MASSAGE: PART OF A BALANCED LIFESTYLE
There are many excellent massage therapists in the Statesboro area. I have found that by clearly defining my style and specialties I receive clients who will most benefit from my type of massage.
KIM OWENS, Licensed massage therapist. Savannah Avenue Salon ~ 912-489-4300.
Which type of massage are you seeking? In my mind, there are 3 major styles:
Experiential massage is for people who want to escape for an hour from the stresses of a hectic life. This style of massage has immediate benefits including relaxation, a reduction in muscle tension and it provides a deep sense of rejuvenation. Experiential massage therapists typically work closely with resorts, cruise-lines, upscale spas, salons and hotels.
Medical massage focuses on relieving pain and restoring function to a specific muscle group or bodily function. Medical massage therapists typically work closely with orthopedics, chiropractors and physical therapists. To see therapeutic results, a client will experience many deep-tissue treatments to the area of concern over a short period of time. Once goals are met the client usually graduates to a maintenance-level plan. This type of massage may be covered by some insurance plans.
- Lifestyle massage focuses on overall client health and wellness and preventative maintenance. Lifestyle massage therapists help guide the client toward a more balanced and healthy lifestyle that addresses all areas of wellness including: mind, body and spirit. Lifestyle massage therapists typically work closely with meditation teachers, yoga instructors, energy healers, personal trainers, spiritual advisors, addiction recovery specialist and life coaches.
I define myself as a lifestyle massage therapist. I naturally provide a moderate pressure massage, but I can work lighter or deeper depending on my client’s preference. While my overall goal is to help clients achieve a more balanced life, one of the first outcomes clients routinely mention is a reduction in pain and a deep sense of relaxation.
Many years ago, during a very stressful period in my corporate career as director of global marketing for a well known high-tech company, massage restored the valuable connection between my stressed-out mind and my long-forgotten body. When I became in touch with the feelings that my body was communicating, I was able to begin the transition from a life of stress to a life that I always dreamed of. I was able to change careers, get healthier and begin a personally profound spiritual journey.
I honestly believe that sessions with my massage therapist were a catalyst to the change in my life. Now that I have become a massage therapist, my goal is first to listen, and then to develop a unique client experience that will aid in relaxing the body, balancing the mind and restoring the spirit.
I love learning, so I am constantly attending continuing education classes and meeting with local wellness resources. I have studied relaxation massage, medical massage, as well as pregnancy massage, foot (reflexology) massage and connective tissue (myofascial) massage. My massage sessions integrate a wide variety of techniques I have learned. In addition to massage education, I have studied restorative yoga, breathwork and many meditation styles including Centering Prayer and Christ-Centered meditation.
After the massage session, I am happy to suggest ways that the client can actively participate in their wellness at home. In addition to teaching stretching techniques, I am happy to connect the client with other local wellness resources such as natural health advisement, nutrition services, meditation groups, Yoga and/or personal fitness instruction.
The majority of my clients choose to see me 2-4 times per month. Many have graduated to a level of balance in their life where they decide to incorporate lifestyle massage into their overall wellness plan once a month or every 6 weeks.
If you are seeking more balance in your life, Lifestyle massage may be for you. For a free consultation or to schedule a massage please call me at the salon: 912-489-4300.
Peace. Be Still. (Mark 4:39)
Kim Owens
Licensed Massage Therapist
Savannah Avenue Salon
218 Savannah Avenue, Statesboro, GA
912-489-4300
Rate: $65/hour. Cash and check only please.
Gift certificates are available.
**A special thank you to This That & The Other Magazine for the pictures used above.**