Self-Care During Bereavement

If you have suffered a loss, grief is an appropriate response. It is normal and natural to feel numb, empty, anxious, depressed, or intensely sad. What can you do to get through this difficult time?

1.    Talk about it. Share these feelings with friends, family members, or a minister, rabbi, or spiritual counselor — anyone that you feel supports you and can listen with compassion. If you find it hard to talk with those in your everyday life, consider seeing a professional counselor. Your massage therapist may be able to refer you to experienced, trusted professionals in the community.

2.    Get regular massage or a massage that’s a little longer than usual. Massage increases circulation. Stress hormones are flushed away and the flow of endorphins, natural mood elevators, is increased. In a massage session, you can let go and enjoy a much-needed sense of peace and nurturing. Massage sometimes prompts tears and the expression of sadness. This is a natural, normal emotional response to nurturing touch.

3.    People who are grieving not only feel overwhelmed with sadness, but often feel very sensitive to their environment. You may want to find a place that feels particularly safe to express your feelings. This could be at home, with a formal or informal support group, or a favorite place in nature.
*** Massage should not be considered as a replacement for professional medical treatment: a physician should be consulted in all matters relating to health and especially in relation to any symptoms that may require diagnosis or medical attention. In some cases, a primary physician’s approval/prescription is required before any bodywork is administered. Care should be taken during pregnancy, particularly in the use of essential oils and pressure points. Essential oils should not be ingested, and should be used for babies and children only on professional advice.
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