Grief Massage: Holding Space for Loss

Because grief doesn’t just live in your mind — it lives in your body.

What Is Grief Massage?

Grief massage is not a specific technique.

It’s an approach.

It's about creating safe, gentle space for those navigating loss — whether that loss is fresh, years old, or quietly carried every day. Grief often shows up physically in ways we don't always expect:

Tension in the neck, shoulders, and chest
Difficulty sleeping
Headaches or fatigue
Feeling emotionally “heavy”
Muscle guarding and tightness
Nervous system overwhelm

Grief massage acknowledges that your body holds your story. And sometimes, your body needs support too.

What You Can Expect

A calm, quiet, and supportive environment
Gentle, intentional pressure — never forced or aggressive
Respect for whatever emotions may surface (or not surface)
Complete permission to relax, release, or simply rest
A session that allows you to simply receive care — no expectations, no "fixing"

Grief massage is not about working “on” your grief — it’s about working with your body while you’re carrying it.

You Don’t Have to Explain Everything

You’re not required to tell your full story.

You don’t need to justify why you feel what you feel.

You don’t have to say anything at all if you don’t want to.

This space is here for you, as you are.

Grief Looks Different For Everyone

Grief massage may be helpful if you’re navigating:

Loss of a loved one
Pregnancy or infant loss
Miscarriage or stillbirth
Divorce, separation, or relationship changes
Major life transitions
Ongoing complex grief from past trauma or layered losses

There’s no timeline for grief — and no right or wrong way to experience it.

How Grief Massage Differs From Relaxation Massage

While grief massage still uses relaxation-based techniques, there are some key differences in the intention of the session:

Grief massage holds extra space for the emotional weight you may be carrying.
There is more focus on allowing the nervous system to soften slowly, without any expectation of “releasing” anything unless your body is ready.
Sessions often involve more silence, gentleness, and intentional permission for whatever may come up — or not come up.
The goal isn’t just to relax the muscles, but to create a safe space where your entire being feels supported while processing difficult emotions.

Another key difference is that this service is intentionally offered. As your massage therapist, I am aware from the moment you schedule that you are coming in carrying grief or loss. That awareness allows me to mentally prepare to hold space for you, to remain fully present, and to approach your session with the sensitivity and care it deserves.

Unlike receiving a general massage where a therapist may not know what you're carrying emotionally, grief massage creates space where both client and therapist enter the session with full understanding — and that makes all the difference.

Release Is Welcomed Here

If emotion surfaces, you do not need to apologize for it.

If you feel tears, sadness, or waves of release — you are allowed to sit with it, to feel it, and to express it.

There is no need to hold it in, no need to hide it, and no judgment for what may arise.

We sit with it together — gently, safely, and without pressure.

Why This Work Matters

Grief massage is part of the reason why Massage Is Life: Rooted In Healing exists.

Because real healing isn’t just physical.

It’s emotional.

It’s nervous system work.

It’s permission to breathe, let go, and be cared for when life feels heavy.

Massage will not take your grief away — but it can help ease how your body carries it.

🌿 If you're carrying grief, I am here to hold space for your healing — physically, emotionally, and safely.