a community of practitioners

Why Massage? What's Your Story?

I'd really like to know what brought the members of this group to massage.

My story is I was a travel writer and started getting them at Bed & Breakfasts and feel in love with them. That led me to move to Florida and go to school.

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Linda Dills on November 4, 2009 at 4:26pm

I too am an ex-programmer (25 years in the field). The only thing is I'm stuck in the crossroads of my life trying to deceide which way too go. I know I love massages and would love to do something to help others. Instead of sitting in a cubical all day. There's got to be more to life than that! Were did you go to school in NC? Trying to analyze all the possibilites and network with others to get some good advise. Any you can give is appreciated!

Erica Bliss Winston said:

I'm an ex programmer, and massage therapy gave me my life back! I came to the time when I could share that wonderful healing by changing work, and here I am, 5 years later.

I spent about 10 years in chronic pain in one hip, with monthly migraines that knocked me out of gear for the weekend. My quality and joy in life were under constant attack. I couldn't sleep but 3 hours before I woke in pain and had to take another dose of ibuprofen. My nickname was "the ghost" for times when the pain took all my energy and I just endured the hours until it calmed down.

I tried all kinds of specialists in Western medicine.. and got the usual responses that the hip bone was not degraded enough for surgery YET, and more pain killers that I couldn't function with. No one could say WHY. Finally met a wonderful bodyworker doing stuctural integration when we moved here to NC, and it took about a year and a half of monthly sessions, but I was jogging. I who could barely walk was able to run pain free :-) The migraines were nearly gone - down to 2-3 a year instead of 12-15. And I knew a LOT about why - muscles imbalance, holding patterns, repetitive stress syndromes.

Anyway, to cut out another 7 years or so, I got laid off in the dot.com bust of 2001, and just knew it was time to re-orient my life. Went to school for massage therapy -- and found out that "massage therapy" is a whole different kettle from structural integration! I never knew that, as my savior MT was my only experience with massage.

My first Swedish massage was a total surprise :-) But I've continued to learn, and now focus on NMT and myofascial work. I enjoy it so much, and I do a lot of good as a massage therapist. It's been just a wonderful experience, and I still get up loving my work.

Permalink Reply by Mike Hinkle on November 4, 2009 at 7:28pm

Glad you are here, Linda!

Permalink Reply by Mark Lechtner on December 18, 2009 at 10:21am

My story is that after years of working in the service industry in management, over 20 yeqrs. Decided I needed to make a change for my overall health and well being. Having received massages in the past and enjoying them. I felt that this was a rewarding field to step into. Just beginning my journey, I want to be a sponge and absorb as much as I can. I know I need to focus on what I am truly passionate about but so many things to learn and use to help people in pain.

Permalink Reply by Mike Hinkle on December 18, 2009 at 7:30pm

Well Mark, if you have any questions, just holler out!

Mark Lechtner said:

My story is that after years of working in the service industry in management, over 20 yeqrs. Decided I needed to make a change for my overall health and well being. Having received massages in the past and enjoying them. I felt that this was a rewarding field to step into. Just beginning my journey, I want to be a sponge and absorb as much as I can. I know I need to focus on what I am truly passionate about but so many things to learn and use to help people in pain.

Permalink Reply by Rebecca B Adams on February 1, 2010 at 8:23am

Getting into massage was a sorrowful path for me, but it has had joyful results. I've always been a "do it yourselfer." Never went to allopathic treatments to handle my lupus, and I'm glad, since they had me mis-diagnosed with RA for 20 years!
But my sister passed away at age 47 after mainstream medical treatments had devastated her body. Took her over a year to die from stomach surgery to repair an ulcer. My mother-in-law, (who was also probably the best friend I ever had) passed away 17 days later from melanoma. For those of you who like numerology, my sister was 47 - my 'ma' was 74...
During my grief, I made the statement to myself (translation, 'my Self'?) that I NEVER wanted to see someone in pain again as long as I lived and not know some way to help them.
At that moment, I became the poster child for "Be careful what you ask for, God is listening.." To keep this short, the series of events that happened led me to massage school, including a new school opening within driving distance of where I live, so we didn't have to move! I have had obstacle after obstacle in my path cleared easily and decisively. I know the hand of God was in this calling - the proof has been actually scary at times..
So at the age of 46, I started a new path, and at the age of 47, I started a new career. There's that number again. oh - and the date I was given to sit for my National Exam? January 25, 2006 at 1:30. That was 3 years to the MINUTE that my sister passed. My husband told me "if that isn't proof that you aren't walking this path alone, then I don't know what is.." My sister was a whiz in school - so I asked her to help me thru the exam, because I have test anxiety. She was there, and not only did I finish an hour early, I made high marks in every catagory..
Since then, I have often felt both Deb and Ma's gentle spirit giving me quiet, calm support. I always approach my work prayerfully, and reverently, giving thanks for the two whose lives helped me find my path, and for those who trust me to help them let go of their pain and burdens... ain't life grand!!!!! :-)

Permalink Reply by Mike Hinkle on February 1, 2010 at 6:19pm

I am so glad you are with us Rebecca! Let me know how I can help you on your quest!

Rebecca B Adams said:

Getting into massage was a sorrowful path for me, but it has had joyful results. I've always been a "do it yourselfer." Never went to allopathic treatments to handle my lupus, and I'm glad, since they had me mis-diagnosed with RA for 20 years!
But my sister passed away at age 47 after mainstream medical treatments had devastated her body. Took her over a year to die from stomach surgery to repair an ulcer. My mother-in-law, (who was also probably the best friend I ever had) passed away 17 days later from melanoma. For those of you who like numerology, my sister was 47 - my 'ma' was 74...
During my grief, I made the statement to myself (translation, 'my Self'?) that I NEVER wanted to see someone in pain again as long as I lived and not know some way to help them.
At that moment, I became the poster child for "Be careful what you ask for, God is listening.." To keep this short, the series of events that happened led me to massage school, including a new school opening within driving distance of where I live, so we didn't have to move! I have had obstacle after obstacle in my path cleared easily and decisively. I know the hand of God was in this calling - the proof has been actually scary at times..
So at the age of 46, I started a new path, and at the age of 47, I started a new career. There's that number again. oh - and the date I was given to sit for my National Exam? January 25, 2006 at 1:30. That was 3 years to the MINUTE that my sister passed. My husband told me "if that isn't proof that you aren't walking this path alone, then I don't know what is.." My sister was a whiz in school - so I asked her to help me thru the exam, because I have test anxiety. She was there, and not only did I finish an hour early, I made high marks in every catagory..
Since then, I have often felt both Deb and Ma's gentle spirit giving me quiet, calm support. I always approach my work prayerfully, and reverently, giving thanks for the two whose lives helped me find my path, and for those who trust me to help them let go of their pain and burdens... ain't life grand!!!!! :-)

Permalink Reply by Peter Adams on February 26, 2011 at 8:00am

I spent 30 years in the Health/IT industry. Made a good living but traveled all the time. Ended up loosing my marriage. Remarried and moved to NH where I lost my job. I started a small bookkeeping service and in 2004 and we moved to NC but couldn't keep the business going. Ended up working a construction job to pay the bills.

In 2007 my wife passed suddenly and two months later my dad passed. Lost my job in November of 08 and went back to NH for a sales position for a web development company. That didn't work out either due to the economy. I was sitting at the kitchen table filling out applications online and suddenly realized that I didn't want to do this any more, computers, accounting, travel, etc.

Two people called suddenly, one a Reiki Master the other a Massage Therapist of 12 years. Both supported the idea that was formulating in my head to go back to school for Massage & Bodywork. I began to look around the area for schools but didn't want to stay in New England being a motorcycle rider. The Northwest was also out and I didn't care much for Charlotte NC or the Southeast. So my focus was the Southwest and ended up going to school in Tempe AZ at Southwest Institute of Healing Arts. It was a blessing ending up there. They promoted the idea that true healing required all human components (spiritual, mental, emotional & physical) be addressed. I'll add here that I began my trip to recovery from alcoholism in 1982 and that also required spiritual healing. I've seen, first in others and then myself, that the spiritual component is essential in true healing.

I love massage and energy work. My primary modality is Polarity Therapy. The experiences I've had both as a practitioner and a client have been wondrous. I'm working on developing a practice here in Black Mountain. I'm also awaiting my NC license. I'm sure all will unfold exactly as it's supposed to but it's an exercise in patience, not something I'm strong at but getting better.

I look forward to meeting more of my sisters and brothers as we walk this path. There is nothing more valuable I have to offer than my time. I have a strong desire to help others find the healing power that's available to all.