Welcome from

I have always been interested in massage therapy as a way to feel better and more connected with people, and I am thrilled to be able to share my knowledge of classic massage techniques with you in this book.

The magic of massage is that it can guide a body toward healing itself. It can help someone who is suffering to feel better throughout their healing process. Massage brings us back to ourselves, reminding us to listen and to breathe, to slow down and acknowledge pain and tension, and to take care of our bodies tenderly.

I grew up with scoliosis, and regularly experienced the frustration and stress of chronic pain. My earliest memory of massage is of my mother, a classically trained professional ballerina, working on my shoulder pain using kneading strokes, which gave me some much-needed relief. Later, I would go on to trade back rubs with friends and read every book I could find on the subject of massage.

I first studied massage formally in Thailand, becoming certified in Thai massage at the wat po school in Bangkok. I immediately realized the benefits and joy of working with my hands and with people.

I continued my education at the Swedish institute and became licensed as a massage therapist in New York, where I practice today. My studio combines a medically based massage practice with the relaxing environment of a healing space, and it is wonderful place to be: it's not with every job that you get to be the best part of someone's day, every day.

Rachel Beider

KNOTS

Crisscross Muscles

Our muscles are layered and oriented in many different directions. These layers cross each other at various angles. Think of some as parallel, running alongside each other, while others are perpendicular, running across each other. To complicate matters further, there are often several layers of muscles right on top of each other. From time to time at these crossings, rather than gliding past each other, muscles may become adhered or “stuck” to their surrounding structures, resulting in a crunchy, lumpy, hard, and painful spot that can feel tense and uncomfortable.

An adhesion can start to limit your range of motion, making it harder to move or stretch in a certain direction, which is often uncomfortable and painful.

What Causes Knots?

Muscles become adhered for all kinds of reasons, most commonly because of poor posture and sitting still for too long, or repetitive use. Circulation lubricates our muscles, bringing fresh oxygen and nutrients. Another contributing factor to adhesions is dehydration. Muscles are very spongy tissue, and need to stay well hydrated to perform at their best. Injuries can also contribute to adhesions.

When You Find a Knot

When you think you’ve found a knot, check in with the receiver and ask them how that spot feels. If it’s an area that they would like work done on, slowly sink your fingers in, making sure to check in regarding pressure. The receiver should feel relief at having pressure placed on an area with a knot: the effect should feel like “delicious” pain, not scary pain.