The downside is that I also pick up negative energy around me and that energy gets stored in my body. And of course, my own distress gets lodged in my body. This all causes pains and dis-ease. Since I live with chronic pain and discomfort, I constantly need to assess and release stagnant, unwelcome energies in my body.
I have learned that stretching, movement and therapeutic touch is super effective in releasing these stored energies. My massage therapist comments how he can literally feel my knots and tension ease up right under her hands.
My favorite massage place is an Asian business that bills itself as a reflexology spa. Yes, they do reflexology, but really the two men there practice Tui Na.Tui na is an ancient Chinese practice that works with acupuncture meridians to diagnose and treat illness. My Tui Na therapist tells me it is seen as 
medicine in his country; not just a relaxation practice.
I love it. It feels great and noticeably produces improved body function. The massage space is one large room with comfortable couch beds. I like the communal feel. The business employs two therapists and they do everything. They speak minimal English so I use my phone translator. You may hear other people around you in hushed tones. And your therapist may answer the phone to make appointments during your massage. There is no “front desk person”. It is done very low in volume and discreetly. You start in the reclining position, clothed and draped with a soft blanket. He works on your feet for 30-45 minutes; a warm foot soak, scrub, lotion and then you lie flat and he works 30-45 minutes your back. I like that I remain clothed and despite the focus on feet and back, all parts of my body get attention. My guy works on my specific areas that need attention; it is totally customized. I regard my sessions as healing treatments and a vital partof my self care regime.
Since I am an incest and (stranger) sexual violence survivor, I have a lot of trauma stored in my body. I believe it has physically made me unwell and I continually work to release and transform that energy. Along with therapeutic massage, I take care of my body in conscious loving ways. Health-wise as well as pleasure-wise. Acupuncture, yoga, chiropractic. I want to improve in areas of nutrition and exercise.
An important part of my self care involves befriending and loving my woman's body. Especially my sexual and sensual self. 
As a woman, I believe all of us need sexual healing because of growing up in a patriarchal and often woman hating culture. For me, I had to understand what the early abuse did to me and release the shame. Then I had to reacquaint my body with loving, playful and consensual sex. This sounds basic; but it has taken me until my 50’s to start really making big strides. And I can now say, at 61, that I have the best sex life in all of my life.
As a woman, I believe all of us need sexual healing because of growing up in a patriarchal and often woman hating culture. For me, I had to understand what the early abuse did to me and release the shame. Then I had to reacquaint my body with loving, playful and consensual sex. This sounds basic; but it has taken me until my 50’s to start really making big strides. And I can now say, at 61, that I have the best sex life in all of my life.
I started this process by coming out as lesbian in my early 20's. Only allowing sexual and emotional connections with women was crucial in my healing. It was a sexy and safe harbor. I learned to love my body after I loved their bodies. I felt emotionally safe enough to explore and experiment. I was man-free for decades. I loved my community of women. There are so many lessons and tales from these years. Many more posts to come!
I returned to dating men in my 40's. Figuring out I am bi, I felt ready to try out my sexual persona with men, even with all the potential for sexist and ignorant attitudes. At first, I got used and hurt. But quickly, I learned and toughened up. I took charge and maintained a super independent attitude. I went on to a decade of single adventures. More stories to come on this topic as well.
I reacquainted myself with my sense of femininity and joyfully returned to my more traditionally femme style. And I sought out and found men who could appreciate my sensuality. I am now very selective in choosing a lover. I learned what technical sex acts and maneuvers I like best with men. And when I found someone I trusted enough, I let down my guard slowly and let him really pleasure me. It took years.
Now, I experience sexual healing regularly. Women! Get yourself a partner(s) that will give you yoni massages, get kinky and always exhibit a non-judgemental playful attitude. There is somebody for every fetish or kink or desire.
Good sex provides tension relief, emotional nurturance, and plain ole thrills. My lover(s) heal me when they lie with me. I see my sex life as part of my self care. I soak up the energy and visualize it swirling in me from top to bottom. I plan on staying sexual as long as I live. Modifications will continue to be made to accommodate age and health related issues. But I will continue to avail myself of this powerful medicine.
What do you do for physical self care?
No comments:
Post a Comment