After waking up three mornings in a row with a neck so sore I could hardly lift my head from the pillow, I knew it was time to do more than denial and wine. (And as for those heat bags, sometimes they do nothing but smell of soggy warm wheat.) I’m always a bit slow to act when I have any issues related to my back or neck. I’ve just heard so many horror stories. And there are so many different doctors and experts you could see (physio, chiro, osteo, masseuse, acupuncturist etc) that you can risk going through a lot more pain (and financial pain) before finding the right fix and person for you. I’ve only ever found one osteo and one acupuncturist whom I’m willing to trust with my vertebrae. Unfortunately they’re both away on holidays right now. Selfish, I know. So, after a bit of ringing around for recommendations, I found myself at Venustus in Paddington, getting a half-hour deep-tissue neck and shoulder massage, with lots of spicy, muscle-warming oil.
This morning, I still feel a bit gnarly and knotty, but a hundred times better than yesterday. It all reminded me of the importance of massage. We usually wait until it’s too late. Knots and pains may be symptoms of bad sleeping or too much time at the computer – but they can also be signs of a disconnect between your emotional and physical body. So regular massage can help keep you in complete sync. Sorry if I’m going a bit herbal on you. My point is that massage really should be part of our monthly health and beauty routine. And it doesn’t have to be expensive. There are so many massage rooms popping up in the cities now, where you can get a fifteen-minute treatment for under $20.
And if you want another sign of the importance of massage and looking after your body, this is today’s meditation from Melody Beattie’s Journey to the Heart (there’s a reflection for every day of the year – I read it religiously): “Honour your connection to your body. Honour and value your body’s wisdom. It can tell you many things about your life, your growth, your past, and your path. Learn to listen to your body and it will speak openly and lovingly to you.”
Okay, so I did go very herbal on you today. But now you have a good reason to go out and spoil yourself guilt-free. Of course, I can justify anything related to beauty. I’m not sure if that’s a talent. Whatever it is, it’s dangerous.
