Finding Your Way To Therapy
by Nancy M. Turcich, NTS, RPP, RPE

After my fall from a cliff in 1982, I decided I would try to go along with the flow of life and not question everything that came my way. This decision came while I was enrolled in a Pre-Physical Therapy curriculum at Northern Illinois University. After being refused entry into their Physical Therapy program, I hoped attending massage school would increase my chances the following year. In the meantime, massage school opened my eyes to the fascinating world of holistic health and healing.

The trauma I endured at the age of nineteen left my body very spastic. Receiving daily bodywork in therapy school eventually guided my nervous system toward a state of calm and I was able to find some reprieve from my discomfort. However, not everyday was a good day. Through personal experience, I was learning that immediate bliss doesn't always accompany therapy. Along the way, we may encounter a "healing crisis" which can make us feel worse before we feel better. Although, once we pass through the initial discomfort, the benefits of therapy appear quickly. Acknowledging the core issues touched upon and realizing we never have to revisit that particular aspect of ill-feeling again makes the ride worthwhile. A healing crisis takes us through old issues and sets us free. Of course, this insight escapes us as we are working through it, but afterwards, the rewards are great and very apparent.

For years following my "accident," I felt fragmented... as if some aspects of my inner world were full while others were very empty. To the outside world, I was whole and healed. Everyone close to me thought I was mad. Viewing things from the surface, everything appeared to be well. Yet, as I reached more deeply inward I felt there were far more accomplishments my body could achieve. It was around that time that I actively looked for my first therapist. As it turned out, I was referred to her through a doctor after I contacted the American Massage Therapy Association. At our first meeting, I was describing my discomfort as she nodded her head, acknowledging my words as well as how my body tissue encased my rigid state. Relief swept over me as I recognized I found a friendly ear. I quickly decided to continue sessions with her on a weekly basis.

The therapist I chose administered a combination of Massage Therapy, Aromatherapy, and Craniosacral Therapy. With her help, I began working through my spinal injury and my body began to settle. As she worked on my cranium (head), I experienced releases core deep, as if layers of trauma were being peeled away. Totally immersed in my sensation, I came to realize the depth of trauma stored within my body. At that moment, I recognized the inner wisdom of the body which is fascinating.

Throughout my career as a therapist, I have continued taking courses in areas of growing interest to me both personally and professionally. The classroom setting unites the two harmoniously. My Unwinding (Somato-Emotional Release Technique) class was unforgettable. It's difficult to find words to relate what I was feeling, but I'll do my best. As I lay on the table, I was in an etheric state. In a short time, my body contorted and awakened to the pain that was hidden in my tissue for years. Due to the amount of energy generated and released in the session, my body became extremely hot. I fully experienced pain, visions, incredible strength, and finally exhaustion. When I opened my eyes, the entire class was standing over me wondering if I was okay. Afterwards, I wandered around in another world, highly spacey. Unwinding stimulated the physical restructuring of my body. This opened the door for me to identify how my mind, my emotions and my spirit are all interconnected.

As I returned from class, full of new information, I engaged my clientele in the Unwinding process. There I discovered a common theme is being in a dreamlike state, seeing a field of colors and exeriencing a floating sensation. Of course, dispelling old patterns prevailed. Although pain and discomfort accompanied the process, the degree and duration varied with the individual.

In my experience, a therapist is unable to take a client further than they have gone in their healing process. This built-in safety device allows the therapist to be aware of the client's experience and their unique process. In this regard, a therapist is able to be supportive and at ease with the client on all levels due to their personal unwinding session.

Continuing education classes enhanced my understanding of energy therapy and how it functions within the body. Each instructor and personal experience increased the depth of my understanding of the energy system called Polarity Therapy which is the basis of my work. Finding your way to therapy is a process and the path varies with each person. Recognizing that your body has a story to tell and trusting in therapy will transport you toward greater health. Just remember, once you start you can't stop nor would you want to. The view is far better on the other side of the pain.

For more details about holistic therapy and Nancy's experience with healing refer to her book Finding My Way Through Paralysis To Holistic Health.

Reproduction of articles are permitted by Nancy M. Turcich, NTS, RPP, RPE, author and holistic bodyworker, with acknowledgements and credentials included.

For further information or questions, please contact Nancy @ Natural Massage Therapy at 928-717-1251, nmt1@naturalmassagetherapy.com.

All articles are for informational/educational purposes only. This information does not take the place of current treatment plans nor medications prescribed. Always consult your physician to determine the most beneficial course of treatment for your individual needs.