How to calm oneself after a severe emotional shock

October 24, 2009 5:27 AM

What are some good centring/calming exercises for a massage therapist? I've had a huge shock and need to get myself together before Tuesday.

I'm a student massage therapist, and every week my class has a clinic session, where we treat "real" clients. (who'd knock back a $20 massage?).

But this last week I've had an immense emotional shock, to do with an ex. It had nothing to do with clinic. The incident has riven my soul, and unsettled me very profoundly, to the point that I have vivid, almost panic attacks (mild histeria, perhaps?) that usually leave me in a blubbering mess.

I'm working through the underlying issues, which will take several months and much reflection. However my immediate concern is my performance at clinic on Tuesday night (27 October).

Does anyone know any "centring" exercises I can use to calm my mind before clinic? I could skip the clinic completely, but would have to catch up another time.

The reason for mentioning the massage aspect is that it's easy for a client to pick up if the therapist is unsettled. The treatments we give are primarily relaxation, and I'd hate for a client to end up as wound up as I feel!

I haven't done much meditation before, but have found that simply observing the breath as I breathe in and out a few times can help.

Any other suggestions would be great!

posted by flutable to human relations (7 comments total)

When I suffer from panic attacks, I find this book - Turning the Mind into an Ally - to be really useful. It's very slim and easy to read, and basically tells you how to meditate. It builds on what you are already doing - observing your breathing - and gives you some useful ways to try to keep your thoughts on track. I'm sure there are tons of great meditation/mindfulness books out there, but this is the one that I keep coming back to.
posted by ukdanae at 5:44 AM on October 24, 2009 [4 favorites]

How about a vigorous bout of exercise before the clinic to help relax you? Maybe walk or bike or swim a few miles, just to release the tension.

Or, is it appropriate to get a massage yourself before the clinic from one of your classmates?
posted by SuperSquirrel at 7:20 AM on October 24, 2009 [1 favorite]

The reason for mentioning the massage aspect is that it's easy for a client to pick up if the therapist is unsettled.

Is it? Would acting as though you're relaxed work?
posted by phrontist at 8:15 AM on October 24, 2009

Seconding the suggestion of having one of your classmates work on you before your session. Back when I did clinic we'd fill openings in the schedule with each other as a matter of course.

My massage school also gave us tai chi training (largely for the purpose of teaching us a good stance to work from) and I always found running through that routine was relaxing. You might also try a long hot bath that morning with whatever scent you find relaxing that's unlikely to provoke allergic reactions in a client.
posted by Karmakaze at 9:02 AM on October 24, 2009 [1 favorite]

Meditation can give great results... It's probably hard to get into if you're in a really confused spot. Maybe for another time, later. Praying, if you are a believer...

But for now, seconding exercise. Alone. Cardio work, stretching, followed by long walk.

Good meal. A meal that you enjoy. Add a movie if you feel like it, a comedy that makes you laugh.

That's my two cents. Take it easy.

This experience will make you stronger in the long run. And you will be a better massage therapist.
posted by amusem at 9:39 AM on October 24, 2009

Get your bare feet on bare earth. Stand quietly and focus on your breathing as you feel your feet connect with the earth beneath you. If it is a place you feel comfortable closing your eyes, imagine roots growing out from the bottom of your feet into the earth. 15 - 20 minutes, repeat as needed, but take at least a 30 minute break between sessions.
posted by hworth at 9:56 AM on October 24, 2009 [4 favorites]

Thanks to all who answered.

Acting as if I was relaxed would be fine if I was just being observed. However, the client will feel me. I may waver and quiver, and be unsure in pressure and direction of touch. That's how the client will know I'm unsettled.

And getting a massage before clinic might be good, too. I'll ask one of my classmates.

hworth: the rooting exercise is excellent!
posted by flutable at 2:40 AM on October 25, 2009