Page 293 - Total War on PTSD

Touch is extremely important for the nervous system to remain aware of what’s going on in the body. It also helps increase blood and lymph circulation, enhances immune function, can help with injury healing, digestion, elimination, breathing, increase flexibility, improve sleep, decrease blood pressure, pain, and anxiety, and allow the body and mind to relax. It should give the recipient a feeling of well-being and even bliss, something we could all use more often.
Massage can be of particular benefit for our clients with PTS. It helps them experience a relaxed state, which may be rare for them and hard to attain. It can help the body to let go of old trauma and begin to heal and restore balance. A good balance of neurotransmitters and hormones will give them a feeling of well-being and will maintain long term health. The bodily awareness that gentle and focused touch can bring can make them aware of physical problems that may have been ignored or that are developing, so that they can be addressed before they become worse. Massage can bring a person "back into their body". Many people who have experienced trauma will dissociate from their body, and cannot really heal from it until they fully inhabit their body. Receiving a massage, especially in the setting of our retreats, lets a person know they are cared for and acknowledged. For them to know that everyone around them, staff and fellow participants, are working towards their healing, wellness, growth, and happiness, is a powerful incentive. Especially for those who have felt isolated and removed from society, the circle of caring
people surrounding them can give them strength and comfort, helping them to move forward.
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