Life is what happening while you’re trying to figure out your life…or something like that.
After 15 years of teaching and practicing massage therapy, I went to Acupuncture school. It’s seven years later. I have my Acupuncture license in two states and a couple Diplomates from NCCAOM (National Big Shot Organization for Acupuncture).
And still, I love massage therapy. I love the simple, direct experience of following the intuition of my hands. With our hands we evaluate and treat all at the same time. With our hands, we listen and respond to what may never be said- and in those moments of wordless connection, therapist and client understand that healing is happening.
Studying Chinese Medicine has given me an appreciation for Qi. My best guess is that Qi is the “stuff” that is gone at death. You should spend a day trying to stick a tiny little needle in that! Qi is a mesmerizing teacher, potent healer, elusive power.
In acupuncture school, before I gained any skill with needles, I kept resorting to massage. Sometimes the obvious is just too obvious to understand.
I have come back home to my hands-on work. My intuition has more to work with post-acupuncture school. I find myself listening to and following Qi in the meridians and points as I am drawn to trigger points, tendon attachments, muscle spasms, emotional unrest. I started my study of Chinese Medicine obsessed with the power of needles, I finished humbled by the potential of my hands.
Everything changes. Meridian Massage Institute is the next stop on my wheel of transformation. Integrating anatomy-hard core physicality, with Qi- hard core energy- and figuring out how to teach it-now that is what I call a good time!
I’m glad you are here. Your questions take me deeper, inspire me, transform me. Stick around, there is so much more to come.
This is a beautiful post. I also love massage. When it comes to healing, massage has been the one constant in my life, always bringing such relief. Meridian Massage Institute’s website is beautiful, a true reflection of your teaching!
Thanks Cindy. Made the tears flow. I wrote the following a few months ago and it pretty much sums up how I feel about my 18-year practice of massage:
I know my place in the world
when my hands are on you.
I know,
no matter what
tragedy
is broadcast the world over,
the texture of your skin
will call me back to the
uninterrupted & regular
processes within my own cells.
I know,
that even as my heart
breaks
over another,
it will open
to the strong & steady rhythm
I feel beneath your ribs.
When you exhale with a sigh
and then breathe in more deeply,
your relief
reminds me and invokes mine.
When my hands are on you,
I know my place in the world.
Donna,
Thanks for sharing your beautiful words. I so deeply appreciate the sacredness of Massage Therapy- maintained and expressed by dedicated practitioners like you.
Cindy