01/08/2024
Hello friends, as of December of last year I have been in practice for just over a decade. My purpose in writing this post is to honor the many clients whom have embarked on this journey of massage Therapy with me, and whom have bravely opened to the somatic process of considering themselves and their greater wellbeing. Also, to speak of the multifaceted disciplines, personal interests and people who have contributed to my ongoing interest and inspiration in the depth of this work; which and whom have strengthened my ability to be present, listen deeply and take real joy in the process of offering you loving support as we all continue in this ineffable, painful and beautiful thing call life.
I would like to acknowledge that which brings people to realize the benefit, if not need of many healing modalities, including Massage. The obvious include injury and the desire to restore functionality, nagging muscular tension, headaches, irritability, anxiety and depression or existential angst to name just a few. To broaden this category, I might include the desire for connection, and to be cared for and touched in a safe non-sexual way. We have all heard of how babies who are separated from their mothers or who are not touched suffer greatly and often die, but it may be that we think adults are exempt from these same basic needs. Also, including the need to slow down, rest and relax from the intensities and demands of life. I will note that the desire to be pampered, tended to or cared for extends to other offerings such as hairdresser, esthetician, you name it. The unique nature of Massage offers a real opportunity to work on many of these levels simultaneously. Due to its holistic approach to somatic principals we are dealing here with deep layers of the body and mind or Bodymind. To differentiate massage from other of these modalities I would like to emphasize its unique nature in providing real and direct Therapy. The terms Massage or bodywork, often sound just like that; something that you receive or happens to you-like passively getting worked on. Although there is absolutely nothing wrong with this as it is often what someone needs, I would like to offer that massage IS Therapy- hence massage (therapist), and also say that there is no one way or reason that someone has to come to Massage.
A crude statistic that I came across recently, was that on a whole, people often take better care of their pets than they do themselves. I can see how the desire to be effective in life, at work, to be good friends, to show up for our imagined expected roles in society puts enormous pressure on ourselves to perform adequately and admirably. It would appear that many of us often neglect some of our basic needs, imagining them to be indulgent, selfish or luxurious, and instead sacrifice our very spiritual and emotional wellbeing on the alters of expedience, utilitarianism, pragmatism, efficiency or any number of imagined "responsibilities". A breaking point or point of crisis is often reached before the real need dawns on us, and for the fortunate few who have insight into those needs and elevate them to the status of necessity- we might all look to them for inspiration and to help teach us positive self regard, compassion and love. The humility and vulnerability which is requisite upon starting such work is a true gift. Thank you!
Lastly, I would like to list those things that I feel qualify me greatly to be in your service. Not to woo you with technical jargon so you trust me based on qualifications alone, but to indicate the many organic disciplines and fortunate encounters which have furthered my education and practices, and which have lead to the deepening of the one true gold standard of it all-Presence. -Among which are my deep connection to nature, my sensitivity of perception, and innate generosity, love, and compassion for life. Nearly two decades of Yoga practice(asana), an interest in the eastern wisdom practices, Pranayama(breath work), Dhyana(meditation) etc.
Also, Vipassana meditation(10 day retreat) and consistent daily meditation for over 2 years, which I've found to be invaluable. Various workshops and intensives: Thai Yoga massage, The Soft Underbelly- a Craniosacral inspired deep dive into Psoas, diaphragm, and the anterior neck with Regina Callahan, Cupping, Alexander technique at Del Arte, Holotropic Breathwork exploration. Familiar with Structural Integration, yoga anatomy. Rosen Method. Several years of weekly classical Reichian therapy, uncomfortable but also invaluable. As well as previous years of therapy.
It would be right to mention those deep wounds of the heart, which I often contributed to bringing about, and which were the hardest to recover from, but have been the greatest teachers and have furthered and fueled my need to look deeper and more honestly as I continue to mend more completely. In the spirit of the wounded healer, those things when transmuted have given me the greatest honesty, humility and compassion for the human condition.
This all has lead me to the wonderful practice of massage, and if you think I could help you feel free - contact me by phone or text.
I do not interact often with Facebook so if you would like to schedule sessions please call or text me : (707) 502-8328
To health, -Joaquin Dominick, CMT
