Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/867515
68 m a s s a g e & b o d y w o r k s e p t e m b e r / o c t o b e r 2 0 1 7 The modality particularly hit home for massage therapist-turned-client Lila Sanacore, who experienced firsthand the nurturing and healing effects of grief massage. "After the tragic and sudden death of my brother, I came to The Respite. It was there that I found healing for my mind, body, and soul. I was lucky enough to begin learning grief massage with the goal of helping empower others to navigate through their own grief process." A Unique Offering Massage is a unique way to help alleviate some of the physical discomfort associated with early bereavement. Massage therapy can serve as a simple cushion, providing respite and strength for the body amid the overwhelming emotional, mental, and spiritual pain of loss. Grief-sensitive massage is not akin to counseling or trauma release. Rather, I see grief massage as the simplest of interventions—a humble comfort tool for the physical suffering caused by the extreme stress of early grief. Grieving massage clients can benefit from the most basic offerings: simple physical touch, a calming environment, and the restorative impact of gentle massage therapy on the nervous system. When I train other massage therapists in grief massage, I emphasize the importance of staying within our scope of practice. It is essential for us to restrict our focus to stress relief and physical comfort for grieving clients. It is never appropriate to give counsel or advice on grief because that is far beyond our scope of practice. I urge massage therapists to instead focus on the value of what we can offer—an accepting atmosphere of comfort and physical support— while making appropriate referrals when necessary. We know that grief is highly stressful. In his book Managing Stress: Principles and Strategies for Health and Well-Being, Brian Luke Seaward highlights the Social Readjustment Rating Scale. 2 This scale (right) was developed many decades ago by researchers to rank 43 life experiences by the stress levels associated with them. Death of a spouse is ranked as the most stressful of all life events and the death of a close family member is ranked as number five. It is thought that the amount of readjustment these losses require can be linked to why they are so stressful. It is very hard to adjust to a "new normal," especially when that new normal is extremely painful. As massage therapists, we are well educated in the detrimental effects of stress. We also know, on a deep level, that massage therapy can play an important role in treating the effects of stress on the body. I encourage grief- sensitive massage therapists to focus a great deal of attention Featured Courses Title CE Hours Cost Sale Cupping Therapy 18 $210 $168 Lymphatic Massage 14 $155 $124 Treating Headaches 9 $105 $84 Research Education 3 $35 $28 Ethics Refresher 3 $35 $28 relax Obtaining CE hours is more convenient than ever! www.massagetherapyceu.com 866-784-5940 70+ Courses Online Now! View our comprehensive library of CE courses at www.massagetherapyceu.com. ABMP Members save 20% off your next order. Use code ABMP20 1. Purchase 2. Test Online or On Paper 3. Receive Your Certifi cate Receive Your Receive Your Receive Your Receive Your Receive Your Receive Your Receive Your Receive Your Receive Your Receive Your Receive Your Receive Your