, "ouch, I'm hurt!" Physical pain is widely accepted as normal, and most people have no hesitation in seeking massage for a pulled muscle, or a dentist for a sore tooth.
When we are hurt emotionally, our nervous system will send signals to the brain to translate the injury into a different kind of pain- sadness, anger, fear, grief, shame. Emotional pain isn't as widely accepted in our society, and is often seen as a weakness that must be kept hidden, buried deep inside. Many of us are unsure of just what to do with this pain, and so we do our best to try to forget about it. When this emotional pain remains unprocessed, our body lets us know by manifesting tension, physical pain, illness, and eventually, disease.
What can I do?
Listen to your body. A few times each day, check in with yourself and see how you are feeling, both physically and emotionally. Are you anxious or at ease? Do you need water? Have you eaten anything nutritious today? Are you overwhelmed? Do you need a nap? If you practice listening, you'll hear it's whisper. If you don't, don't worry, it will get louder.
Notice your thoughts. What does your internal dialogue sound like? Are you critical of yourself? Is your inner voice kind or harsh? Are you here in the present moment, or are you worrying about yesterday and tomorrow?
Care about how you feel. Do things for yourself that nurture you. Rest when your body is tired. Cry when you need to. Laugh! Give yourself the kindness you would give to a beloved friend. From the teachings of Louise Hay: we were all born beautiful little babies, deserving of all the love and kindness in the world, and that has never stopped being true. You STILL deserve it! You would never shame a toddler for falling down, and similarly you should never shame yourself for perceived "mistakes." We're always learning, and we'll never be finished learning, so be gentle on yourself. You deserve your own love.
Remember, you aren't alone. You deserve to feel better, and there is a health professional trained to help you through whatever kind of pain you are feeling. Doctors, nurses, counsellors, chiropractors, physiotherapists, naturopaths, massage therapists and more have all dedicated their lives to helping others heal. We all have our unique scopes of practice, and we all do our best to walk you down the path of healing.
I am not a doctor, therefore I cannot diagnose, and I am not a counsellor, therefore I cannot give mental health advice. I am a Registered Massage Therapist and a Reiki master, and I offer a safe, confidential space for you to listen to your body and notice where the pain lives. I use Swedish massage techniques as well as energy healing techniques to help soothe your aching muscles, reduce tension, and bring your mind and body into
a state of relaxation in which it can begin to process that pain,
and begin to heal.
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