Anyone here integrate their Catholic faith with the Healing arts?

[PazFeAmor]

I ask this because in July I will be completing a course in order to become a Massage Therapist God willing. I am studying purely Western Massage (Swedish, prenatal, infant and sports) so there won’t be anything even remotely New-Agey in what I do.

I have always dreamt of integrating the healing arts with my Catholic faith and have been reading the writings of the Blessed Hildegard Bingen, especially her work on the healing properties of plants called “Physica”.

I don’t know exactly how I will be able to do this but I was thinking that after I finish my studies I could either focus more on the pre-natal massage aspect in order to helping pregnant women as part of the pro-life movement or help those who suffer with depression since I have a history of suffering with it myself.

I know this will sound strange to some of you but I was wondering if any of you work in the healing arts or healthcare professions and integrate your Catholic faith into your work?

This is part of my process of discerning what the Lord wants for my career-wise so I’d grateful for any (name removed by moderator)ut.

Peace.

 

[LDNCatholic]

Herbalism is ok, as are things like massage, chiropractic etc. When it mixes with religion (not just eastern but also the Native American or African stuff) then it is wrong.

 

[PazFeAmor]

Herbalism is ok, as are things like massage, chiropractic etc. When it mixes with religion (not just eastern but also the Native American or African stuff) then it is wrong.

Why is it wrong? I would think if you take Catholic spirituality and use it together with the healing arts it would only serve to help rather than to be a hindrance. I am not looking to practice pre-natal massage and then boom spring it on the client that I am integrating it with my faith, if that is what is your concern.

Besides, I am discerning where God is leading me concerning this.

I appreciate the (name removed by moderator)ut but could you clarify your point. Thanks.

Peace.

 

[cecilia97]

I don’t have advice but I wanted to offer you encouragement. I think your desire to keep God in your career is fabulous!

I go to a chiropractor who specializes in caring for pregnant moms. (I’m not pregnant, I have a long-term injury) In the course of treatment with her, I also get regular massages before my chiropractic adjustments. Having seen an excellent chiropractor before who didn’t integrate the massage, I believe that massage makes a great positive difference. You have such a great opportunity to improve people’s lives!

 

[Bruised_Reed]

For a while I was interested in this. One place I considered attending was Sister Rosalind Schools and Clinics of Massage. When I visited one of the campuses I saw a copy of the CCC and Crossing the Threshold of Hope in the waiting room which I wasn’t expecting.

Reading Sister Rosalind’s story shows Catholic/Christian spirituality can be integrated into bodywork. I have received a massage from a grad of the program and it was straight forward massage wise. The spirituality does not need to be intrusive but is a part of the approach and preparation.

Sister Rosalind’s Schools of Massage are based on Christian principles and seek to work in harmony with God’s plan for spiritual, psychological and physiological well being.

Our mission is to promote the healing of the body, mind and spirit through touch, following Jesus’ example. We are committed to providing quality training for students to become highly-competent massage therapists.

I don’t know where you live but if you can’t participate ina workshop you could read the recommended books.

One area I wanted to specialize in was working with survivors of domestic violence and the people (advocates) that serve them.

 

[PazFeAmor]

cecilia Thank you for your encouragement! I really want to do something that will enrich spiritually both the client and I. I have the kind of personality where I could never work at a 9 to 5 job where I couldn’t talk about God with someone during my work day! Even if I may have days where I am not too happy with God but at least I can get my daily spiritual release and be of service.

Thanks again!

Bruised Reed Thanks for the link. It is somewhat along the lines of what I am looking to do but it is too far away unfortunately for me to take any classes. I will look into Sister’s books. I think it is commendable that you were thinking to work with survivors of domestic violence.

Peace.