Bodywerxguy's Personal Masseur Interview

Last Updated: Jun 14, 14:12

- I am passionate about animals; I recently moved to a new area, where I adopted a puppy. I'm happy this good boy takes up all my time. I love a candlelit room to listen to a good audiobook like LOTR or some dream pop music. When inspiration strikes, I’ll immerse myself in writing poems and songs. I've recently taken up voice training. I love how the body works; I enjoy engaging in various physical activities. I love walking in nature; TRX, yoga, and Pilates are some of my favorite things to stay active and healthy. To balance things out, I love ice cream. I digress. Nature holds a special significance for me, with the open sea and mountains being my favorite destinations for relaxing and rejuvenating. Keeping my hand in massage helps quench my thirst for knowledge. After 22 years, I still love massage as much as I did the day I decided to study it. People are so interesting to me, I love making new friends and sharing my gift of touch with them.

- For me, adding the words, massage is very “necessary,” and to me, it’s a process, too. A “necessary process” those are better words for me then “addicting.” I make that my intent when I touch a client. When my hand comes into contact with a client, I also get touched and experience some of the same feel-good chemicals that my clients do. This is especially true with my regulars; I can feel their bodies surrender underneath my hands. I feel the release, and they let go, and so do I. For some new clients, there can be a bit of resistance; we are strangers, after all. Eventually, after a few sessions with me, the massage becomes an incredibly intimate exchange between me & my client; I feel it is necessary for both my clients and me. I love the bonds I form with my clients, so of course, when my work is done, I will miss it.

- My very first client was in my school’s clinic. I was so nervous! It was a man that didn’t want a male therapist. I didn’t take it personally; I knew it was a “him thing,” and it had nothing to do with me. The school had a fantastic receptionist who knew I was talented. She said it was me or he wasn’t getting a massage that day, and he reluctantly agreed. I showed him to the treatment room, and he got ready. I knew I was going to put him to sleep. Most folks don’t realize the power behind just resting your hand on a person and letting them breathe into it. When I felt the release, he sighed. I knew it had worked. I did some gentle rocking and heard him snoring. SUCCESS! I woke to turn him over; he groggily gave me a huge thumbs & a big smile. I got a nice tip, and he became a regular client after I graduated. There were a couple of times that we’d talk about the day we met and we’d laugh. I love the bonds I form with my clients. There’s nothing like it

- Ensuring that my clients feel a sense of care and relaxation akin to a mini-vacation is paramount during their sessions. Whether they seek relief from pain or simply desire a circulatory relaxation massage, my aim is for them to depart feeling more tranquil and less burdened. Moreover, for clients contending with matters of the mind, I endeavor to offer them a sanctuary of silence, granting their minds the space to cultivate fresh perspectives or perhaps discover solutions to vexing problems. Ultimately, I want to make them feel like they can wait for their next session.

- While it is true that some of the best massages I have experienced were from individuals without formal certification these people have natural gifts. With that said investing in education can significantly enhance your skill set and improve your ability to meet your clients' therapeutic needs. Some massage therapists have completed 500 hours of education, while others have accumulated over 2000 hours and even pursued an Associate in Occupational Science in massage from certain schools. A 2000-hour massage, most of the time is typically more refined and adept at addressing a broader range of conditions compared to a 500-hour massage. Continuing your education can also allow you to command higher fees for your services.

It is essential to recognize the value of your work and avoid providing massages or related services for free. Regardless of your level of expertise, always aim to leave your clients eager for more and expressing a desire to continue the session further at another time.

- I’ve been a massage practitioner for 22 years! I want to do massage for as long as I can!

- My own experience with pain led me to pursue a career as a therapist. Following a back injury, I sought regular chiropractic adjustments and massage treatments, which provided me with significant relief. Intrigued by the healing power of massage, I decided to enroll in massage school. Despite still experiencing pain, I began to gain insight into my own struggles and gradually unravel them. This journey of self-discovery also enabled me to empathize with and help others in their own healing processes. Enamored with the practice, I enrolled in a night massage school to specialize in lomi lomi and sports massage, adding to my 1500 hours of massage education and obtaining my National Certification. A year later, I furthered my education by earning an associate's degree in occupational studies in massage. The art and science of touch continue to captivate me to this day, and I remain dedicated to expanding my knowledge and skills in the field of massage therapy.

- I typically allocate four weeks each year for vacation, during which I find solace and rejuvenation either at sea on a cruise or in a secluded mountain cabin. While many may relish the bustling ports during cruises, I derive immense joy from the tranquil days spent on the open water. In the mountains, I relish the opportunity to travel alone, seeking solitude, and embracing the peace that surrounds me. These moments often lead to profound spiritual experiences that have left an indelible mark on my life.

Despite my love for these travel experiences, I consider myself more of a homebody and nester at heart. I hold a deep affection for my home and find comfort in being surrounded by my family and clients. Being away from them for extended periods is a challenge, as I cherish the connections and sense of belonging that come with being close to those I care about.

- I believe what truly sets me apart from other therapists is the unique and personalized approach I bring to each session. My focus is always on ensuring my clients' comfort, health, and overall well-being. I provide are unmatched in quality and my techniques are painless and more effectiveness. By prioritizing mental relaxation and fostering a sense of ease, I aim to facilitate physical surrender and muscular release in my clients.

I offer a diverse range of techniques, including soothing Swedish massage, lomi lomi traditions, hot stone therapy, exclusive side-lying positions (a specialty of mine), musculoskeletal alignment methods, and deep instrument-assisted myofascial work. One of my distinctive features is the ability to reach deep tissues without causing discomfort. Unlike forceful techniques, my approach is gentle and painless, often leading clients to drift into relaxation and later rave about the transformative results.

I prioritizes comfort, safety, privacy, and tranquility for all clients. However, what truly sets me apart is the unique energy and strength I bring to each session.

- I believe what truly sets me apart from other therapists is the unique and personalized approach I bring to each session. My focus is always on ensuring my clients' comfort, health, and overall well-being. I provide are unmatched in quality and my techniques are painless and more effectiveness. By prioritizing mental relaxation and fostering a sense of ease, I aim to facilitate physical surrender and muscular release in my clients.

I offer a diverse range of techniques, including soothing Swedish massage, lomi lomi traditions, hot stone therapy, exclusive side-lying positions (a specialty of mine), musculoskeletal alignment methods, and deep instrument-assisted myofascial work. One of my distinctive features is the ability to reach deep tissues without causing discomfort. Unlike forceful techniques, my approach is gentle and painless, often leading clients to drift into relaxation and later rave about the transformative results.

I prioritizes comfort, safety, privacy, and tranquility for all clients. However, what truly sets me apart is the unique energy and strength I bring to each session.

- If you feel that pursuing a career in massage therapy is more than just a job, and if you believe you have the gift of therapeutic touch, I encourage you to follow your passion wholeheartedly. Let go of any doubts or fears, and seek a reputable school to begin your journey. It's essential to be aware that massage therapy can be challenging and require resilience, especially if you are sensitive to criticism or rejection. It's not uncommon to encounter biases, such as reverse sexism, where specific clients may have preferences based on gender. Despite facing rejection, it's essential to maintain a strong sense of self and not take it personally. In my own experience, I have encountered similar situations but learned to navigate them with grace and professionalism. You can leave a lasting impression and potentially change their perspective by redirecting negative energy and responding calmly. Confidence, self-esteem, and a positive attitude are critical attributes for success in the field. Remember that others' biases are a reflection of them, not you. Your job is to focus on delivering exceptional service and exceeding expectations.

- First and foremost, I prioritize the comfort, health, safety, and well-being of my clients. This approach ensures a seamless path to relaxation. By understanding that the quality of their experience is paramount, clients can unwind even before their session begins. My natural, soothing presence and dedication to creating a comfortable in any environment enhance their relaxation. When clients trust in my abilities, they are more open to receiving the benefits of my work. My goal is to provide a massage experience that sets the "Gold Standard" for them, one that they will use as a benchmark for all future massages. Many clients get off of my table feeling as rejuvenated as they would after a vacation, especially those who come in feeling stressed or dealing with injuries. Ultimately, my aim is for clients to leave feeling relaxed, revitalized, and with a newfound perspective on life, experiencing noticeable improvements such as reduced tightness and soreness, increased flexibility, better stress tolerance, better sleep and experience suppleness in their bodies they haven’t experienced since they were children.

- Surprisingly I'm an introvert. I am a pacifist; I love peace, quiet and isolation. I love going to the mountains to help to recharge my “batteries.” I’m a nester, and I would rather spend a night at home with a hot cup of tea and a good book. On a rare instance, maybe do the Netflix or Amazon video thing. I love cooking! I’m not religious, but I’m very spiritually minded and psychically sensitive yet I’m scientifically minded as well. I think Einstein said it best, “Energy is everything, and energy is everything.”— the world has proven this to me. I’m very observant & consider my sixth sense to be highly tuned. However, I love physical fitness; I do Yoga, TRX, and pilates. I like things that require little to no equipment. I want my clients to know that throughout my career, I’ve had many injuries that I’ve had to work through. I would have to say that these things have made me mentally & physically tough & a better therapist by understanding what to do about common conditions my clients deal with, too.