Recently, my husband and I enrolled in a local Thai Massage class for couples. Thai Massage is typically done with a licensed professional massage instructor (for deeper therapeutic benefits), but during our session the therapist guided my husband and myself through some simple relaxation techniques that we can do at home.

Thai massage is different from regular massage. Recipients wear loose, comfortable clothes and lie on a mat or firm mattress on the floor. It can be done solo or in a group in the same large room. The receiver may be positioned in a variety of yoga-like positions while the massage partner applies rhythmic pressure. This gentle compression helps to stretch and relax muscles and mobilize joints. Following therapy treatments, clients report improvements in flexibility and ease of movement. 

During the session, we not only experienced relaxation, but it also helped sharpen our communication skills. I also recalled how touch and body massage helps me connect with my body size. Even after almost 9 years, "feeling" my body size helps reinforce the "mind-body" connection—something that is important after losing weight.

I remembered the first time I had a massage after losing weight, I was really surprised when I actually "felt" how small my body was as the therapists hands followed my back down my spine to my waist. What a WOW moment. Since then I often ask my husband to put his hands on the lower part of my back—against my skin. Needless to say, he doesn't require a lot of encouragement!

"Experiencing" this realization of how my new body "feels" helps build that muscle-memory and strenghten the mind/body connection of the reality of my weight loss. An important part of my recovery, it has been instrumental in helping me realize and accept my new body image. 

Relaxation is an important part of a balanced lifesyle. So, go ahead, treat yourself to a therapeutic massage...relax and reconnect with your body, your partner, and the new thinner you! Yes you can...you have many more miles to go.

Local Wilmington, NC classes available through Jessica Cooper Therapeutic Services. We are very fortunate to have Jessica's expertise here in Wilmington. She holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree in human development and family studies specializing in child and adolescent development and a Master’s of Arts degree in clinical psychology specializing in prenatal psychology. Trained at Duke University, Jessica is also an integrative health coach. As a licensed massage and bodywork therapist with a certification in prenatal and infant massage, as well as a certified birth doula, Jessica enjoys working with individuals and couples—from pregnacy, birth, post-partum, and early childhood.