Crying During Massage

Massage therapy has a unique way of releasing deep emotions that the body has stored away. In our industry we refer to this experience as emotional release. There are different types, for example yelling, shaking and the most commonly known: crying.

In the past two years, we have seen an uprise and a newfound respect for the mental well being on a global scale brought on by COVID-19 virus. This specific pandemic isolated us from our work, friends and family for weeks and in some areas; over a year. The psychologically devastating effects of the human mind affected the majority of people in a negative way to some degree or other.

Today, many people are seeking out services that will help them cope with emotions, specifically via touch.

Touch is a trigger that can be good or bad. It can remind us of an abusive childhood, sexual abuse or the long term neglect of an absent parent. Touch can also bring us real sense of healing and massage therapists are in a privileged position to help people do that.

Massage therapists for the most part, began their career because they were drawn to helping others. Being empathic and compassionate is a common characteristic for many therapists. When you suppress emotions and cannot release them periodically, having a massage reminds you of that need to feel nurtured and protected. This is the power of healing and compassionate touch. When you feel the burden of life and difficult times, receiving a massage is an experience that says “you matter”. When this occurs, the tears may flow out of a sense of relief.

Can I Cry During a Massage?

In short, yes. Most massage therapists recognize crying as a form of letting go of surmounting stress in your body and accept it. However, some may not be prepared for this event. Some massage therapists may struggle with acknowledging their own emotional pain. They may have grown up in households where crying was criticized and judged. Because, massage therapists do not address psychological conditions during their study, it is wise to not assume all are emotionally mature to handle crying during a massage. I recommend letting the therapist know prior to beginning that you’ve been experiencing a lot of emotional and mental stress. There’s no need to explain more but this will give them an understanding of what your emotional state is and better prepare them if you do have an emotional release.

Emotional Release

Once again, an emotional release during massage is the outcome of deep emotional suppression that is triggered by touch. This can range from crying, shaking, moving your limbs, talking excessively or yelling. It is healthy to release pent up feelings and massage can be one avenue to do this or a complimentary treatment with talk therapy. Today, Telehealth gives mental health services greater access to the public but does not allow for human touch. Massage therapists are licensed in most states to touch people and thereby a safe addition to your healing journey.

What You Should Not Do

Understanding the limited training massage therapists have with mental health, I would recommend that you do not use them as that role. Massage Therapists are not social workers, psychologists or any other professional that has spent years studying and treating the human mind. I would encourage you to not place this responsibility on your massage therapist for heavier topics that should be addressed by a mental health professional. It is outside the scope of practices and despite good intentions, your therapist can only offer the knowledge they know. Ask your massage therapist for a referral to a trusted and qualified practitioner that can help you walk through this difficult period in your life. It does not mean your massage sessions should stop. In fact, you could be the bridge of introducing your massage therapist to your mental health therapist. Each professional plays the correct role in helping you heal as a whole person.

Specialized Training

If you wish to seek out help with long term emotional healing there are massage therapists that have received specialized training in the area of trauma and or emotional conditions. This requires additional hours that a massage therapist must undergo to understand the delicate state of serving this population. If you have a “good cry” and feel better after your massage, this may be all you need. However, if you feel that your crying is a symptom of a profound experience that you need help with, there are massage therapists prepared and willing to work with you through this. This work will only gain momentum in the massage industry as wellness is a growing demand among people.

photo credit : healthline.com with Web illustration by Yaha Mulcare