What is Yomassage?
Updated: Jun 20, 2019
Imagine this:
You are lying back, supported by two bolsters and a couple of blankets. Your heart center feels full and open, and your breathing is deep and even. Soft candlelight adds to the evening glow, and you are receiving an excellent neck and scalp massage.
Where are you?
...at a Yomassageâ„¢ class!
Founders Tiffany Ryan, PhD, LMT and Katherine Parker describe it this way:
With Yomassage, clients can receive therapeutic touch in a group environment, fully clothed, while relaxing in restorative positions and practicing mindfulness. Offering massage in a small group setting allows therapists to offer their service at a more accessible price and creates a safe and welcoming environment for clients.
I had the recent good fortune to attend a certification class in Las Vegas and am excited to bring Yomassage to the Rogue Valley for the first time! Developed in Portland, Oregon, I find this modality -or style of massage- to be an excellent introduction to therapeutic touch. It supplements other health and wellness routines beautifully, too, due to its emphasis on supported stretching and focused breath-work. A full class leaves the participants deeply relaxed in body and mind.
One of the aspects I admire most about this style of massage is its basis in accessibility. Tiffany and Katherine were inspired to design a classroom-based approach so therapists could offer therapeutic touch at a lower price than individual sessions. Touch is intrinsic to our well-being as humans. Just 10-15 minutes of touch per day has been shown to reduce cortisol (the stress hormone) and increase oxytocin, and they believe (as do I) that everyone deserves access to therapeutic touch. Local classes will cost $40-45 per 75-minute class.
Is Yomassage right for you? Most likely! Yomassage is designed to help clients enjoy supported stretches in utmost comfort. Participants do need to be able to get up from and down to the floor a few times during the class. The sessions are enjoyed fully clothed, and the therapist sanitizes their hands between clients.
So, when can you come to a class? I'll be launching my class calendar with locations, dates, and prices in early July! Currently, I'm waiting for my supply of bolsters, blankets, blocks, and mats to arrive and preparing to teach a couple of practice classes. I'm also scouting for the perfect location(s) to offer Yomassage, so if you have an idea or would like to to see offerings at your favorite yoga studio or workplace, please contact me at evafordLMT@gmail.com, and let's create an offering together!
