“Mommy,” my daughter said, “my body feels so calm.” It was bedtime last week and my daughter asked me to give her a back rub. As I started rubbing, my muscle memory kicked in and it turned into a full body massage. She felt so relaxed and this reinforced my view that becoming a massage therapist was one of the best decisions I have ever made.

I dreamed of being a massage therapist for over 20 years and in 2019 decided to get official training as a massage therapist. After learning about anatomy, physiology and body mechanics, and doing 500 hours of coursework, I passed my massage and bodywork licensing exam and became a licensed massage therapist. Immediately thereafter, I started my massage business, My Healing & Harmony.

In addition to my initial training in Swedish massage, I am constantly learning new techniques and modalities. Some of my training includes prenatal massage, aromatherapy, and deep tissue massage, as well as medical massage for lower back, hip and sciatica.

As I continued massaging my 6 year old, I explained to her why she felt so relaxed, and told her all about the sympathetic (SNS) and parasympathetic (PNS) nervous system, both part of the autonomic nervous system. The SNS is best known for its activation under stress and its ability to help us in fight or flight situations. However, when receiving a massage, our PNS is activated. The heart rate slows down and the body naturally falls into a deep relaxed state, promoting recovery, improving digestion and sleep, reducing stress and anxiety levels, boosting the immune system and just feeling so good.

My approach to massage is that it is mental health for the body. As we know, our mind and body are connected, and being massaged impacts both at the same time. The body remembers its experiences, positive and negative, and bodywork helps our body process old and new wounds and trauma through touch.

I started my business with the intention of catering to all women with various concerns ranging from stress to upper back and neck pain, to severe sciatica, chronic pain and more. Clients also come in for relaxation and to keep up with general life balance. Massage can be used as a preventative tool for the body, as well as a restorative tool that enables my clients to take ownership over their personal healing. Many people believe massage is a luxury; however, incorporating it into your weekly, biweekly or monthly regimen can be the key to a healthier you.

The massage work I do is holistic and client-centered, making sure there is clear communication prior to the session to determine the client’s expectations. The first meeting begins with an assessment form and a dialogue. I then plan a massage using various modalities, curated to the client’s needs and feedback, prior to and during the session. Massage sessions are 30, 60, 90 or 120 minutes. I have gift certificates available for friends and family.

My daughter appreciates the relaxation massage brings to her life and I would like to share it with you, too. From day one, I made the decision that My Healing & Harmony would provide massage therapy for female clients. This allows me to specialize in the unique needs of women, while reinforcing my own sense of agency as a female business owner.

Take a few deep breaths and book a massage, it will change your life.

I am conveniently located at 427 Water Street in Teaneck. Contact me at [email protected] or call 201-800-4834.

Faige Drapkin is a licensed massage therapist working in Teaneck, for women. To schedule a massage, Faige can be reached at [email protected] or 201-800-4834.