How to Touch Someone

by Allison Young, CMT, Massage Intern, Integrative Medicine Education

Before you lay a hand,
you must lay your thoughts aside,
and breathe into yourself,
and gather your intentions -

Why are you here?

Now it’s time to pay attention
to the person sitting here, in front of you,
ready to receive your care.

Who is this person?

You have no idea, and they might not say -
they might not even know,
for what the mind forgets, the body remembers.

This person’s body has a history -
perhaps loving, perhaps harsh.
Hands to this person may be
wonders or weapons.

Suppose you have a warrior in front of you,
a survivor,
a child,
a mother,
a lover.

You must be gentle, yet strong.
You must go slow, and flow.

Most importantly, you must breathe -
breathe into your heart, your hands,
your heart-hands.

Remember -
what you feel, he feels,
what you feel, she feels.

Feel the warmth of the space between you.

Only now may you begin...
...the laying on of hands.