How Massage Therapy Can Help Survivors of Torture
Torture has profound long-term effects.
Physical reminders include headaches, chronic pain, respiratory problems and a host of other symptoms. The psychological damage is often worse. Living with constant fear, debilitating depression and regular panic attacks prevents survivors from caring for themselves, their families, and contributing to their communities.
But healing is possible.
In a recently published article entitled, “Massage Brings Peace to Torture Survivors’ Bodies and Minds,” author and expert, Philip Weber, writes:
“Most torture survivors have experienced a form of complex trauma that can include sexual violence, physical assaults, prolonged periods of detention or isolation, psychological persecution, intimidation or threats, community or state violence, trafficking, domestic violence,” adding, “In addition to the physical scars left by these horrific events, the emotional trauma that results from torture is often severe and long lasting.”
How Massage Therapy Can Help Torture Survivors
The provision of massage therapy can help to alleviate pain, reduce muscle tension, decrease stress and help survivors regain connection with their body.
“For many survivors, massage therapy is a powerful way to help people who have been physically and psychologically traumatized to reconnect with their broken bodies and disconnectedness of mind, spirit and body,” Weber writes.
