BodyKneads Therapeutic Massage
Relaxation & Stress Reduction / Reiki Master

Tibetan Bowls | Reiki | Stress Release

At the completion of a massage, it surprises me how much stress a body can hold on to.

And yet it is believable, step by step, as the shoulders, legs, neck, feet, upper back, lower back, chest, hips, all areas reveal how much can be held on to and let go of.

At Body Kneads, a massage is a process of careful preparation - a de-stressing - which leads to a much-improved state of being.

It really isn't far-fetched, it simply takes the time and effort and skill of an experienced massage therapist like John St. Pierre.

John's process is thorough and gentle and effective - healing sessions last from 1-2 hours, and typically start with a hot towel and chamomile teabag stress reliever. Gentle reflexology (foot and hand pressure points) prepares the body for tension release.

Next, John combines sound therapy (using Tibetan bowls which create simple and centering tones) with Swedish and Shiatsu muscle lengthening and release techniques. These unique sounds, appearing and fading against a background of quiet CD music, really give you something to focus on, similar to concentrating at the beginning of a meditation.

After a while a surrendering relief sets in as muscles find rest and tight areas soften - of course, there will be tight areas and sore parts that may take longer to let go - often our tension gathers in specific chronic areas that require even more special care (or follow-up treatments) during a massage therapy session.

After most of the massage has been completed, John's energy work with Reiki healing creates the perfect final component of a treatment.
As with muscle massage and reflexology, the Reiki energy work is always unique and appropriate to the client's needs. Sometimes the experience is like relaxing in a gentle breeze at the seashore; sometimes it is like soaking up the sun on the first warm day of Spring; sometimes it is like noticing that you have not fully exhaled in a long time and doing so with a sigh.