How has Soma helped your career?
Soma gave me a nice “palette” to work with. I can choose from the “colors” of myofascial release, trigger point therapy, sports massage, etc. I know how to stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, how to calm a muscle cramp, and how to treat whiplash. I can perform a relaxation massage and also ease pain. I like the flexibility that my education has given me. I don’t have to perform “paint by number” massages.
What have you enjoyed about you career?
Giving. Helping people feel better; feeling useful. I enjoy the creative challenge of tailoring treatments to individual clients. And, I like the relief from relative isolation. For the past 30 years or so, I’ve been trying to “make it” as an artist. As a massage therapist I offer a valuable service and am compensated (financially, emotionally, and spiritually). This is a nice change in my life!! It’s gratifying to be appreciated and to enhance people’s health.
Since graduating from Soma, I’ve found CranioSacral Therapy. I love its seemingly-magical, quasi-mystical, very gentle power! I consider one of my greatest successes to be finding a profession that combines reasoning, creativity, spirituality and healing. A profession that fits my temperament.
What challenges did you have to overcome during your career?
I am a single mom of an 11 year-old and have no car. And, as a child/young adult I was somewhat of a “wallflower” – so I’ve needed to step away from the wall and dance!
You can stay updated with Nancy Paul through her website: www.lyricalhealing.com