Touch was never meant to be a luxury-
It is a basic human need. It is an action that validates life and gives hope to both the receiver and the giver. The healing of touch is reciprocal. -Irene Smith
I believe we all deserve to feel Empowered in our health journey, so my aim is to help people understand the countless benefits alternative modalities can provide on our healing journey.
Being a Massage therapist is an honor
My goal is to offer a serene environment for you to receive therapeutic touch (which relieves stress & releases emotions in a healthy way). Massage offers tremendous healing opportunities for our body, mind, & spirit, and it is my sincere hope to remind you that investments in your health can bring you to Blissful states-especially if your life experiences have led you to forget how Incredible it can feel to Be IN our body.
Trauma-Informed Massage Therapy & Bodywork
I am focused on your ultimate relaxation
My massage style is very slow, grounded, and intentional. My flow is geared towards calming your body, soothing your mind, and allowing your spirit to float into a Blissful otherworldliness. My table is a place of safety, tranquility, and opportunities for transformation.
My continuing education courses for massage center around neuroplasticity & mind-body health, in an effort to help my clients understand that even though we may have been through hell-we have the capacity to transform our health through embodiment practices.
Courses studied include: Mind Body Connection, Psychology of the Body, Massage for PTSD & Anxiety, Calming an Overactive Brain, Somatic Embodiment, Neuroscience of Mind Body Therapy, & Neurobiology of Sexual Assault.
Boosts your immunity by stimulating lymph system
Decreased stress, anxiety, and depression
Manipulation of body tissue stimulates the release of endorphins (feel good hormones), providing pain relief and decrease in muscular tension
Increases serotonin and oxytocin (more feel good hormones)
Relieves inflammatory conditions, promotes flexibility and improves sleep
Benefits of Massage:
Increases circulation of nutrients to the cells of the body, producing clearer skin & reducing appearance of cellulite
Promote a mind-body connection & opportunity to retrain the body/brain
Decreases blood pressure and promotes overall relaxation
Massage is also a wonderful opportunity to increase embodiment and a sense of empowerment by building boundaries (use of voice to direct touch, pressure and removal of touch)
Touch is our first sense and is vital to our overall health and well-being. We have millions of touch receptors in our skin, relaying messages to our brain. Too often, people are deprived of nurturing and safe touch throughout the course of their lives. Lack of safe touch, coupled with trauma (which is stored in our nervous system) can lead to a sense of unsafety in one’s own skin, as well as physical/emotional complications.
Shame and other negative emotions, which are common after enduring trauma, are linked with higher levels of a proinflammatory cytokine called IL-6 (Interleukin-6). Cytokines interact with cells of the immune system to regulate the body’s response to disease & infection. IL-6 is an active chemical of inflammation-and chronic inflammation in the body is linked to:
Autoimmune Disorders-such as lupus, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, IBS, crohns +
Diabetes
Asthma
Cancer
Depression
Dementia/Alzheimer’s
Cardiovascular Diseases
Our body keeps a ‘memory’ of our experiences throughout the course of our life-these memories are stored in our nervous system, and different circumstances may cause them to present as anxiety, panic, depression & more.
Massage has the ability to calm the nervous system. Decreasing the stress on our nervous system can decrease inflammation (which is an underlying cause of physical/emotional distress).
Massage can ‘work out’ emotions that have been stored within our tissues. It is not uncommon for people to have an emotional release during or after a massage.
““The real purpose of giving massage is to foster more depth of feeling for one another in order to bring out the love that often lies buried beneath the pain of everyday suffering.””
“I’ve always been afraid to get a massage, but I felt safe with Stephanie as we’ve known each other for over 25yrs.
This experience has opened up a whole new world for me-I feel like a new person! I’ve been wanting to work on myself, not just as a mom, but as a human being-and this is a great start. I feel refreshed, relaxed and so much more!
Stephanie also had such kind words to help me begin my spiritual healing process, and for that I am grateful.”
She’s absolute Gold!
Stephanie is so talented. She listens and checks in to make sure her client is comfortable. She has vast knowledge about the body, mind, and soul-Book her if you can! -A.M., Savannah, GA
She is the Best!
I have known Stephanie for 19 years and I highly recommend her as a massage therapist. I have met many people along my journey of being an active mother of three who definitely have a gift-and she is one of them!
Stephanie integrates her thoughtful insight of her clients, skillful hands and knowledge of the human body, plus her inner joy to each and every session.
-J.M., Asheville, NC
“
What’s different about Stephanie? The connection-her ability to touch one’s body and soul and know what they are feeling; she understands when they are feeling exhaustion, fear, loneliness, pain, loss of sense and self-destructive. Stephanie can touch you and know what your body has been through. She can talk to you and know what path you are traveling. Although this makes her a good therapist/coach it’s not what makes her great…”
“What sets her apart is what she does after, the way she transforms your body during massage so that you begin to heal, addressing not only the problem-but the why; teaching ways to keep your body happy, healthy, and also the importance of self-care. Coaching isn’t much different, only that instead of tough hands it’s tough love. She understands how far to push. In my experience I know she walks beside me, I know she will wait for me if I need a break, but I also know she will never carry me-and to get to where I am going I need to walk the road she has shown me. ”
-Tiffany Luckadoo, Hendersonville, NC
“Stephanie is a talented massage therapist who makes you feel as comfortable as possible. The massage left my mind and body feeling rejuvenated and free from anxiety and tension. I’m thankful to have found her and highly recommend her as a massage therapist!”
Amy Neal,
Hendersonville, NC
“I moved here a couple of years ago and have tried to find a massage therapist who not only has the skills and knowledge, but who also connects on a deeper, more energetic level. I had given up my search until I met Stephanie. She provided a level of support and safety I was searching for. She cares about her clients, and it shows through her touch. She also has the experience, which is noticeable, also through her touch.
She’s genuine, caring, kind, and professional. I’m glad I found her and will definitely be going back.”