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source: seattle massage school
© 1990 clyde w. ford, d.c.
abuse assaults the body through the inappropriate use of touch. by commission, touch is a component of sexual and physical abuse. by omission, touch is often a component of emotional abuse. but touch can also help in healing and recovery from abuse. the following guidelines are offered to members of the healing and helping community who use touch with survivors of abuse.
physical boundaries are respected at all times.
without permission or consent, touch is a violation of an individual's physical boundaries. touch can also recall past instances of abuse when ones' physical boundaries were violated.
every area of the body can access buried emotions.
emotional recall is not just related to areas of the body commonly associated with sexual or physical abuse. any area of the human body can be sensitized by past trauma.
permission is given before touching.
this is an essential step in validating the sanctity of another person's physical boundaries.
avoid directly touching sensitive areas.
there is rarely a need to directly touch an area involved in sexual or physical abuse. find another way to accomplish the desired result through touch.
awareness of helper/healer's feelings about abuse.
feelings are transmitted through touch. touch is most beneficial when healers and helpers are aware of their own feelings about abuse.
these are merely guidelines, not comprehensive instructions for using touch to help and heal abuse. if necessary, refer to a practitioner with experience in this area. for further information, see the book where healing waters meet: touching mind and emotion through the body by clyde w. ford, d.c.
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