How Holistic Therapies Supported My Mental Health

A personal journey from military service to massage therapy and the healing power of touch.

A Chance Encounter That Sparked Change

While working at RAF Waddington, typing away as usual, a colleague casually asked if I’d be interested in joining a massage course. He happened to teach Level 3 Swedish Massage at a local college in the evenings. At the time, I was exploring new qualifications that would allow me to work closely with people, so I thought, why not?

I enrolled in a year-long course held every Thursday from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. It was refreshing to leave base life behind for a few hours and immerse myself in something new. I’ve always been fascinated by the mind-body connection, and this was the perfect opportunity to explore it further.

The Learning Process: Hands-On and Healing

As part of our training, we practised on each other before working with real clients who came to the college for complimentary sessions. Our task was to develop massage techniques such as effleurage, petrissage, and kneading. Over the year, I gave and received countless massages. A win-win!

But more than just a new skill, I discovered something even more powerful: massage was helping my mental health.

How Massage Helped My Mental Well-Being

1. Calming My Nervous System

Massage stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, sending signals to slow the body down. It helped ease my anxiety and depression by allowing my mind to take a break and my body to physically relax.

2. Better Sleep

I struggled with sleep for years. After receiving massage treatments, I began to notice a marked improvement. Massage encourages the release of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps us feel calm and makes it easier to drift off and stay asleep.

3. Releasing Muscle Tension

Like many people, I carried a lot of stress in my neck and shoulders. Prolonged tension in these areas can lead to chronic pain. Regular massage helped release those tight muscles and brought real relief from physical discomfort.

4. The Power of Human Touch

Touch is essential to our emotional well-being. Massage promotes the release of oxytocin, a hormone associated with trust, connection, and emotional warmth. Living far from family and friends, and after the loss of my parents, I felt emotionally disconnected and numb. Massage helped me reconnect to others and myself.

Giving Back Through Therapy

Becoming a qualified Massage Therapist didn’t just help me personally; it also allowed me to support others. There’s nothing more fulfilling than hearing a client say, “I finally slept well last night,” or “I feel like myself again.”

More Than Just Massage

Massage therapy isn’t for everyone, and that’s perfectly okay. Thankfully, there are many holistic therapies available to explore. Over the years, I’ve qualified in:

• Aromatherapy Massage

• Baby Massage

• Hot Stone Massage

• Sports Therapy

• Reiki

• Hopi Ear Candle

• Swedish Massage

• Trigger Point Massage

• And many more

  
  

Each therapy offers unique benefits, especially when it comes to supporting mental health and emotional well-being.

Final Thoughts

If you’re feeling disconnected, overwhelmed, or simply curious, exploring holistic therapies could be a wonderful first step toward healing. Whether through massage or other natural treatments, there are so many ways to reconnect with your body and mind.

You’re not alone, and there is support out there, sometimes.

it starts with a simple touch.