Case Study: Client A, Session 1

I have decided to do an experiment with a client of mine. She is going to receive one massage on a monthly basis and write about her thoughts and emotions surrounding her experiences. My aim is to explore the mind-body connection and how massage impacts a person's overall well-being. This is not a scientific endeavor, but rather a journey that offers insight into how massage therapy can play an integral part in an individual's personal wellness program.
 
Client A writes about Session 1:

"My body was in crisis, so it is no surprise to me that this massage stirred up a lot. I
have a pretty vivid imagination and I tend to visualize a lot of things when I meditate, daydream, or get a massage. Since my body was so tense, Kate eased in with pressure. As she did this, I saw many different colors—mostly yellows. I’ve had a difficult time relaxing my mind lately, so having something to focus on like the colors and my breathing—helped my mind calm down tremendously. 

I have had many massages in the past, but this was the first one where I removed all of my clothes. After today, I understand the benefit of being completely naked. I was covered by the blanket except for the areas she was working on, so I never felt naked. Because there wasn’t anything to get in the way, Kate was able to flow between points with more ease. This helped me realize how each of my muscles is connected; when the muscles in my bottom released, I could feel a release in my jaw, shoulder, and foot as well. 

I left feeling very mentally and physically relaxed. 

Update:

There have been many stressors in my life lately, as I am starting a business. I feel 
the weight of all things that a start-up bring with it—financial stress, obsessing over 
details, trying to get the marketing right, planning events, getting clients. Suffice to 
say, my mind has been uproarious lately. Last night after my massage, I actually experienced some anxiety. It was not the outcome one might expect after being so relaxed, but it helped push me into solving a lot of problems that I’ve been avoiding lately. I asked Kate about the anxiety I was experiencing, and she said it was possible that being in such a relaxed state of mind may have brought more awareness to the things that have been bothering me that needed to be addressed."