Now Offering - Ashiatsu

We are beyond excited to be offering Ashiatsu Massage at Therapeutic Bodywork with Winny Harlow and Kirsten van der Bil.

This session is deeper than ‘deep tissue’ and we think you’ll be blown away by how precise and deeply relaxing a massage with the feet can be.

What is Ashiatsu Massage? 

In the Japanese language “Ashi” translates to foot and “Atsu” into pressure. Ashiatsu Massage is a barefoot massage technique in which the therapist delivers deep, broad, consistent pressure while utilizing their feet and body weight. These long fluid strokes also help flush the body’s lymphatic system, releasing toxins in the body. 

Working with the client on the massage table and using bars installed on the ceiling for balance, the Ashiatsu Therapist is able to work with gravity, instead of against it, to deliver up to 3x deeper pressure than with traditional hands-on treatment. Utilizing the broad surface of your foot as your massage tool provides consistent pressure and contours to the body making it one of the deepest, most relaxing sessions. 

Is Ashiatsu Massage right for me?

Anyone can benefit from Ashiatsu Massage but it is especially beneficial for those who find they do not receive enough pressure from a traditional therapeutic massage. This modality is also great for athletes and people who are muscular or have dense tissue.

Is there anyone Ashiatsu isn’t right for?

If you are pregnant, have had major surgeries in the last 6 weeks, or are currently taking pain pills or steroids, Ashiatsu Massage wouldn’t be the right fit for you.

What should I wear?

Just like a traditional massage, you will remove your clothing and be covered with a sheet/blanket on the massage table. You are welcome to remove your underwear, or leave it on - whatever is more comfortable for you!

How long is the session?

Your Ashiatsu Massage will last for 90 minutes. You will also have time before the session begins to discuss any specific needs or areas of focus with your Massage Therapist.

Lymphatic Drainage

The Science Behind Massage

The benefits of massage have been touted for thousands of years... (yes, thousands!) Most of our savvy Therapeutic Bodywork clients also "know" only too well how amazing it feels getting a massage, which is perhaps all the evidence we really need :)

However, as a registered nurse, solid research and data is an important element for me, and affords massage the legitimacy it truly deserves. To quote W. Edwards Deming, "In God we trust; all others bring data".

Having said that, it would take too long to take a "deep dive" into all the evidence based research done on this important topic. For that reason, I have made the following "top ten" list:

TOP TEN (RESEARCH BASED) BENEFITS OF MASSAGE
1) It decreases the heart rate, blood pressure and heart rate variations.

2) It increases blood oxidation levels.

3) It improves lymphatic drainage and reduces edema.

4) It reduces headaches, back pain and neck pain.

5) It activates the parasympathetic nervous system, causing relaxation.

6) It reduces scar tissue formation.

7) It decreases stress, anxiety and depression.

8) It improves cognitive and memory functioning.

9) It improves the production and absorption of insulin.

10) It promotes feelings of well-being.

The real list of known benefits is very much longer than this one, but I hope that the "take away" for you, is that massage therapy is a completely legitimate and effective tool in staying well - in body, mind and spirit.

I look forward to seeing you soon on my table where you’ll reap these benefits of a healing massage.

Blessings,
Isobel Lindsay RGN, RN, LMT

**For the entire month of February, Isobel is offering a complimentary Hot Stone Add-On to every 75 or 90 minute session you book. Just mention Hot Stone Add-On at your time of booking - or include it in your booking notes if you schedule online.

Isobel is a native of Dundee in Scotland, initially coming to the USA after training as a Registered General Nurse through the Royal College of Nursing and Midwifery. She then became registered in the USA and has practiced nursing for many years on both sides of the “Pond”. It was her work as a nurse educator at the renowned Canyon Ranch in Lenox, MA which sparked her desire to become a massage therapist, having seen first hand the power of bodywork on her clients. She believes that while the healing power of touch has been well documented over the centuries, that it is sadly lacking in our modern health care system. Isobel is overjoyed to now be able to offer massage as a healing and wellness modality.

Isobel sees clients on Wednesdays, Fridays + Saturdays

Self-Massage Techniques to Reduce Tension with Beth Warner, LMT

Our At Home Self-Care Series was created as a way to continue to support our wellness community during these days of quarantine. It is a conglomeration of blogs and videos chock full of information to help lift your spirits and decrease your stress and anxiety. It is intended to help you stay health in body, mind & spirit, while feeling connected to the very same people that help you feel happier and better in your bodies.

Below, Therapeutic Bodywork founder and LMT, Beth Warner, shares with us a simple self-massage routine to relieve tension in the neck and face. This 7 minute routine ends with an ear massage that will revitalize the entire body.

Thinking About Your First Massage?

Thinking about getting your first massage ever? You might be wondering what it will be like, and you may even be a little worried. A little pre-massage anxiety is normal for your first time, but it's not necessary :) Here's how it will go:

When you arrive, you'll be given a brief health questionnaire to fill out in the reception area. It's nothing too invasive, and it's mostly to find out if there's anything I should be aware of, like current injuries. Once that's done, I'll show you to my office where we'll have a conversation about your goals and your body. This isn't a test that you have to prepare for in advance, and there are no wrong answers.

Before we begin, I'll take you through the basics. I'll tell you how to lay on the table (you'll usually start face down, under the sheet and blanket) and we'll have a discussion about how undressed to get. It’s entirely based on your level of comfort: you can leave your underwear on, or you can choose to remove everything. The latter can be useful if you need some hip work, but it's always up to you! Rest assured that, whatever you choose, you'll always be securely draped. I'll only uncover the areas that I'll be working on, and everything else will remain covered and out of sight.

Once you're on the table, what do you need to do? You basically have one job: If something hurts, or if you're uncomfortable, I'd like for you to let me know.  Don't assume that anything is "supposed to hurt," or that "she knows best" or "I'm probably supposed to be this cold." No, please speak up! I may be knowledgeable about massage, but you're the expert on your own body. If something doesn't feel quite right, I want you to trust your instincts and flag me down. The first few massages are a process of learning about each other, and my intuition can only take me so far. Your in-body experience is uniquely yours; only you can help me tailor the massage to create a best experience.

Other than that, feel free to relax. You don't need to help me when I move one of your limbs—be a limp noodle and let me do the work. You don't need to keep your arms in any particular place, or do anything other than melt into the table. Don't feel like you need to make small talk either. You are here to fully relax and going inward is a big part of that process. I'd like you to really experience the massage. If that means talking or asking questions, please do. If that means being quiet and introspective, that's a wonderful way to help your body relax. We will have plenty of time to chat before and after the massage.

One last thing: I don't care about your leg hair. Don't worry about stubble, or cellulite, or the noises your abdomen makes during the massage (this is normal, by the way—part of the relaxation response). I've worked on thousands of people, and there is nothing wrong with being fully human on my table. If you think that your body is flawed in some way, rest assured that I thoroughly disagree with you.

After the massage, my main goal is to let you float on out. I may ask about any areas of pain that you had mentioned, and I may have a stretch to offer you. Other than that, we'll be handing you some water, making sure you are squared away for your next appointment (optional!), and seeing you on your way.

Thanks for reading, and feel free to share with any friends or family members who might be thinking about their first massage! I look forward to working with them.

While a world traveler, Megan is thrilled to be working with clients on her home turf of Cape Cod. Her work in organic farming and yoga ultimately lead her to pursue a career in bodywork, viewing these passions as the perfect triad intersecting body, mind and spirit – the whole health package.

Megan’s intention is always one of promoting well-being by way of total relaxation, believing it is in this state that the body’s innate ability to restore and heal itself are affirmed. 

Her touch is both strong and deliberate, while laced with long effleurage strokes intended to bring your nervous system into balance and promote healing.

Book with Megan on Wednesdays + Thursdays