06/06/2020
These are my own personal opinions and musings. I offer them based on observation, experience, what clients have said, and what I’ve read over the years.
This shut-down has outlived its usefulness and is causing more harm than the virus. I agreed with the first two weeks and could even accept the next four weeks as the hospitals were still being overwhelmed. Now, 11 weeks later, I am learning of problems I think are caused by the effects of continued shut-down, social distancing and mask-wearing.
The people who turn to energy work of any type, whether it be Eden Method, Reiki, reflexology, massage, or any other of the myriad of alternative, holistic offerings, are doing so because it makes them feel better. I spoke to a woman recently who lives on social security and some food stamps. Before the shutdown, she picked up extra cash through little odd jobs like pet sitting or catering that allowed her to address her many health issues in ways that made her feel she was somewhat in control of her life. She told me that, even though she does self-care work at home, she is slipping backward and is out of control. This is causing her anxiety, fear and panic, leading to poor eating habits, leading to worsening health.
Another client called recently to tell me that she “can’t live like this,” she needs her people (meaning massage therapist, yoga classes, me). She feels the progress we made over several months has been lost over the last 11 weeks. Even though she does self-care on her own, she feels like she is going backward. And she is paralyzed by fear.
During shutdown, I have done remote sessions with my clients and they say they have benefited. They also say they miss the personal touch.
We are social creatures and we need personal contact. Zoom has been great and a life-saver, no question. It’s not the same as being in the physical presence of someone and not a substitute for personal contact, in my opinion. I miss hugs.
As far as wearing a mask, certainly if it makes you feel safe, then do so. For me, I feel it’s very unhealthy at this point. I am re-breathing my own stale air, limiting the amount of oxygen my organs are getting.
When mammals evolved and split off from reptiles, we acquired the ability to recognize cues of danger or safety through what we see, hear and sense, and most of those cues are coming from facial expression or tone of voice. With our faces covered with masks, we are deprived of most of those cues. Now, we can’t tell if a person is safe or not. We can’t see a smile. Voices are muffled.
A really great neuromuscular therapist told me a long time ago how important it is to challenge our immune system to keep it strong - we do that by exposure. I’m sure you’ve heard: too many antibiotics create antibiotic-resistant bacteria and kill the beneficial bugs we carry around in our gut (our immune system). Too much antibacterial soap kills the good bacteria. And so on. If we don’t expose our immune system, it never gets a workout and can become weak. Of course, we have to use common sense.
When we were in the beginning stages of this pandemic, all the extreme measures we took saved many lives. After 11 weeks, I am wondering how many people are walking around spreading the virus? The number of new cases has been declining steadily. I think we should always make efforts to protect our vulnerable populations. However, I don’t think social distancing and masks are helping so much at this point.
When I see my clients in person, I will take the normal precautions I took before the pandemic. I always wash my hands before and after each client. I always put a clean sheet on the table even though my clients are fully dressed. I always clean the bathroom. I will now diffuse Thieves or Purification with the door closed after each client and wipe the door handles.
We need to get back to normal.
