An Eastern Approach to Women’s Bodywork: San Francisco’s Stacy Mathies
Scott Mills, Ph.D.
When I first met Stacy teaching a Thai yoga massage course I took a few years back, I knew that her gentle, grounding presence was a gift to anyone who works with her. I was fascinated by her journey from an office worker in chronic pain herself to a holistic healer practicing Thai and Shaitsu massage. When I asked her what drew her into the work, she explained to me that it was all about happiness!
Stacy’s practice is primarily geared to supporting women’s journeys into health and wellness so I was glad when she could fit me into her busy practice. It’s no surprise that she works using the powerful Eastern modalities Thai yoga massage, Shiatsu and Reiki. When I asked her how she got into this work, she sounded like an old Zen master telling me that moving from an “office worker’s body to a massage practioner’s body [was] the difference between distraction verses integration of mind, spirit and body. Receiving and giving massage has reconnected me to my personal happiness.”
And her work feels that grounded. Working from her home studio gives her the time to share a cup of tea and find out what’s really going on in your body. Before I even got onto her mat, I had a firm sense of comfort and groundedness that only deepened through the work. Many of the positions felt like a very gentle form of yoga (no wonder Thai massage is called “lazy man’s yoga”) as she twists and turns, opening the body with ease and grace.
She is deeply focused on bringing the mind and body into alignment. She told me, “Often the mind disconnects from what the body is feeling, pretending that the body can take care of itself. Through the act of receiving massage, a client can gently become aware of messages from their body; the strained muscles, and emotional holding.”
While her clients span a wide range, she does seem to attract a lot of busy professional women as well as women returning to health and wellness. I would encourage you to experience her caring, compassionate touch. And, as a special offer to friends of MindBodyExperience, Stacy is offering $10’s off a 90 minute massage through the end of the month. Make sure to mention the offer when you call her.
You can find out more about Stacy and book and appointment at www.stacymathies.massagetherapy.com
