For years, I avoided massages after hearing a preacher warn that they could transfer demonic influences through touch. I now respectfully disagree and have begun receiving them to manage my severe arthritis, which brings waves of crippling knee pain and immobility.
During a recent intense session—as the therapist worked on my legs, arms, shoulders, and lower back—I silently prayed for healing, envisioning negative energy leaving with each breath. Recovery took two days, but I continued praying intentionally: “My body is a vessel for the Holy Spirit; please, Jesus, heal me to be a healthy vessel for You.”
I’m grateful I began 2026 with a positive view of massage therapy as legitimate physical care.
I firmly believe God has provided everything we truly need for healing in the world He created. As Sirach 38 teaches us beautifully:
• “Make friends with the doctor, for he is essential to you; God has also established him in his profession” (v. 1).
• “God makes the earth yield healing herbs which the prudent should not neglect” (v. 4).
• He endows people with knowledge “through which the doctor eases pain” (vv. 6-7), so that “God’s work continues without cease in his glorious creation” (v. 8).
When we are ill, we are urged: “pray to God, for he will heal you… Then give the doctor his place lest he leave; you need him too” (vv. 9, 12).
This wisdom invites us to gratefully use the natural gifts of creation—such as essential oils distilled from healing herbs (like lavender for relaxation or frankincense, a biblical gift to the Christ Child), therapeutic touch in massage, or beautiful minerals like jade and rose quartz—for legitimate physical, emotional, and mental support, always directing our trust to God.
These oils and stones can promote calm simply through their natural scents, properties, beauty, or as aids in prayerful mindfulness (e.g., diffusing lavender during prayer or holding rose quartz as a reminder of God’s gentle love). Any benefits come from God’s providence—perhaps through scientific effects or psychological peace—not inherent spiritual energies.
Yes, we live with the effects of original sin, but by His grace, these gifts honor Him when used prudently. Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20), so caring for them physically, mentally, and emotionally prepares us to be healthier vessels for God.
True healing ultimately flows from Christ, who bore our infirmities (1 Peter 2:24), and through the Church’s sacraments, like the anointing of the sick with holy oils (James 5:14-15). What matters is approaching all care with sincere intention directed toward God, avoiding superstition (CCC 2110-2111) by not attributing occult powers to created things.
Be Inspired! 
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