In my early training I was taught that the goal of massage was to provide muscle tissue pain relief.  The most common approach to the release of tension was (and still is) to apply strong pressure with the hands.  This can be effective, but can also be painful and unpleasant.  However, the doctrine of “no pain no gain” holds the day.  While I don’t reject this equation in its entirety, I believe it’s in need of moderation.  Pain without benefit and gain without suffering are common enough to have made me seek a more nuanced approach.

When I first visited the Esalen Institute in California I was delighted to discover a completely different approach to massage – in both its execution and its potential.  I was reminded that, other than just aching muscles, the body on the table also contains a sprit with needs of its own, and massage can address those needs as well.  At Esalen I learned a gentler and more nurturing approach to bodywork, and it has stayed with me ever since.  Paradoxically, I’ve found that the gentler approach has enabled me to achieve a deeper massage since the absence of pain doesn’t trigger the body’s natural response of resistance.

I have more than 30 years of massage experience.  I have worked with people from college age to people in their 80s.  I have worked with people who are very heavy and with others who are delicate and frail.  I’ve worked with cancer patients, pregnant women, amputees, and people recovering from full-body liposuction.  I have given a great many people their first massage.  I’ve become very good at putting people at ease and at meeting individual needs.

SPINAL AWARENESS – THE JOURNEY CONTINUES

I returned to Esalen in autumn 2009 to give myself a refresher and was introduced to a method of energy alignment called Spinal Awareness.  It is based on many of the same principles as the Feldenkrais Method which maintains that, when such is necessary, we are the best source of our own recovery from injury, ailment, and malaise.  A Spinal Awareness session resembles massage in that the work uses a table, but the client remains clothed and there is minimal pressure from the hands.  The intent is to guide energy movement, bring it to a place of perfectly centered balance,  teach the body to remember this feeling and then learn how to achieve it without assistance.  This very personal work is subtle and yet quite powerful, and results in a sense of profound peacefulness.  I am very excited to bring this work to the Chicago area.

Massage and Spinal Awareness sessions are both preceded by approximately 30 minutes of reflexology.  Total session duration is roughly 90 minutes.

A typical 90-minute office session is $70.  Charges for sessions outside of normal office settings may vary.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION OR TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT, CALL 773-965-8479 OR E-MAIL ME AT MUTTSINC@AOL.COM.