Lying Down For A Cause

In between stints of going to a licensed massage therapist, there's a student clinic that I go to. I've read that the effects of massage are cumulative and I like to go on a Sunday because I feel it's a great way to decompress as I face the work week.

I've also thought about not going to the clinic because the massages are 50 minutes, you have to fill out a feedback form, some students have awkward methods (I know, they're students) and a supervisor comes into the room twice to check on the student which is kind of weird. You're also not allowed to request anyone so you usually work with a different student therapist -- not the ideal situation for someone who takes time to adjust to new people.

I went on Sunday and got someone who had a really sure touch which reminded me that I have gotten students who've been better and more creative than some licensed therapists.

As I'm feeling out the feedback form, I hear the supervisor on duty ask this other woman if she would like a second massage for free because they had cancellations and the students need practice. Then, he asks me. I chuckle and say hell to the yeah Yes, someone's got to do it.

The second student asks if I have any areas that I want focused on. Given that I just had a massage, I tell her if there's any technique she wants to try to knock herself out. I enjoy giving people carte blanche at times. I hardly ever say a word to my barber because I know that she's got skills.

Student Two decided to do myofascial release which I'd heard of but wasn't quite sure what it was supposed to do. Interestingly enough, when she was doing MR on my shoulder, it felt very good even though my shoulder wasn't bothering me that morning; it has been an on-again off-again thing with shoulder tension. We had this whole symphony of deep breathing going on. I felt like we were breathing for world peace or something.

Student Two was great -- felt like she had a knack for bodywork and her presence was excellent. Like Student One, she had such a sure touch. She also knows how to start and finish a massage -- muy importante.

It's funny that as I contemplated not going back to the clinic, I get two great back-to-back massages and I really did feel like I was doing my part to help students get necessary training. The supervisor thanked me as I walked out. I laughed and told him that if he ever needed that kind of assistance again, I would be more than happy to help.