In 1964, the year the Beatles came to America and the author of
this essay came into this world, the notion that something called
"aromatherapy" would come to be recognized as a means of
promoting healing, peace of mind and overall well-being might
this essay came into this world, the notion that something called
"aromatherapy" would come to be recognized as a means of
promoting healing, peace of mind and overall well-being might
have seemed more than
a little farfetched. But not
anymore. Aromatherapy
is a multimillion dollar
industry, and things that
seemed outlandish or
futuristic in the mid-
1960s are commonplace
today.
a little farfetched. But not
anymore. Aromatherapy
is a multimillion dollar
industry, and things that
seemed outlandish or
futuristic in the mid-
1960s are commonplace
today.
Just as aromatherapy
makes use of the sense of
makes use of the sense of
In contrast, take a moment to think about how much better and
more relaxed you feel when your senses actually enjoy the
various stimuli they are processing: the scent of your favorite tea
wafting through the mid-morning kitchen; the sound of your
favorite music filling the house; the sight of a rainbow after the
storm has passed.
more relaxed you feel when your senses actually enjoy the
various stimuli they are processing: the scent of your favorite tea
wafting through the mid-morning kitchen; the sound of your
favorite music filling the house; the sight of a rainbow after the
storm has passed.
| The Importance of Human Touch: External Resources |
When we remember
that touch is, in fact,
a sense, we have
another context with
which to understand
the healing power
inherent in massage
therapy. Prolonged
exposure to any kind
of unpleasant stimuli
-- the stench of burnt
eggs, the incessant
sound of a mal-
that touch is, in fact,
a sense, we have
another context with
which to understand
the healing power
inherent in massage
therapy. Prolonged
exposure to any kind
of unpleasant stimuli
-- the stench of burnt
eggs, the incessant
sound of a mal-
functioning car alarm, a bright glare on the windshield while
driving -- can lead to both physical and mental stress, which can
lead to unwanted physical and mental conditions ranging from
mild irritation or anxiety to more serious problems. Doctors readily
acknowledge that a large percentage of illnesses have their
origins in stress.
driving -- can lead to both physical and mental stress, which can
lead to unwanted physical and mental conditions ranging from
mild irritation or anxiety to more serious problems. Doctors readily
acknowledge that a large percentage of illnesses have their
origins in stress.
When viewed with a perspective toward holistic-based
approaches to health, the sense of touch can be seen as yet
another natural conduit by which relief is delivered, relaxation
encouraged, and one's life experience enhanced.
approaches to health, the sense of touch can be seen as yet
another natural conduit by which relief is delivered, relaxation
encouraged, and one's life experience enhanced.
Would you rather feel tense muscles in your upper back,
rock-like from another stressful day at the office, or would you
prefer the soothing contact of a massage therapist's skilled touch
to help your back and neck release the tension?
rock-like from another stressful day at the office, or would you
prefer the soothing contact of a massage therapist's skilled touch
to help your back and neck release the tension?
smell to contribute to the healing process, touch-based therapies
-- massage, reflexology and acupressure, for example -- make
optimal use of the body's own sense of touch in facilitating its
return to a state of fully functioning self-support.
-- massage, reflexology and acupressure, for example -- make
optimal use of the body's own sense of touch in facilitating its
return to a state of fully functioning self-support.
Would you rather feel the pinch of tight shoes restricting your toe
movements and leaving you footsore, or the practiced, empathetic
touch of a reflexologist helping your feet feel as good as they
would feel walking barefoot along the beach or on soft ground?
movements and leaving you footsore, or the practiced, empathetic
touch of a reflexologist helping your feet feel as good as they
would feel walking barefoot along the beach or on soft ground?
Aromatic fragrances, beautiful music, glorious natural vistas and
delicious, nutritious food are all natural ways we can nourish
ourselves. We also can be good to ourselves holistically through
the sense of touch. Seen in that light, massage therapy and
reflexology make more sense than ever.
More holistic health reports at Golden State Touch's Allvoices page.