Emu Oil - 20 Massages in 2 Month (Massage #4 - continued)

Image on front cover of notebook of information on Emu oil in the waiting area of the Center for Well-Being.

I received massage #4 from Tasha.

I have noticed that Tasha is a deep listener. Before the massage I had let her know that I become fearful when someone touches the sides of my neck and also how this response has made it difficult for needed massage work to be done in the area. Tasha gave me her full attention as I spoke. Later in the massage, she moved to the back of my neck and using a cranio-sacral position curled her fingers into the flesh at the base of the right side of my skull. Her fingertips pointed away from my spine and in and toward my neck muscles.

This was ingenious move on Tasha's part. By using her fingers in this way she was able to direct healing energy to the tight neck muscles, allowing them to soften but without touching them directly. This meant that I was able to stay more relaxed and receive more of the benefit of the massage.

I have also noticed that when I leave the Center for Well-Being after a massage my skin always feels exceptionally soft and rejuvenated. I asked Tasha what kind of massage oil they use.

"Emu oil,"  she said.

"Is it mixed with anything, like a lotion?"

"No, just straight emu oil."

I was intrigued and perhaps a little skeptical. My skin never feels greasy after a massage at the Center and likewise, I've never used an oil that absorbs as effortlessly as lotion. In order to satisfy my curiosity, when I got home, I did some independent on-line research into emu oil!

I discovered that the emu is an old bird. The species or some variant of it has survived for many millions of years according to the fossil record. The bird also provided Australian aboriginal people with food, the raw materials for shelter and clothing, and spiritual medicine. One website compared it to the role bison played the Native American world.  Emu oil is said to have special healing powers as well as medicinal properties that allow it to act as a pain reliever, an anti-inflammatory and a skin repair agent. It contains lots of anti-oxidants. It has a reputation for full absorption and for not leaving a greasy feeling! I also read a website where users reported that the oil had helped them with eczema and even arthritis and carpal tunnel.  Another writer said, "It's hard to tell if it works but I feel better when I use it. Can't hurt."  (Based on my research, one person reported an allergic reaction and some, who are vegan, objected to the oil's animal derivation).

Now if I could get my insides feeling as soft and energized as my outsides! Maybe I could drink emu oil.....hmmmm.