Alternatives to Opioids to Feel Nurtured:
I came across an interesting article in the NY Times recently that demonstrated that opioids can give the user a feeling of being loved. The author, Maia Szalavitz, based her conclusions on several scientific studies. This feeling, according to some studies, was not unlike the love that an infant might feel for its mother.
This astounded me! How in the world can opioids simulate the comforting love of a mother for its offspring? Even though some of the studies were done with animals, it was still quite extraordinary. It seemed far-fetched to me at first.
Apparently, the feel-good hormones produced by being cared for by the mother were similar to the ones produced by the opioids. Szalavitz also added that “Opioids mimic the neurotransmitters that are responsible for making social connection”, as in the mother-child relationship or even between two people who love each other.
My first thought was: If only the folks that look to drugs to experience connection and Love would look to healthier methods, they would be so much better off. There have been numerous studies that have shown that the same feel-good hormones are stimulated during massage, Cranial-Sacral Therapy (CST), some types of exercise, and other activities.
Of course that’s true, but it’s easier said than done to change an addiction. Most people are not aware that bodywork can give them a profound sense of being safe and nurtured. A majority of the population has not been educated about the benefits of massage. And the healthcare industry in our country has been slow to realize these benefits and communicate them.
The Nurturing Feeling of Getting a Massage
It’s changing, but oh so slowly, with thousands of studies demonstrating how massage can help with all sorts of conditions. Some doctors do refer patients for massage, CST, lymphatic drainage, TMJ work, and other modalities. But they are still in the minority. Most doctors still do not know how bodywork can help their patients – or even themselves!
We’ve all experienced the surprised look a first-time client has when they walk out of the massage room after their session. “Oh, that feels so wonderful! I should’ve started getting massages 20 years ago!” How many times has a client said to you?
I even had a student in a Direct-Indirect Technique (DIT) class once say after a practice session, “Wow! That was amazing! It’s even better than demerol!” Btw, demerol is a medication used to alleviate moderate to severe pain.
Unfortunately, as the article states, many people feel lonelier than ever before. And that was even before the pandemic arrived, along with the increased isolation. One recent study showed that 60% of young American adults feel lonely a lot or all the time. Perhaps, the explosion of social media is a part of this.
One thing is certain: people need a sense of being loved and of loving someone (or something) else! Everyone! With all the time we spend watching TV, browsing through social media, playing video games, etc., people seem less and less fulfilled. These activities all contribute to less interaction with other human beings, either in-person, by phone, on zoom, or whatever.
LMTs as Change Agents
It’s easy to take a pill and try to imitate that feeling of being comforted and loved. It’s not sustainable, of course. And the effects are often fatal. But the pills are still so easy to get. I stay away from them like the plague, even when they’ve been prescribed to me for oral surgery.
I’d sooner deal with a little pain than risk getting hooked on opioids. However, I know that many people are dealing with extraordinary pain. I realize that not everyone has the will power to turn down the quick fix. But if only they knew how easy it is and how healthy it is to achieve those feelings of love and nurturing through massage!
How do we get the word out to more people? The Massage Therapy Foundation (which is primarily supported by the AMTA) and the Touch Research Institute, and other organizations have done a lot of work to educate the population. But clearly, much more needs to be done.
It starts with you and me. Come to my (and other instructors’) CE classes. Learn about the benefits of massage that are scientifically supported. Be a change agent – an evangelist for massage! Tell everyone you know how DIT massage, CST, and other modalities can help them deal with aches and pain and feel nurtured at the same time.
Btw, if you’re looking for high-quality CE classes, the 2022 Ray of Light Training schedule is set. See what classes we’re doing by clicking on that link. The classes include Direct-Indirect Technique for Upper and Lower Back and Legs, DIT for Shoulder, Arm, Neck, Head, and TMJ, Cranial-Sacral Therapy, Muscle Balancing and Joint Stabilization, and Muscle Anatomy and Assessment Skills.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you and yours!
Why not treat yourself (or get someone else to treat you) to a massage before the end of the year!
Stay safe and stay well,
John
John Joseph Ray
Ray of Light Training
John is a Board Approved Continuing Education Provider through the NCBTMB
Member of the Fascia Research Society