“I WANT TO MARRY YOUR HANDS!”  A typical new client remark.

“When I was a little girl growing up in the suburbs of Dallas, my brothers and I used to run freely through the fields and woods of the neighborhood.  It was a very rich childhood in terms of being in touch with nature.  I used to catch horned toads and gently stroke them on the tummy until they fell asleep.  That’s when I knew I wanted to be a massage therapist.”  This is a story I tell almost all of my new clients.   It isn’t true.  The truth is I came to massage therapy later in life.  I tell people, “Luckily, I was rear-ended by a truck; and massage was the only thing that make the pain go away in my neck.  And I thought, ‘Where have I been all my life?’  ‘I love this!’  So I started taking classes in it just because I loved it so much, not because I thought I could ever do it.  And I’ve been busy ever since … since 1994!”

MASSAGE to me is more than just anatomy and helping restore an injury or untie a knotted up muscle.  There is a warmth and loving kindness at the bottom of it all, supporting me and you both.  People come to me vulnerable, worn out, in pain, frazzled, sad, restless, bored, lonely, you name it.  Athletes who are preparing for a marathon come to get that knee tweaked.  Hard working guys who carry heavy objects all day at their jobs come to get that poor suffering lower back warmed up, lengthened, and strengthened.  Attorneys who fire verbal bullets in a courtroom dueling match come to get their necks and shoulders warmed up, softened, and unwound.   The headache eases on out as the bloodstream expands from the skilled ministerings of warm hands and well-placed soothing strokes.   And I on my part say, “You not heavy; you my brother.”  Or, “Phoenix, arise from the ashes!”    Or, “Go forth to fight another day.”

The massage room is a combination of lights, sounds, fragrances, temperatures, and sights.  I think the music plays an important role in holding a healing atmosphere.  I usually find selections that are mellow and flowing, nothing that your mind can hook on to, and quite mesmerizing.  But then there are those who prefer something more upbeat and happy sounding, and I have plenty of genres and artists to offer.  Sometimes I feel like a holistic  Deejay.  I have a Bose system in the massage room because I provide the best I possibly can.

Recently I put a 36-gallon aquarium in a corner of the massage room.  The fish add a subtle touch to help lower your blood pressure as you watch their graceful swimming back and forth.  The fish are a happy family and no one has eaten any one yet.  One client said, “They look so happy and healthy and beautiful.  I just know you’re going to take good care of me, too.”

Even the artwork on the walls is designed to delight and relax.  I have a huge green butterfly kite from Bali over the windows, and as daylight comes through, the healing color of green bathes over you.  But just in case you need more than that part of the spectrum, I have opulent silk lanterns of blue, red, and purple as well.  I am all about providing for your needs, from the obvious physical to the subtle energy field as well.  But you’d never know all this was going on.

I never overwhelm anyone with MY agenda.  I am not a Massage Terrorist.  I listen and am guided by your unique situation and needs.  My heart is open to you.  This is always a given.  I feel very blessed and privileged to be doing this work.  People are precious and dear.  They work so hard, they try so hard, they push themselves so hard.  And I get to see them, even if it’s ever so briefly, let go and let me (which isn’t so much me, but something good and greater than me, coming through for them).  This trust is like gold to my spirit and I take it very seriously.

When you come over here, we talk first about what’s up with you and what you think you need done during your session.  Of course, I’m also very careful to determine if there are any new or old injuries I need to be careful of or address.

I usually allow an hour and a half per session.  If you need a lot of deep pressure work and/or stretching, we will surely use up all that time.  Sometimes you just need a gentle going over to help reunite you with your body (and get you out of your chattering monkey mind!).  In that case I get you to breathe and emote (but, again, you won’t even know that’s what I’m up to).  You might even get a metrosexual facial, a lot of neck and shoulder work, and most likely a footcial. Or that’s what I call it.  And, no matter what, you’ll always get your tummy rubbed.  Just like that horned toad.

At the end of the session I usually swab you down with hot herbal steamed cloths to a) remove any residual oil and b) make you feel “rotten spoiled.”  Then I go prepare your shower, assist you in, and EVEN soap up your back!  Because I love to pamper you.

When you return from your shower, I have put out new clean linens on the massage table, sprayed a rose or lavender essence in the room, and set out a new glass of fresh filtered water which I hope you’ll take your sweet time relaxing and drinking as you dreamily put on your attire.  For those who wish it , I even tie shoelaces!

As you are on your way out the door, I make sure you haven’t forgotten your sunglasses or your phone.  I require a hug.  And I ask you to be careful of traffic seeing as how you have just come out of la-la land.