Read what other professionals have to say:
When is massage beneficial for addiction recovery?
"Incorporating massage into a substance abuse program is advantageous in all of the stages of quitting an addiction: withdrawal, detoxification and abstinence. The physical, emotional and spiritual components of recovery all can be directly benefited by the healing power of therapeutic touch. The nurturing contact of massage utilizes skin as the translator of the therapist’s intent. Skin, the largest sensory organ in our body, is our primary sense for connecting information from our external surroundings to our internal environment." http://www.integrative-healthcare.org/mt/archives/2005/05/massage_the_mis.html
How does massage effect the brain during addiction recovery?
"The neurochemistry of an addict takes time to get back into balance, so massage treatments after the initial detoxification phase is crucial. When a person uses a substance to feel good, his/her body stops manufacturing its own “feel good” chemicals, (endorphins), and the substance takes over that task. Therefore, when a person quits using an abused substance, they lose their source of feeling good. Since it takes time for the body to start manufacturing its own endorphins again, this is a challenging interim to endure. This interim is the recovering addict’s most vulnerable time to relapse." http://www.integrative-healthcare.org/mt/archives/2005/05/massage_the_mis.html
What are some of the physical benefits of massage during addiction recovery?
According to the Touch Institute in Miami, Florida, massage has been shown to decrease anxiety, depression, agitation, cravings, pain and autoimmune response; also massage recipients have shown enhanced immune response, and increased alertness and performance. http://www6.miami.edu/touch-research
What other types of benefits can one see during massage treatments?
Emotional
"On an emotional level, part of an addict’s recovery process is learning to identify and manage the triggers that cause them to desire escape. Regular massage sessions can aid the client’s awareness of his or her own body, including where and when tension exists. Being conscious of these patterns is a step toward recognizing one’s own resistance, which can lead to healthfully addressing emotions associated with cravings and stress. In addition Kosakoski says that “Emotional release can commonly occur with massage, which provides a safe, non-threatening opportunity to begin the process of recovering long-buried emotions and memories.” http://www.counselormagazine.com/columns-mainmenu-55/42-alternative-therapies/397-massage-hands-down-a-treatment-for-addiction
Spiritual
"On a spiritual level, the deep relaxation of a massage can provide a still inner place for the recipient to connect with themselves. Being grounded, centered and fully present can be experienced when receiving therapeutic touch from a grounded, centered and fully present practitioner. A recovering addict has a whole new world opened to them when they acknowledge that they can simultaneously be anchored, present, feel good and be substance-free. As Kosakoski explains, “To allow oneself to surrender to the practitioner’s hands — to breathe fully and easily, to acknowledge and receive the gifts of nurturing, surrender and relaxation ….is an invaluable addition to the newly recovering person’s repertoire of relapse-prevention skills.”http://www.counselormagazine.com/columns-mainmenu-55/42-alternative-therapies/397-massage-hands-down-a-treatment-for-addiction
Massage is a great addition to any recovery plan and should not be used as a substitute for a recovery plan. As always, consult with your doctor to assure that this is the right choice for you
