The Ritual Massage and Wellness

11/17/2025

I just published my first article on Substack! I've decided so start publishing as a way of blending my massage education and experience with personal narrative.

While I will likely never publish something so personal again, I always believe it best to start a story at the beginning.

It's all educational massage content and yapping from this point out!

-Valerie

A journey to Therapeutic Bodywork

06/13/2025

Columbia south Carolina therapeutic message

06/12/2025

To my wonderful clients in Chapin; thank you for your patience and understanding during this recent transition.

I want to sincerely apologize for the sudden departure from my previous location. Due to the terms of my former employment contract, I am not able to reach out directly to let you know I’ve moved, so I’m still working on getting the word out!

The decision to leave came quickly, but it was made with a deep commitment to maintaining the quality of care and intention you’ve come to expect from me, and that I expect from myself. While I’m grateful for the experience, I wasn’t always able to work in the way that aligns with my personal standards, and preserving the integrity of my work will always be a top priority.

I’m so excited to welcome you to this stunningly beautiful haven on Virginia Street, right behind the Lowe’s Foods in Chapin.

I’ve missed you and can’t wait to reconnect soon. 🌸

With gratitude,
Valerie

05/15/2025

Please review website before booking ✨

https://theritualmassage.com/southcarolina?fbclid=IwY2xjawKTO4dleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFpRGl4WVFoNzNIM0d2Zk5yAR4V4YR_3xdX-2t1-yFrOnbbXxRiL-YIFcxOzygup4f7OCVbgKN2iptCX6sQCg_aem__i0iagGjtw8Ra-HFKWBStA

01/08/2025

Before I became a massage therapist, I was an 8-year-old child navigating chaos I couldn’t yet name.

Books became my refuge, giving me words like ‘abuse’ and ‘domestic violence’, a vocabulary that helped me begin to understand my experiences.

Reading sparked a lifelong curiosity about the nervous system and how our environment shapes us, ultimately guiding my approach to healing as a massage therapist.

A couple of weeks ago, I met up with Tayler of Liberation is Lit, whose mission to amplify diverse stories inspires healing and collective liberation.

I picked up a book box of works by Tricia Hersey that have been on my TBR for the better part of a year, and who’s work has been foundational in the formation of what eventually became The Ritual!

Access to books transformed my life, and I’m passionate about fighting book bans and advocating for literacy. Stories have the power to heal and connect us—let’s protect them.

Follow and support Tayler in her mission

Bonus bookish follows from right here in our local community! 📚

10/07/2024

Last week I completed an incredible prenatal/postpartum massage training at Living Tree Wellness in Greenville, SC, taught by the amazing Jenny of All is Well Collective

As a therapist who’s never experienced pregnancy or childbirth, this course filled in so many gaps and provided valuable insights I had been missing for most of my career.

The training was well-organized, professionally presented, and packed with high-quality information that will add immeasurable value to my practice! 🤰🏽

Most massage programs only provide basic education on prenatal massage, which is why continuing to hone your skills after licensing is so important. This advanced training deepened my understanding and ability to care for expecting and postpartum mothers, helping to elevate the quality of care I can provide to my wonderful clients.

It was also a refreshing experience being in the company of other therapists, many of whom I may never have crossed paths with otherwise. This sense of community and shared learning was so inspiring. I get a little creative energy boost after every hands on training, always driving back home with new friends and new ideas ✨

CEU hours aren’t just a biannual requirement to maintain licensure—they are an opportunity to expand your knowledge, hone your skills, instill confidence in your clients, bring credibility to your practice, and equip you with endless tools to better serve your clientele 🙌🏾

08/01/2024

Bodywork has the remarkable ability to rejuvenate not just the body, but the mind as well.

In my practice, I often find that clients are only fully conscious during the initial moments of their massage. I can’t help but wonder where their minds go and what they experience during the session.

Some share snippets of dreams or mention that time seemed to pass in an instant, leaving them unable to recall a single thought. Yet, it’s not uncommon for these sessions to leave me with little gems—insights or experiences—that linger with me for days, even weeks, afterward.

*I did indeed have a tiny little cry in the laundry room afterwards 🕊️🤍

07/11/2024

Compressive force is the application of power, pressure, or exertion against an object which causes it to become compressed or compacted.

It is vital to client safety that I am aware of any contraindications or cautions that may be present so that I can adjust the treatment to your needs.

Be honest your health history, keep me up to date with other areas of your wellness.

Remember that a missing or incomplete health form can result in a cancelation of your appointment; and that it is a requirement when booking with me!

Here are some of the conditions and disorders that I watch out for, especially when it pertains to Ashiatsu!