WHY MAKE :: SPACE?

Our natural response to stress or trauma is to tense up and shut down. What once was expansive in us narrows in an effort to keep us safe. I transitioned my practice name to make :: space in early 2015 because the idea embodies my intention to create room for change without imposing fixed formulas.

While human beings need protective instincts to survive, we sometimes need help to “let our guard down” after threat has subsided. Integrative clinical massage therapy listens to and melts those barriers, mending restrictions in a safe setting and allowing the body's innate wisdom to speak. As precise deep tissue work starts to make :: space in constricted areas, freshly oxygenated blood enlivens once walled off spaces - rejuvenating scar tissue, softening fascial adhesions, disarming pain triggers, restoring flexibility and range of motion, and allowing taut bands of muscle and connective tissue to breathe and decompress.

But this idea of creating room goes beyond what happens in us physically. Stress or trauma causes us to tense up and shut down psychologically, too. When we experience times of disruption or harm, we start to live in smaller ways. We find it harder to pursue our goals and dreams, cultivate supportive habits, and create authentic connections. But as we make :: space for contacting difficult realities, we allow for more cohesive potentials to emerge. And as we feel into our shadow selves, we move into fuller capacities.

So investments in treatment really do make :: space - for healing, for change, for life. At its root, this is the philosophy sustaining all therapeutic practice. And this is the ever-evolving art by which I hope to live. A way of being that’s less an answer than a question and a commitment to never stop listening.
~ natalie.

METHODS

Some of the modalities integrated into client-centered treatments at make :: space are:

• health history and postural assessment

• deep tissue and neuromuscular activation

• myofascial and craniosacral techniques

• orthopedic stretching and sports massage

• aromatherapy and simple breathwork

Throughout each session, my focus is on facilitating conditions that encourage mind, body, and spirit to be fully present and in agreement with treatment.

BENEFITS

Many of massage therapy's benefits are intuitive - we feel the results and know, at a core level, that bodywork works. Research also validates what we know. In my experience as both therapist and client, skilled treatment holds potential to:

• relieve headaches and chronic pain patterns

• alleviate fibromyalgia and myofascial triggers

• lessen anxiety, depression, and c-ptsd signs

• expand body awareness and self-acceptance

• release feelings of grief and worthlessness

• support sleep patterns and circadian rhythms

• bolster athletic resilience and injury recovery

 And the longer I practice, the truer the list.

RATES

60 Minutes - $110
75 Minutes - $130
90 Minutes - $160
105 Minutes - $190
120 Minutes - $210

Sessions include essential oils, organic eye pillows, and silicone cupping (when helpful). Steam eye spa available as a $5 add-on (not for use with contact lenses). The studio relies on vegan-friendly supplies and all-natural textiles.

Sessions cancelled with less than 24 hours notice may incur a 50% therapist consideration fee.

GRATUITIES

Here, integrative massage is medicine. In alignment with that view, I don’t accept gratuities. If you’d like to express your appreciation for the work, consider paying it forward by including treatment in your health and wellness budget more often and/or referring others to make :: space.

REVIEWS

"The best sessions I've ever had. She always seems to find the source of the problem. A natural - none better!" - George L.

"Top notch on every level: professional, awesome atmosphere, great technique. In my opinion, unmatched in the Richmond area." - Josie D.

"As an active duty soldier, finding quick attentive care beyond muscle relaxers and ibuprofen for pain led me to make :: space. I was skeptical at first but natalie’s skills and research for me identified the specific causes of my debilitating tension headaches originating in my neck and back. She provided sound advice on changing postural habits and the therapy resulted in rapid effective recovery. natalie is a true professional and cares about her clients. Highly recommend, as she basically saved my summer." - Mike M.

"The best! Wonderful atmosphere, welcoming space and excellent practitioner who knows bodywork and what works for your body." - Kay F.