When you first become a massage therapist, it's sooooo easy to think "I just fixed that problem". To be really awed and impressed by the change you just wrought. Keep doing this work for a while and a little humility (or a lot) smacks you in the face.
What I now know is that the body is always -- always -- trying to put itself back to right, back to balance, back to reasonable (possibly even optimal) functioning. You and I can help or we can hinder but we aren't likely to make it happen apart from whatever the body is doing.
When I lay my hands on you, especially if it's somewhere that seems particularly jammed up or agitated, the first thought I send to your body is "Hi, how can I help? Where can I be of service?" As much as I am able, I maintain that mindset throughout the session. What is the body trying to do and how can I be an extra resource in that endeavor?
This is particularly true when I've chosen to do myofascial release (it's that really gentle work I do where it seems like I'm not doing anything, even possibly napping). MFR is subtle work and requires me to "listen" closely with my hands to what's already going on in your body. When I think I know what the fascia is trying to do, I use my hands to give that effort an extra little nudge, an extra little oomph. That's how I'm most effective it seems.
I'm never the smartest in the room. Neither are you. Your body knows more than either of us, combined, do or ever will about its functioning. I work best when I remember that.
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