Fascia Alchemy vs Massage
So, what's the difference between fascia alchemy and massage? Which should you choose?
Well, both are great forms of bodywork, but they are slightly different.
Fascia Alchemy, based on Myofascial Release Therapy, is practiced without any oil or lotion. The client is wearing athletic clothes and remains undraped the entire session (barring comfort needs, ideally though, the client is undraped) The clothes could be comfortable shorts or full coverage underwear & sports bra.
We begin with a visual assessment of the body and its structural alignment, particularly in the pelvis and how any imbalances in the pelvis can translate to other parts of the body, i.e. elevated shoulders, rotated feet etc.. The hands on work is sustained pressure for 3 to 5 to possibly even 10 minutes, holding at the barrier in the fascia–not forcing through. In this way, the effects may feel subtle, or, they could feel intense–causing emotional releases from subconscious memories/trauma stored within the waters of your fascia.
Sustained pressure for prolonged amounts of time is key to fascia work for myriad reasons. As is not forcing through barriers/adhesions/knots found in the tissue.
For one, the fascia is piezoelectric crystal. For more geeking out on the liquid crystal which makes up 99% of our beings, check out these Medicine Stories podcast episodes:
Liquid Crystal: Water, Memory, Consciousness and Health- Dr. Carly Nuday
The Living Matrix of the Fascia & The Resonance of The Heart -Lindsay Courcelle
Piezoelectricity is what allows a small piece of quartz crystal keep a watch ticking, ignites your propane stove, and more. (and if you're like me and appreciate pretty rocks, holding a rose quartz in your hand and squeezing is like juicing some of that precious magic from the stone into your cells!💗)
Ok cool, so how is it different from massage? Still unsure what to choose? Well, a friend and bodyworker I know once prompted me with the question for clients who request Deep Tissue: “Do you like deep tissue for the intensity or, do you want to actually work things out?” because if the answer is to actually work things out, then Fascia Alchemy is probably better suited for you. If you like the intensity, you fire sign you, then a Deep Tissue massage from someone other than me will do you good.
My massage has always been rooted in pleasure, presence, and deep somatic relaxation. I offer cupping massage for those who have that deep knot behind their scapula–because I find that the silicone suction inviting up to 2 inches of muscle tissue is far more effective than me forcing an elbow; only for you to leave feeling sore because you felt you “got your money’s worth”.
Massage to me, after a decade in this industry, is maintenance for the body-mind connection. It's healing on an earthy, spiritual level.
Fascia Alchemy is healing on a subatomic level. Targeted change happening in subtle swirls of fascia unwinding, voice croaking, arms twitching kind of way–and is best received with regularity, especially if you have a chronic issue. Like for example, your chiropractor told you one leg is shorter than the other (spoiler alert: a very very small population actually has this, and unless you got an X-ray showing one femur longer than the other, it's probably a pelvic imbalance that is treatable with Fascia Alchemy).
I have designed a package intended for 4 Fascia Alchemy sessions spread over a maximum of 5 weeks here.
But Fascia Alchemy is not all intensely scientific and serious as a doctor appointment may be; as the name implies, we alchemize the aforementioned subconscious that is in the waters of your fascia web. Memories are stored here, possible traumas, and when the fascia unwinds, it can cause a shaking reaction or emotional release.
Picture a spool of thread lying on its side. You tug the end of the thread and allow the spool to roll around, rock back and forth, etc.. That's similar to the idea of what can happen in our body, so there is a necessary level of trust, openness, and uninhibited expression that I, as your bodyworker, hope to explore and create in our time together.
If you have any more questions, feel free to reach out! I look forward to having you for whatever session you choose, massage or Fascia Alchemy. Trust the call you feel in your body.
