“When I was a little girl, my mom would stroke my head to keep me sitting still,” Sarah recalled. “I can close my eyes and remember exactly what it felt like, how calming it was, how relaxed I felt. I used to do the same thing to my kids when they were growing up.”

 

A February 2008 graduate of Carlson College of Massage Therapy, Sarah is now in practice at The Sanctuary Spa in Cedar Rapids. She sees the benefits of touch therapy every day.

 

“Regularly scheduled massage may seem like a luxury, but research has shown there are many major physical benefits,” Sarah said. “It can relieve pain and muscle tension, boost the immune system, reduce blood pressure, help you sleep better…the list goes on and on.”    

 

“But it goes way beyond the physical benefits. Positive touch is so important, whether it’s a massage, an embrace or simply holding someone’s hand when they’re having a difficult time,” she added. “There are so many people who, for whatever reason, don’t receive enough positive touch. It’s truly rewarding to help someone in physical pain to feel better. But to connect with someone who needs an emotional boost, who just needs to get away from the stress of daily life for an hour, there’s nothing like that!”