Many of us carry stress, tension, and unresolved emotions in our bodies without realizing the full extent of their impact. From tight shoulders to chronic aches, our physical discomfort often reflects deeper emotional and psychological struggles. This connection between body and mind is where somatic therapy, and specifically massage therapy, can play a transformative role in the healing process.
As a trained mental health clinician with a Master of Social Work (MSW), a Bachelors Degree in Kinesiology, and a Licensed Medical Massage Therapist (LMT), I bring a unique perspective to my practice at Cincinnati Massage for Mental Health. I’ve had the privilege of studying and integrating concepts from "The Body Keeps the Score" by Bessel van der Kolk, The Art of Emotional Body Mapping, and Polyvagal Theory, allowing me to approach each client’s physical and emotional needs holistically with a Custom Massage for Mental Health.
Understanding the Connection Between Somatics and Stress
Somatics refers to the study of the body as a locus for emotional and mental experiences. It recognizes that trauma, stress, and unresolved emotions are not just psychological but are often stored in the body as physical tension or discomfort. Research has consistently shown that traumatic experiences can lead to long-term physical health issues, especially when emotions like fear, anger, or sadness remain unprocessed (van der Kolk, 2014).
This is where massage therapy becomes an essential tool. When we engage in somatic work, particularly through therapeutic touch, we invite the body to release these stored emotions and tensions, promoting both physical and emotional healing. My training in somatic therapies, including yoga and breath work, has helped me understand how to effectively integrate these techniques into massage therapy, making each session a comprehensive experience for both body and mind.
How Trauma Manifests in the Body
Trauma is not simply a psychological event—it leaves its mark on the body. The body’s autonomic nervous system, particularly through its sympathetic (fight or flight) and parasympathetic (rest and digest) branches, reacts to stress and trauma, often holding onto unresolved feelings in the form of muscle tightness, pain, or other physical symptoms (Porges, 2011). This somatic expression of trauma can persist long after the original event, manifesting in ways that range from chronic headaches to digestive issues.
Massage therapy works on these somatic patterns by addressing the physical holding patterns that correspond to psychological states. For instance, a client may experience chronic neck or shoulder pain due to prolonged emotional stress or anxiety. Through focused massage work, such as Ashiatsu Barefoot Massage and customized integrated techniques, I can help release this physical tension, providing relief while also promoting emotional well-being.
How Massage Therapy Supports Somatic Healing
Massage therapy, when combined with the understanding of somatic principles, becomes a powerful tool for releasing stored stress and trauma. The gentle but targeted pressure applied during massage stimulates the body's parasympathetic nervous system, helping the client shift out of a state of hyperarousal (common in trauma survivors) and into a state of relaxation (Ogden & Fisher, 2015). This process not only helps reduce muscle tension but also lowers cortisol levels, reduces anxiety, and improves overall mental clarity (Field, 2020).
In my practice, I emphasize this holistic approach, ensuring that each massage session is tailored to the client’s unique needs. By combining The Body Keeps the Score framework with The Art of Emotional Body Mapping, I am able to identify where emotional stress is being stored in the body and work directly on these areas to facilitate both physical and emotional release.
The Role of Breath Work and Yoga in Releasing Stress
For over 20 years, I have taught yoga and breath work, disciplines that are invaluable in somatic healing. Integrating breath work into massage therapy sessions deepens the release of stored tension by calming the nervous system and allowing the body to fully relax. When clients practice mindful breathing during a session, it enhances their awareness of where they hold tension and helps them release these areas with greater ease.
Breath work activates the vagus nerve, a critical component of the Polyvagal Theory, which governs the body’s ability to regulate stress (Porges, 2011). By focusing on deep, diaphragmatic breathing during massage, clients can experience a profound sense of calm and connection between body and mind. Yoga stretches, incorporated post-session or as part of a home routine, further support this connection, encouraging clients to continue the healing process between appointments.
Taking Your Healing Journey Home
While massage therapy offers immediate relief from stress and tension, its benefits can be amplified with a few simple practices at home:
Daily Breath Work: Incorporating 5–10 minutes of deep, mindful breathing each day can help regulate the nervous system and keep stress levels manageable.
Gentle Movement: Practices like yoga or stretching can help release muscle tension and prevent the buildup of emotional stress.
Mindful Body Scans: Taking a few moments each day to check in with your body can help you notice areas of tension or discomfort, allowing you to address them before they escalate.
Conclusion
Somatic healing recognizes that the body and mind are inseparable when it comes to processing unresolved emotions or experiences. Through massage therapy, combined with breath work and movement practices, clients can experience profound relief, not just physically but emotionally as well. At Cincinnati Massage for Mental Health, I draw on my experience in both mental health and bodywork to create a holistic healing experience tailored to each individual.
Whether you are dealing with the daily stressors of life or working through a significant event, somatic-based massage therapy can be a powerful tool for healing and renewal.
References
Field, T. (2020). Massage therapy research review. International Journal of Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork, 13(1), 3-13. https://doi.org/10.3822/ijtm20
Ogden, P., & Fisher, J. (2015). Sensorimotor psychotherapy: Interventions for trauma and attachment. W.W. Norton & Company.
Porges, S. W. (2011). The polyvagal theory: Neurophysiological foundations of emotions, attachment, communication, and self-regulation. W.W. Norton & Company.
van der Kolk, B. (2014). The body keeps the score: Brain, mind, and body in the healing of trauma. Penguin Books.
About Cincinnati Massage for Mental Health
Located in Milford, Ohio, just 15 miles east of downtown Cincinnati, we specialize in providing therapeutic massage services that support both your physical and emotional well-being. Our office offers a range of services, including Brazilian Lymphatic Drainage, FasciAshi Barefoot Massage, and customized therapeutic massage sessions tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. Our licensed therapists is trained as both a mental health clincian and a medical massage therapist, ensuring that our massages not only alleviate physical tension but also promote mental and emotional resilience. Whether you’re dealing with stress, anxiety, grief, or chronic pain, our holistic approach helps you find balance and relaxation. Visit Cincinnati Massage for Mental Healthto experience the lasting benefits of massage therapy for your mind and body. www.MentalHealthMassage.com
Comments