Please read Massage Therapy: The Good, The Bad, and The Really Good first. This section is a continuation and the “rest of the story”. Enjoy.
A few minutes later, James knocked on the door and came in. I scrutinized him as he walked around the table. Maybe he was gay, I thought. That would be good.
He was at least 20 years younger than me, so I was sure he had no interest in anything other than giving me a professional massage.
Of course. I was just being silly, wasn't I?
I couldn’t see whether his eyes still looked shifty in the darkness, I was too busy looking the other way -- gazing at storage boxes, heart pounding.
After turning on some New Age music, James came around and stood at the head of the table. He dipped his hand in some sort of oil, lotion, or whatever, and began massaging my head starting at the temples.
Being a chronic migraine sufferer, that part of my head was quite tender so I wasn’t sure I even wanted him to touch me there.
But, my boyfriend’s words echoed in my head, “A good massage may help your migraines.” He was usually right about these kinds of things, so I closed my eyes and attempted to relax.
As James massaged my temples, my forehead, behind my ears and the back of my neck, I had decided that, “Oh yeah,” this has to be good for migraine headaches, because it felt reeeeally good.
His masterful, yet professional hands continued down my shoulders and arms. I felt my body loosen up a bit.
When he pressed his thumb into the palm of my hand and massaged each finger, I asked myself why I hadn't done this years ago.
This was the most wonderful experience and yet I had waited until now to have my first massage. What was wrong with me?
He moved down to the foot of the table, uncovered one leg to my hip and tucked the sheet in between my legs. My tension returned. Was this part of of the massage or was this when he’d molest me?
He started with my feet. If you’ve ever had anybody massage your feet after a hard week at work, especially if you’re required to wear high heels, it relaxes the tension like nothing else can.
No more demanding bosses, no more annoying co-workers. The stress that had settled right in the soles of my feet began to melt away like s'mores over an open fire. It was heaven.
By now, I had decided that I didn’t care if James was a scam artist or a pervert. In my mind he was a miracle worker as he continued to work his magic into my tired muscles.
Thoughts of the stressful workplace disappeared into dust as he continued up my legs, kneading, rubbing, massaging, my calves my thighs, first the left, then the right.
Aaaahhhh. My tension dissolved. I did I mention -- Heaven?
Unfortunately, the full hour of calming music and the most luxurious pampering I had ever experienced had come to an end.
My body felt like mush as I dressed. I looked around again at the storage boxes, plain gray walls and the wedge of light from the bathroom shadowing over the crimson sheets.
It mattered no more. Fear and tension had been released from my body. Nobody should go through life without the pleasure of at least one massage.
When I walked out to the reception desk, I saw Mr. Wonderful in a completely different light. His eyes were not shifty and the office didn't seem scary at all. Go figure.
To this day, James is my massage therapist. Once a month, he relaxes the tension and stiffness that iha manifested itself through everyday life.
If you're looking for a life-changing event in your life, go have a massage. Whether it be in a store-room or professional office, you won't regret it.
This was the second part of a two-part article. Click here for Part One
Further reading to learn more about the benefits of massage therapy:
Medicine Net – Massage Therapy. Web. 14, February, 2012
http://www.medicinenet.com/massage_therapy/article.htm
Mayo Clinic – Stress Management - Massage: Get in touch with its many health benefits. Web. 14, February, 2012
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/massage/SA00082
Find a Massage Therapist:
American Massage Therapy Association – Find a Massage Therapist. Web. 14, February, 2012 http://www.amtamassage.org/findamassage/results.html?q=&l=davie%2c+florida&searchcat=famt
Reviewed February 15, 2012
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith