Hidden Treasures - Asian Bodywork Therapies
by Tom Cohen, L.M.B.T. #2478

Let's get two things straight:

Women can't give a good deep-tissue massage.
And cheaper is better.

Just one thing – These aren't my opinions!

I'm a licensed massage therapist. I teach martial arts, have been a bouncer, and I don't get massages for relaxation. I don't like fluff, fru-fru, or spa-like treatments. I primarily seek massage as an adjunct to pain management and preventative health maintenance. So I'm here to share some hidden treasures with anyone seeking a professional deep-tissue massage.

Now, you might ask me one simple question: Why would another massage therapist promote the services of his “rivals?” Well, I respect quality, artistry, and value. As with many therapists, I try to educate my clients. I wish to dispel the aforementioned falsehoods. And I've traded massages with both therapists. So, I got freebies!!! But I'm here to tell you; I would gladly pay for their quality and professionalism.

The two featured therapists specialize in Thai Massage and Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy, respectively.

Tonya Redmond specializes in Thai medical massage; a unique form of bodywork therapy that combines elements of Yoga, Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. The therapist positions the client in a series of yoga-like stretches that promote
•  Freedom of movement
•  Energy flow
•  Flexibility

Thai is usually done on a floor-mat, with the client fully clothed. The combination of stretching and massage is very effective. It allows the therapist to isolate specific muscle groups, and to deeply penetrate tight, rigid muscles. The therapist may use her feet, knee's, elbows and hands, utilizing her bodyweight to apply the appropriate amount of pressure.

Tonya suggests seven one-hour sessions of Thai massage. This allows her to treat the whole person, and not just the symptoms. Like many forms of pain management and health maintenance, Thai medical massage is a partnership. It is not a magic pill, and takes a small commitment to fully experience the return to a healthy body.

I would not trust these techniques to a lesser-trained therapist, or those claiming to do Thai massage without the extensive credentials that Tonya possesses. She has undergone extensive training in Thai Bodywork, consisting of approximately 200 hours of classroom training and hands-on practice. She has been doing Thai Massage for 4 years.

Celeste is the first therapist in Charlotte specializing in Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy. I admit it. I had visions of a tiny woman walking all over my back. But I was quite ignorant.

She describes it as “a deep, yet very luxurious, 3,000 year old technique from Asia performed with her legs and feet.” Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy is customized to the client's desired level of pressure and performed with soft feet that are warm and clean. It is highly recommended for anyone with lower, middle or upper back pain. Celeste prides herself on her “ability to provide a serious pain-relief session while blending some of the ‘fluff' from a spa.” She caters each session to the individual, stating, “I am anti-routine!”

During my massage, I was surprised by the fact that I did not feel Celeste's feet. The strokes were reminiscent of traditional hand-based massages. Yet the pressure was firm, consistent, and wonderfully deep and effective. Celeste's follow-up to the massage was informative and precise. She took the time to answer my questions, and suggest home-care. I was well cared for.

Celeste has traveled to train extensively with the original Founder and Director of the technique (no – she's not 3000 years old - she simply made it more American Friendly). Celeste is certified in all basic and advanced levels of the therapy, which not a lot of therapists in the country are.

Cheaper does not equate to quality. A cheeseburger at McDonalds does not compare to prime rib. The benefits are worth it. I personally would choose not to skimp on my health. Would you? And ask yourself this one question: Is price your primary factor when choosing a medical doctor? Of course it isn't. Advanced training, quality, certifications, effectiveness, and the partnership between therapist and client should be the primary criteria for choosing your therapist.