Care of the Caregiver - Staying Connected with Nurturing
Massage
by Mary Kathleen Rose, CMT
“It felt so good to be nurtured – I was able
to forget about my work and worries for a while. I could feel
my priorities shift, knowing that it is essential to take
care of myself. Now I feel more capable of taking care of
others.”
“As
I was touched I felt the tension melting away…”
“For an hour I felt like I was the most important person
in the world.”
These are the words of people who are talking about their
experiences of receiving massage. As caregivers we know the
importance of caring for others, but sometimes forget the
importance of caring for ourselves. Whether professional,
volunteer or family caregiver, we touch others in many ways,
providing needed services.
Just as there are numerous ways of giving care, there are
many ways of caring for ourselves, including good nutrition,
exercise, rest, and social and creative pastimes. Another
way of caring for ourselves is to receive a therapeutic massage.
There are many different styles and techniques of bodywork
– from deep tissue therapy and acupressure to integrative
massage and body energy therapies. Designed to bring relief
from muscle pain and tension, as well as to improve circulation
of blood and lymph in the body, massage also contributes to
a sense of wholeness and well-being.
Receiving a massage – letting yourself be cared for
– is also a way to be reminded of the importance of
receiving. Enjoying a nurturing massage does in fact remind
us of the value of what we give as caregivers.
As
caregivers we respond to others’ needs. We reach out
and touch others – physically, socially and emotionally.
Being touched through massage is a way to connect back to
our own sense of self, and source of energy and inspiration.
Opening to the touch of another mirrors our own love of giving.
It connects us to our sense of vulnerability, and increases
our awareness of our most fundamental needs and priorities.
As the recipient of attentive care we are in a position to
say, “Yes, this is why I do what I do. It does feel
so good to be heard, to be touched and to be cared for.”
So take some time for yourself and enjoy a massage. Ask a
friend or health professional for a referral to a certified
massage therapist. Or call one of the local massage schools
and ask about their student massage clinics. Let the therapist
know if you have any particular needs or concerns. Remember,
this is your time to take care of yourself…
Relax...breathe deeply…let yourself feel like “the
most important person in the world.”
Mary Kathleen Rose 2005
Mary Kathleen Rose, BA, CMT has been practicing and teaching
massage and wellness education for over twenty-five years.
She is the developer of Comfort Touch – Massage for
the Elderly and the Ill, and producer of a video with that
title, as well as author of numerous articles on massage and
healing. See her web-site at: www.comforttouch.com
or call 303-449-3945.
COMFORT TOUCH DVD
This beautifully produced video introduces the viewer to the principles and techniques of Comfort Touch, a nurturing form of acupressure massage designed to be safe and appropriate for the elderly and the ill. Drawing on her many years of experience practicing and teaching this work in home-care and medical settings, Mary Kathleen Rose shares the essential elements of Comfort Touch with demonstrations of its applications in the seated, supine and side-lying positions.
This program will inspire the viewer - whether healthcare professional or family caregiver - to offer the benefits of touch to those for whom conventional massage may cause discomfort or even injury. While Comfort Touch provides soothing relief for the elderly and the ill, it can enhance the quality of life for anyone in need of a caring touch.
Includes 40-page Video Guide, complete with Principles and Techniques of Comfort Touch, Benefits of Comfort Touch, Precautions in the Use of Touch and Self-Care Exercises for the Caregiver. Yours for $29.00 plus shipping.
Discover
the Seven Directions Movement Meditiation
INTRODUCTION
The Seven Directions Movement Meditation honors all life.
As we move around the circle we remember, "Everything
within the circle is sacred, all things outside of the circle
is sacred, all is sacred." - Moses Shongo, Seneca Medicine
Man
We are nourishing and supporting the seven directions through
our healing breath with thoughts of loving kindness and compassion.
We are breathing within the gifts of the directions, into
our hearts and vibral core, bringing clarity and wholeness
to our being.
We are sending and sharing respect, strength and support
to our relatives of the four colors, Nations of people, that
all may work together as one body, one heart, one mind, one
spirit, one law, the law of love.
We are developing our understanding of the Cycles of Truth,
a way of life that nourishes our vibral core and brings peace
to our selves, families, communities and nations.
We are creating balance and harmonizing energy for the good
of all, unto the seventh generation.
We trust you will find this booklet helpful in your remembering,
and we invite you to share in the dance.
ALL FOR ONE, ONE FOR ALL
learn
more about the Seven Directions Movement Meditation
Read
the Introduction by Whitefeather
