The Healing Power of Touch: When Bodywork is More Than a Massage
Although massages are where people most often begin when wanting to heal their bodies from stress and other internalized challenges, and it’s a beautiful place to start, you can still feel like something’s holding on when you’re finished with the deep tissue, tension-targeted and relaxation rubdowns. That’s often your body asking for something more. Not more of something, but something different.
At my vitae, we believe bodywork goes beyond muscles and movement. It’s be a gateway into your nervous system, your energy field, and your inner emotions, gently supporting your healing from the inside out. Two of our favourite examples are somatic therapy and energy healing.
What is Somatic Therapy?
Somatic therapy is a body-based approach that works with how emotions, memories and stress patterns live in the body. It’s not just about loosening tight shoulders or unwinding a stiff neck. It’s about listening to what your body’s holding, and creating space for it to shift at its own pace.
We offer two forms of somatic bodywork at my vitae:
Somatic Facial Massage focuses on the head, jaw and neck, places we often hold unconscious stress. Through mindful touch and cranial massage, this treatment invites a deep sense of calm and subtle emotional release.
Somatic Release is a full-body experience combining breath, movement and verbal guidance. It supports the release of tension and emotional patterns stored in the body, helping you feel lighter, more present and more connected to yourself.
There’s no pressure to talk. No need to “go deep” unless that feels right. These sessions are about meeting your body exactly where it is with safety and respect.
The Quiet Support of Energy Healing
Sometimes what we carry isn’t only physical. Energy healing offers a non-verbal, non-invasive path to support emotional regulation, nervous system recovery, and spiritual grounding.
Using techniques like chakra balancing, intuitive energy work, and gentle (or no) touch, energy healing can help:
Ease feelings of burnout or overwhelm
Support transitions or grief
Restore clarity, calm, and connection
You stay fully clothed, often lying down or seated in a quiet space. There’s nothing to “do,” just breathe, receive, and let your body respond.
Energy work may be especially helpful if you’re in a season of fatigue, processing big feelings, or simply feeling off but unsure why. There are no required beliefs, just a willingness to show up.
Bodywork That Works With You, Not On You
Unlike more traditional massage, somatic and energy bodywork doesn’t push or override. It meets your nervous system with gentleness and intention. Many clients pair these services with psychotherapy, acupuncture, or breathwork as part of a whole-person care plan.
If you’re feeling disconnected, foggy, or like your body’s trying to tell you something, you don’t need to figure it out alone. Book a session or reach out with questions, whether it’s your first time trying bodywork or you're returning to it with new curiosity.