Massage is a wonderful way to nourish yourself. There is a source of quiet and peace just below the surface of ordinary life. Massage can be the means to that peace.
When people come to me for massage, one of the questions I get asked most often is “What kind of massage do you do?”
Early in my training, one of my teachers said that “you don’t need a whole lot of tools in your toolbox” to work effectively. There are now over 250 recognized massage modalities. I’ve studied nearly a dozen of them over the fifteen years I’ve been in practice. What I find is that even the most basic techniques are magical when they are supported by presence, deep listening-feeling and clear intention.
I think it’s important that I assess work toward your goals in a way that suspends “shoulds”, protocols and stock answers. I’m here to support your vision of optimal health.
What you can expect
I welcome client feedback, especially during your massage. If the pressure I am using is either too light or too deep, you can feel free to tell me and I will make adjustments. It is wonderful to enjoy silence, but I also welcome verbal exchanges with my clients. And although disrobing completely for a massage session is traditional (you be appropriately draped, of course), this is also optional. It’s definitely possible to do effective work through loose, comfortable clothing. I will gather some basic medical history before your first session. I often incorporate aromatherapy and use lineaments and/or arnica, so please let me know if you have any allergies or sensitivities to oils or scents.
The Source Somatics Massage Studio:
My warm, cozy massage studio. The studio is on the bottom floor of a house in the Twin Peaks area of San Francisco. There is a bathroom on the same floor
for client use.
About Florence
San Francisco Bay Area, the daughter of a nurse and a chemist (my father was the nurse). While still in high school, I took a college level anatomy course, which sparked my interest in massage and bodywork. As Jack Meagher (the father of Sports Massage) said:”Massage is the study of anatomy in braille.” Shortly after college, I certified as a massage therapist, first at a small school in San Francisco and later at East-West College in Portland, OR. My current style of working is most influenced by many trips to the Esalen institute in Big Sur, studies with a Trager practitioner, and the Auth Method. I currently hold the NCBTMB, am a ABMP member and hold the state-wide California certification.
Among my latest projects, I produced a relaxation app for iPhone and iPad. The app uses binaural beats (a brainwave entrainment tool) as part of audio-visual experience which can be used as a sleep aid, ambient music or companion for a meditation practice. For more info, check out http://taptaptap.com/serenity.
