Whether you practice personal massage on your own for a sports injury or seek the help of a professional masseuse to cope with a chronic injury or anything in between, you’re likely aware of the fact that massage is a very versatile thing. The practice can be altered and tailored to suit the needs of almost any ailment, whether that be directly or indirectly. One of the less common but most beneficial ways to cater massage to your own needs is to add meditation into it. Pairing meditation, a practice which focuses on developing a sound mind, with the sound body benefits of massage can leave an individual feeling not only physically but also mentally relaxed and refreshed. If you aren’t sure where to begin, take a look at these tips for incorporating meditation and guided imagery into massage.
Work with a group
One of the best ways to approach any new activity is to learn from those who already have developed the skill at hand, and blending massage with guided imagery is no exception to this rule. According to Integrative Health Care, working with a group or partner who already has experience in the realm of guided imagery can help you work the activity into your existing routine. Certain professional masseuses will have been trained in this aspect of massage and can help you for a fee, or you can connect with a friend who you know practices guided imagery. Even if that individual isn’t familiar with personal massage, it can be a great opportunity for the two of you to learn from one another.
Conduct your own research
The fact that we live in an increasingly digital age has influenced nearly every single sector of the world. Luckily, this poses a benefit to those looking to explore new types of personal massage. Searching massage forums on the Internet can allow you to communicate with individuals who may have already incorporated guided imagery into their treatment regimen. While these individuals may provide a valuable sounding board for your questions, the Internet can also serve as a much more direct resource. For example, you can download podcasts from any number of sources that have recorded guided imagery on them. While you’re beginning your work with guided imagery, this can be an invaluable resource.
Listen to your body
One of the foremost benefits of pairing massage with meditation is that it can lead you to a greater understanding of any pain you may be experiencing. According to Peace of Mind Massage, individuals who have relaxed their minds through meditation or guided imagery can often identify pain that they would have not noticed in their homeostatic state. While this may not be the case for all individuals, it’s worth determining what you can learn from your own body when you incorporate meditation and mental relaxation into your massage routine.