High stress situations alter our brain function and nerve function, which can lead to higher states of stress and anxiety. The use of massage can provide a safe environment to process the somatic effects of extreme stress and traumatic stress through grounding/centering and stress management. For those struggling with high anxiety, extreme stress, and PTSD, professional touch can help break the cycle of flashbacks and triggers instead of just masking the symptoms.
Most research on massage therapy is contradictory and suggestive.
One of the few things the literature absolutely agrees on:
massage reduces depression and massage reduces anxiety
Alex uses a proprietary approach to anxiety, extreme stress conditions, and PTSD management. He developed it based on the research done by Bill Mueller and his signature Mueller Massage, other mind-body based psychology techniques like EMDR, and college courses in neuropsychology and physiology. This research was blended with principles of Somatic Psychology and with Eastern medical theory and their approaches to trauma, stress, and anxiety. His own experiences with survival and recovery from PTSD has strongly influenced his approach, as has countless hours with survivors and formal training with ACVOW (American Combat Veterans of War) in Oceanside, CA.
Alex has been active in providing somatic-based trauma recovery for a decade now. Starting as a student in massage school, he began teaching workshops in trauma-informed massage. Following the 2013 Boston Marathon Bombing, Alex teamed up with Massage Without Boarders to start developing an Emergency Response Massage program for helping other massage therapists provide the resources needed to work with victims of tragedy. In 2016 and 2017, Alex traveled to a war-torn community in Nigeria which was victim to a genocide in the 1970's to set up a Community Massage program, train new therapists, and provide massage for dozens of patients. After the 2018 Camp Fire, Alex helped train local therapists in trauma massage basics and has been active in the recovery, supporting survivors and professionals working with them.
To schedule your appointment:
Every BODY deserves a safe massage they enjoy, no matter your race, gender orientation, sexual orientation, medical condition, "disorder", diagnosis, history, or previous experience with touch or massage.
