FAQs
What is Motion Massage in a nutshell?
Motion Massage is based on the philosophy that there is no separation between body and mind, and that emotional, psychological, and physical pain are all connected and can be accessed through the body. The basic tools Motion Massage employs are three styles of bodywork (Craniosacral Therapy, Thai Massage, Deep Tissue & Myofascial Release) combined with mindfulness techniques. This combination allows the bodywork to be more beneficial for your mental and emotional well-being, in addition to addressing acute and chronic physical discomfort. Another aspect of Motion Massage that makes it unique and powerful, is the option to incorporate dialogue with Integrative Bodywork. This modality is perfect for you, if you are interested in a holistic approach to wellness, and are curious about engaging intentionally with emotional and mental material as it arises in a bodywork session. Regardless of whether you choose a blend of bodywork with optional mindfulness techniques or want to include Integrative Bodywork, Motion Massage is all about helping you to deeply listen to, and tap into the wisdom of your body in order to empower you on your path to holistic wellness.
What are the benefits of Motion Massage?
Motion Massage offers all the same benefits that you would receive from a traditional massage, such as deep relaxation, stress reduction, increased circulation, increased mobility, an enhanced immune system, as well as injury prevention and recovery. However, because it blends bodywork, mindfulness techniques and dialogue, Motion Massage allows you to also address the underlying causes of your discomfort in a way that creates lasting change. Through combining the intellect and the wisdom of your body, Motion Massage helps you to feel your feelings and to get in touch with your own inner resources, such as your ability to self-soothe, to modulate your emotions and to stay connected to yourself when you are triggered. These skills allow you to navigate the things that challenge you in your life, whether physical, mental or emotional, chronic or acute, with more ease. In this way the benefits of Motion Massage can extend to areas of your life–such as your relationships, your diet and your life purpose–that would not typically be associated with massage.
Why use a somatic approach?
Take a moment to consider, when you experience tension, pain, or restricted movement in your body – outside of an accident or injury – isn’t it often related to an emotionally charged situation in your life? Motion Massage is a holistic form of bodywork that focuses on addressing how emotional, psychological, and physical pain are all connected, and can be accessed and healed through the body. What makes Motion Massage unique, is the option to include Integrative Bodywork along with traditional massage modalities. Some of the benefits of working in this integrative, somatic fashion are increased body awareness, more emotional fluidity, and the alignment of body, mind, and emotions.
Do I have to talk during my session?
No, you don’t have to talk. Part of the beauty of Motion Massage is that is a collaborative process between you and I, and the work that we do in a session is based on your intuition, impulses and interests. Some people will be more inclined than others to include dialogue as part of their process, and for those people I recommend incorporating Integrative Bodywork into their sessions. Other people will be more interested in using traditional bodywork techniques to focus on addressing issues. It’s also important to know that each session is unique. You could feel like talking one day and not on another.
Can I just get a traditional massage and not be an active participant?
Yes! Sometimes passively receiving a deeply relaxing massage is exactly what you need. If that’s you today, I’d recommend you pick a modality like Craniosacral, Thai Massage, or Deep Tissue/Myofascial Release. What is most important in your session is that you participate with awareness and mindfulness. Though I’ve found that being actively involved through movement and/or dialog will help to increase awareness and empower you to integrate the work into your life more easily, it is not necessary for an effective treatment.
What is mindfulness?
Mindfulness is a state of being. This word can be a little confusing, especially if you think of the mind as limited to the place where thoughts happen. Mindfulness starts to make a lot more sense if we understand the mind as the place where we experience all our thoughts, feelings, emotions, and sensations. So being “full of mind” is a state of being where we are able to track our internal and external experiences moment to moment. Entering into and staying in this state of deep awareness is a foundational element of a Motion Massage session. It fosters greater receptivity that can make your session more effective overall. Including mindfulness in bodywork also reduces distractions such as internal mental chatter or unwanted conversation, leaving you free to fully experience and enjoy the effects of your treatment as it is happening.