Can lawyers attain that heavenly feeling?

An article appearing in the Wall Street Journal on March 10, 2008, written by Lucette Lagnado, had the caption, "A Touch of Grace: Massage Therapy Aids Retired Nuns."

Apparently, the Providence Rest Nursing Home of the Bronx, which is run by an order of nuns and caters mostly to retired nuns and devout Roman Catholics, has a program whereby a professional Massage Therapist gives massages to the Nuns and residents - - who have spent a lifetime shying away from this kind of physical contact. 

The massage program is an alternative to the use of antipsychotic drugs.  These controversial drugs are often used as chemical restraints to sedate agitated patients. Instead of antipsychotics, the Providence Rest Nursing Home has developed regimens involving aromatherapy, long, soothing bubble baths and these massages.

Most of the patients (who are Nuns) arrive to the massage sessions in long dresses, support hose, and bulky long-sleeved sweaters that they do NOT allow to be removed during therapy.  The massage takes place over the clothing.  In rare cases, the patient will allow the therapist to massage a bare ankle or elbow - - when the latter are in extreme pain. Most of the patients arrive to the massage sessions in wheel chairs and never disrobe or lie down.

Nevertheless, it is not uncommon for the patient to cry out, "Oh, this is heaven," or, "I'm in heaven!"

The results of this massage therapy havebeen startling.  Nationwide, some 30% of nursing home patients are put on antipsychotices, according to federal data; but, Providence Rest has cut its own use down to 2-3%.  That's the lowest rate of any nursing home in the country.

Sooooooo, if this works for Nuns and the "very devote," could it also work for lawyers?

When lawyers get "up tight" (very "stressed out") and are ready to shoot the client or, heaven forbid, themselves, perhaps a massage would change their outlook.

In this modern day and age, massages are quite common and an accepted means of relaxation.

However, if asked, we are certain that the majority of lawyers - - particularly, male lawyers, would not think to consider such an alternative.

Just pass the bottle, Bartender !!!!