Charlotte, NC – How is massage used to help victims of trauma deal with the traumatic events of their lives? First, let’s talk about how we separate body and mind. We do it all the time. It’s a protective mechanism, especially in relation to the trauma. People who have suffered horrific trauma in their lives sometimes speak of how their body went numb as if their mind took them out of their body and was hovering above the traumatic incident in question. Their body was experiencing it, but their mind had removed itself from it. On another level, we can call this compartmentalization (to compartmentalize is to divide something into sections/categories).

Most times a massage therapist won’t know if we are dealing with someone who has had a traumatic event in their lives. Perhaps there might be physical scars we see during the massage. Or there might be medications disclosed on their intake form. Or as the result of touch, the trauma may come to the surface during our session, by either verbally sharing it or by the nonverbal reaction to our touch.  Sometimes massage brings up feelings that you aren’t aware of but might need to be addressed by a professional such as your doctor, psychologist, or psychiatrist.

For our clients who have experienced trauma (most people have experienced some sort of trauma), we offer a place to come if you’re trying to make the mind-body connection. We try to offer a non-judgemental place where trust and safety is a priority.