Massage Technique
I was trained in Massage at the Swedish Institute in New York City. In this "school" of massage there are 5 basic strokes. Click on "Videos" link at left and look for "What Is Massage?"
That is the basis for my technique. I offer Deep Tissue, Sports and/or more Nurturing"Relaxing" type massage. I do aromatherapy too. Of course I work on a table. I also have knowledge of Body Electric technique, which I would be happy to discuss person.
Full Disclosure Policy
According to the laws of the State of New York "I do full body massage from head to toe."
For the most part--I do not believe in the ever-popular Reiki method of "healing". Too many people are claiming to do Reiki and it's too easy to simply let your hands "hover" over a person and then request payment for your work. Massage DOES heal--this I believe...but it heals scientifically through what results from touching. The skill or the touch depends on the training, experience and intention of the practitioner. Reiki--much like Cranial Sacral Therapy does have a basis for reality however this is the meeting place between science fact and New Age Soup. I have had some amazing Cranial Sacral sessions and re-booked only to feel nothing. You must choose what healing is right for you--what feels good on your body. Experience and faith do play a part but blind faith is ignorance. Quality comes with it's own form of "enlightenment" as a result in the massage therapist's skill and intention; also as a result of what the client allows to take place between the masseur and the client. Intentions must be clear in both people in order for success to occur, i.e., a good massage.
License Anyone?
Okay, having a license is the best insurance you have against being conned or ripped off. If you don't ask if somebody has a license and you go there anyway--don't complain that the guy touched you like a wet noodle, did nude gymnastics or rechanneled your 2nd Chakra energy after throwing a towel over your head. Also have compassion for what a well-intentioned bodyworker goes through. We provide a God-given gift. I believe most bodyworkers are good--or, at the very least just ignorant and full of ego, just as I believe most clients are good.
The challenge is to keep your grace when you encounter unclear intentions and downright bad energy. Sometimes it's all one can do--and it is enough.
There is a tremendous amount of shit in NYC or in any big urban center--human and otherwise--just as there are well-intentioned people and good energy. Too often the mania of city living causes us to forget being mindful. NYC is extremely aggressive especially during the summer (view my video on my Gay Bashing experience in the good old "Dinkins years of '94 and you will see the reason for my particular dislike of NYC in the summer). I get the heebie-jeebies just being here day to day--however this is my reality right now.
We all need to be mindful of the ancient wisdom the"Golden Rule" of "do unto others as you would have them do unto you" even in a crowd or when in a rush. Clients, masseurs, bodyworkers, etc. let this be an affirmation, a chant, a thought. Meditate on it when the urge to go fast, be in our ego, act out, speak violently, hurt or judge comes over us. Life is short. Be kind. I don't believe in love, but I do believe in the ability to cherish. Sometimes I forget--who doesn't. But if not acting out--is-at the very least--just not yelling and/or keeping your grace (your silence) then that is the mark of an enlightened person!
I'm not Jesus, Buddha, Dr. Phil (ugh), a New-Age Soup Salesman, a hustler, hooker or your lover. I am St.Orr Healing Arts. This is not a bus stop or a glory hole. I work here--it's a massage studio.
I'm currently working on a new video lecture on "Loneliness" what with the current rash of suicides in the city. I hope to have it posted by the end of the month; along with some new Work-out and Pilates videos; July has been taken up with much songwriting. It's challenging being multi-talented; I am probably the best kept secret in N.Y.C! Be that as it may--life goes on. As my friend Kitty Van Eagleannshaft says "Just make sure the phone bill is paid, darling!"
Please book by phone. DO NOT EMAIL. Serious clients call to book; non-serious clients email until the cows come home.
Unless you are a regular (Thank You & Bless you regulars!) you must confirm your appointment--on your way--by calling my mobile at 917.771.6367 and leaving a message that you are coming. Please remember to call when you are on your way to confirm you are coming; otherwise I cannot guarantee I will be available for your massage.
If you cancel an appointment without 24 hour notice, then you are responsible for half the fee. Please book mindfully, not mindlessly. Washington Square Institute offers counseling--if you need psychological therapy or counseling, contact them for help.
Please treat others as YOU would like to be treated.
With Love and Gratitude,
St.Orr