So what is all this talk about the term “mindfulness?” In the yoga realm, mindfulness is a term that is used to focus on the present moment and on one’s breath. It is the concept of acknowledging your feelings, thoughts, and sensations in the present moment. This idea of “mindfulness” is not new. This concept was actually a Buddhist concept of a form of meditation. It has been used widely to treat ailments such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, insomnia, and other disorders.
So how can this term of “mindfulness” be incorporated into your next massage? Since mindfulness focuses on the current moment, utilize your massage time to keep your mind focused on your therapist’s touch, which is a great way to focus to keep your mind in the moment. If your therapist finds a trigger point or painful area, rather than trying to take your mind elsewhere, focus on your breath, taking big inhales, and on your exhales, envision yourself breathing out the pain and allow it to dissipate. This can be a great aid in training your body to be able to let go of your pain.
Throughout your massage, don’t allow yourself to go into a rabbit hole of thoughts, but rather, allow them to pass through with more focus on your breath. Together mindfulness and massage therapy can be a strong aid in helping alleviate your anxiety, depression, as well as well being. Never underestimate the power of the mind-body connection!
