Once a year is how often I allow myself to get a massage. I may want to change my ways. According to a randomized controlled trial that the Annals of Internal Medicine published in the July 5 issue, in comparing structural (focused on specific pain-related soft tissues) and relaxation (Swedish) massage, the trial found that both types of massage worked well to ease chronic low back pain and improve function, as compared to the “usual care” of medications.
As reported online at Science Daily, for the study group of 400 Group Health Cooperative patients:
“The hour-long massage treatments were given weekly for 10 weeks. At 10 weeks, more than one in three patients who received either type of massage -- but only one in 25 patients who got usual care -- said their back pain was much better or gone. Also at 10 weeks, a questionnaire showed nearly twice as many massage patients (around two thirds) as usual-care patients (more than one third) were functioning significantly better than at the trial's outset. Patients in the massage groups spent fewer days in bed, were more active, and used less anti-inflammatory medication than did those with usual care.”
Speculations as to the reasons why the massage helped include – specific effects of tissue stimulation that may calm the central nervous system; or non-specific effects of a person playing an active role in their own healing in receiving touch, spending time in a relaxing environment, receiving care from a compassionate therapist, or becoming more aware of their own body.
Other studies have found, to mention just a few good results, a positive effect on pain and mood for advanced cancer patients, easing of anxiety, and modified immune response (lymphocyte changes, decrease in stress hormone cortisol and in inflammatory cytokines).
Summer seems to be at least partially about restoration. Maybe this month we can all pursue healing touch (getting a massage or finding other soothing touch and relaxing environments) to rejuvenate: it may well contribute to self-care for our body and psyche.
I’d like, in this July 1st Wednesday wellness email, additionally to offer a suggestion for self-care of our soul and spirit – and that is to pursue safe places.
Find people and places that cause you to feel protected and loved and cared for. Or be a listening presence that provides a safe space for another.
While reading an article in the July 2011 issue of “Listen: A Seeker’s Resource for Spiritual Direction” I learned that according to legend, it was the ancient Greeks that coined the word agape (the Biblical New Testament Greek word for God’s selfless affectionate benevolent good will love) “as an antidote to their warring ways, and literally translated, it means ‘When you are in my territory, I will make you safe.’” Sue Magrath, the article’s author, goes on to say, “it is entirely congruent with our ideas about God’s love. When we enter into the kingdom of God, which is always and everywhere around us, we are kept safe by the love of a compassionate God, a God who walks with us in every time and place, sharing our burdens and offering comfort and hope.”
Like God, since God lives in and through us humans, we can listen with care and love to provide a safe place for the people around us. And we can receive the gift of being listened to and loved. Both being listened to, and listening to another in love, help me get beyond myself, which to me is a goal of self-care: 
taking care enough of myself so as to be able to overflow in agape care for others, and share the love of God.
May you too experience privilege and gift as you give and receive -- good touch, and safe loving listening.
"‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’
The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
- Jesus, Mark 12:30-31
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