PEOPLE'S REACTIONS TO MASSAGE THERAPY - AN INTERVIEW WITH PAUL COLLETTI, MASSAGE THERAPIST
By Julie A. White RN

It is often very hard to talk a person into receiving a massage. This comes from the fear of the unknown, of being exposed, being touched, or fear of receiving comfort or pleasure. People often say that they don't have time to lie still for an hour on a massage table or they don't have the money. Some people will receive a gift certificate for massage and not use it because they think they won't enjoy it or they will be put in an uncomfortable position. As a massage therapist who has performed therapeutic massage on over hundreds of people, Paul Colletti has allayed the fears of many apprehensive clients. He would like to share his experiences and his stories to help people understand what they are missing: from the comfort, relaxation,and health benefits of an hour's worth of massage.

A person may experience massage for the first time when they are on a vacation, visiting a spa, in rehabilitation for physical injury, sharing intimacy, or redeeming a gift certificate. Just as when a first visit to a doctor or hospital is made and leaves a lasting impression, so too will a first experience leave a lasting impression with a person receiving a massage for the first time. It is very important to choose a qualified massage therapist to insure a healthy experience both emotionally and physically.

One woman appeared very nervous when she arrived for her first massage. Her family had given her a gift certificate, and it was almost a year before she scheduled an appointment to use it. Prior to her undressing, some time was spent with her to teach her what to expect, how to communicate during the treatment, positioning, and to ask for her medical history, injury, and emotional state. Tips on relaxing were also discussed. This is very important to allow the optimal benefits to be achieved. An hour later she emerged, got dressed, and felt as though she were drunk with euphoria, and stated she had never felt so relaxed in her life. She left the appointment after sitting for an hour because she was too relaxed to drive. A week later she called to make another appointment, and stated she had never slept so well all week long. Problems seemed minor, and she had no aching back.

One author enjoys massage because it helps his creative juices. Some report feeling taller, stretched and energized. Many people sleep better and feel the effects for days or even weeks later. Diasappearance of minor problems like tired eyes, stiff neck, or backache are common. Easing of pain, loosening cough, relieving muscular tightness, increasing flexibility and feelings of being more alert are often reported by sports-minded men and women.

There can be a sense of lightness experienced by many, particularly when comparing a massaged limb with one that hasn't been massaged, as carrying tension around requires a lot of energy on our part and can weigh us down literally. Lightness has also been described in terms of "seeing" light or "seeing different colors" while the eyes are closed.

The emotional and psychological effects of massage are far-reaching. Massage can alleviate depression by creating a sense of reassurance and warmth, comfort, and care . One client said he no longer felt so alone, and another client had relief from chronic insomnia. Some depressed clients have their own tension spot, and when it is massaged and loosened, they experience a sense of being understood. People who have been abused may experience the feelings of "a safe place". For some women it is a positive experience to be touched by a man in a safe , non-sexual way , or for men to be touched by a woman in a safe way. Several clients may cry or laugh, as touching creates an emotional release which is very healthy to do. Perhaps this may be the only time a person may release grief or emotional pain.

Many people "zone" out or move into a meditative space as they receive a massage. Often it helps to speak quietly to the person to bring them back as the massage nears its end.

An hour of massage can go by very fast. One woman said, " It was the fastest hour of my life." It is most important to have a full hour of massage as this allows the body, mind and spirit to have sufficient time to relax and become balanced.

There are changes that sometimes occur after massage that appear unwelcome, as being tired. Generally people who keep going on nervous tension, which becomes actual tension in the body, experience an overwhelming need to sleep.. This should not be ignored, and rest until rejuvenation returns, is the key to a healthy response to the massage.

Coughing, increased mucus, or colds may be experienced, as the body has been stimulated to discharge some of the excess fats, sugars and toxins. This is also a healthy response that the body is responding to massage.

Occasionally headaches result due to the increased energy surge and these will settle down to a new balance shortly. If headaches occur routinely after masssage, it might be due to the therapist working too long or hard on a particular part of the body. It is important to make note of that at the next visit.

Some people state that they feel nothing at all, or no differently after a massage. This could be due to the fact that many of us are disconnected from our bodies for emotional or psychological reasons. Massage is an excellent way to help get in touch with our bodies.

The best compliment you can give yourself is to notice any difference at all after a massage. This means you are in tune with listening to your body, and this one of the most important tools we have in health promotion and prevention of illness.

Paul Colletti has been practicing massage therapy for five years. He received his training at the New Jersey School of Massage, receiving certification in a 500 plus hour course in Massage Therapy that integrates the best of European Swedish massage techniques with traditional Oriental Shiatsu. He has been on the staff of The Spa at The Woods, Killington Vermont, and at Peace of MInd Emporium, Rutland Vermont, and in private practice.