Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/97768
best practices Business side | Q & art | table lessons | savvy self-care The Anatomy of Happiness By Douglas Nelson "I'm a little perplexed," announced my client, Ms. A. "About what?" I asked. "About how massage works," she replied. Slightly confused at her question, I asked her to elaborate. "We have been over the science of the work you do many times. When my shoulder was in so much pain, I think your explanations of the muscular anatomy and functional relationships were perhaps as important as the hands-on work you did. They deepened my understanding of the process as a whole, which gave me a greater sense of control over my pain. I had confidence that I could influence the outcome because I understood the process that created it." "So what is perplexing?" I asked. "Now that my shoulder doesn't hurt anymore, one of the most striking benefits of my massage sessions is the effect on my mood and how efficient I am after a session. When I go back to work, I get tons of stuff done. I know this sounds hokey, but I just feel much happier and more positive." I could see a growing sparkle of mischief in her eye as she asked, "So, Mr. Science, explain the better-mood phenomenon." Laughingly accepting the challenge, I responded, "I'd be happy to try. For many decades, the prevailing wisdom was that emotions are experienced in the mind, and as a result, powerful emotions have physical consequences. For example, when someone offends us, we have the emotional experience of anger. Shortly thereafter, we experience the physical effects of anger, such as increased muscle tension, constricted breathing, increased heart rate, etc. Conversely, joy and happiness in the emotional centers of the brain have corresponding physical effects in the body, too. What our minds conceive, our body experiences. "As it turns out, however, the new scientific understanding is that these mind-body experiences are at least bidirectional, if not the other way around." "I'm a little lost," she said. "What do you mean by 'the other way around'?" "Emerging science is providing some really good evidence that the physical experience can lead to the emotion, instead of the emotion manifesting as a physical experience." "Wow," she exclaimed. "Give me an example." "Sure. When your body experiences something, your mind tries to make sense of the experience. The brain needs a reason for what it experiences; www.abmp.com. See what benefits await you. 35