What massage therapy means to me.

Massage therapy has become some what of a mainstream natural health practice in the past few years with the help of large chains that offer memberships for monthly massage. Even before it's rise in popularity, therapeutic massage found it's way in to my life. After years of dealing with intense anxiety, and feeling unraveled emotionally, I began a healing journey, becoming a massage therapist. It wasn't just to help others through the difficulties in life, but to also help myself and to grow me up in to a balanced person.



It is an honor to do this type of work and some times I feel like it was my destiny to become a holistic health provider. The perfect fit. A way to integrate my scattered self and become whole.



Being introduced to the bodymind connection- massage therapy opened me up to a better understanding of how my mind and body work together and how when using massage as preventative health care, instead of as a pampering treat, I was able to live a happier, relatively conflict free life. I noticed things came easier. My emotions and thoughts were less overwhelming. Communication with others was clearer and easier.



I use my massage practice to inspire people to take care of the bodymind. My main focus in my work is stress relief, something that for whatever reason, our culture doesn't value too much although everyone seems to want it.



I love to create the healing environment for people. Giving my clients a safe haven away from the rest of the busy world. Working with people who are burnt out and needing to rejuvenate their life, people who are dealing with anxiety, depression, PTSD, and stress related illness. These are some of my regular clients. My sessions are quiet and have a focus on healing for that reason.



I work with people who need to step away from life and recover from overwhelm, depression, anxiety, and and all the adverse effects of our multitasking, pressured filled, modern day lifestyles.







Massage therapy has given me many gifts over the years. One of the biggest gifts has been an appreciation for self care.



I never thought about caring for myself before I found massage therapy. I use to do harmful things to my body and mind. I had no clue that I was in control of my mental health and that taking care of my physical AND emotional/mental self was really, really important. I loved getting "pampered" at the nail or hair salon, but true self care goes deeper than physical attractiveness.



Sometimes when I'm feeling pain or physically ill, I can explore that deeper through self inquiry or meditation practices and often discover that what I'm really experiencing is an emotion, thought, or a toxic, old belief that's coming up ( "I should do this or be that") and making me feel uncomfortable.

This has brought me a lot of peace because I can then resolve this emotion or whatever is coming up for me, and in turn resolve the pain that is showing up in my physical body.

Having a massage during a time when we need to release emotional or mental pain can be super helpful because putting ourselves in a healing environment and allowing our body to rest can help our brains process and become clear.



One of the reasons Massage therapy works in this way is It takes us from our hectic, stress filled lives in to a place where our nervous system can switch over to the parasympathetic "rest and digest" response. This is when healthy changes can occur in our minds and bodies. Mental clarity and focus are benefits of regular massage.



We can't be at our best when we are constantly in survival mode, frazzled, and living a lifestyle that doesn't allow for rest. We are told that it's lazy or that being unproductive is a bad thing when in reality, it's a vital part of healing and staying healthy.



Becoming a massage therapist also introduced me to the world of alternative health. One of the ideas of alt. health care is looking at not just the physical but also the mental, spiritual, and emotional parts. I read so many life changing books searching for more and more on true wellness and what it means to be balanced.



I changed the way I felt about myself and the harmful negative self talk turned in to sweetness. I work on accepting other people and myself, just as they are. This is a conscious and daily practice. I've developed a deeper spiritual knowing through meditation that gives me peace. Real peace. Which is what I made as my heartfelt desire, my wish for my tumultuous life several years ago.



Reflecting over the past ten years as a licensed massage therapist gives me a sense of happiness and pride. I'm proud of myself and so inspired by everyone I have met, studied from, and practiced with. It's a feeling of being home and centered in my life purpose.

With gratitude!