Souljourner Bodywork

The Open Table: Availability This Week & Next! - https://mailchi.mp/67e3a71b3048/heading-to-the-world-massage-championships-17222119

The Open Table: Availability This Week & Next! - https://mailchi.mp/2ae90d3687bc/heading-to-the-world-massage-championships-17221708

Now accepting new clients at my home office in Louisville! I'm excited to serve this great community!

The Open Table: Availability This Week & Next! - https://mailchi.mp/2bfd688f40d0/heading-to-the-world-massage-championships-16533584

The Open Table: Availability This Week & Next! - https://mailchi.mp/6d562afe3d12/heading-to-the-world-massage-championships-16532084

The Open Table: Holiday Availability + Travel Reminder - https://mailchi.mp/8f3ca17b99d8/heading-to-the-world-massage-championships-8772332

It started with awards for video submissions for private practices, clinics, spas, and social media. There were roughly two million awards for videos, which was a surprise. There were only 8 in-person categories, but well over 15 video categories.

The top scorers from each in-person category brought their A-game to the stage and competed live for Best Massage Therapist in the World.

While tallying up the votes, the top 3 in each category were awarded their medals. Team USA brought home 2 medals: Gold in Swedish won by Melissa Strautman, and Silver in Sports won by Deon Abdullah! Then, with applause and all the hugs, the winners received their medals.

All in all, it was a very unique experience, and I’m grateful to have met so many passionate massage therapists from so many backgrounds around the world. It was inspiring to see everyone’s unique style, and to learn new techniques. I am immensely grateful to all my supporters at home who helped me cover costs, and for all the cheers and emotional support along the way.

I am bummed, but not surprised, to not bring home a medal. There is a type of massage style that, as far as I can tell, only exists in "Competition World." It seems to draw heavily from Thai massage and Cirque du Soleil.

Does it help address aches, pains, and stress? Who knows.
Is it enjoyable to receive? Questionable.
Does it look cool for spectators? Absolutely.

Massage Association

The massage I received was just as unique as before.

Phiane, competing for Canada, presented her generations-old lineage of bodywork called Yin-Yang Massage. She teaches and competes all over the world, and has won many awards for this family-held tradition. It felt similar to Thai-style work but on a table. The flow was very relaxing, and I could feel the profound wisdom through her hands and presence.

She also made every single piece of fabric used in the session by hand!

After lunch and photo ops, we piled into the auditorium for the Final and awards ceremony...

International Massage Association

The second day was much more relaxed, for myself and for everyone I spoke with. It was like Saturday was the big push to show off all your skills, and Sunday was the day to really enjoy the craft and the experience.

I met two new friends, from Portugal and Israel, in the bathroom at our hostel... because who else in a hostel is getting ready at 7am on a Sunday?

Today I was at table 10 with Phiane Duquet of Canada and Anna Majda of Romania and the category was Wellness.

I focused on relaxing techniques, and used essential oils and the spray I created for Craniosacral therapy. I was surprised that while others used incense, candles, and various scented products, I seemed to be the only one with essential oils.

My 'client' was from Romania. She had alopecia and was wearing a hairpiece, so she requested only light scalp work.

International Massage Association

The afternoon featured demonstrations and workshops. We gathered in the assembly hall to watch massage presentations by former competition winners and IMA judges.

After the demonstrations, the presenters offered workshops. I attended one for a new form of Ashiatsu called SARGA.

Ashiatsu is an Eastern tradition in which the therapist uses their feet to give compression-based massage. SARGA has made the technique more portable by attaching fabric to the table for support (instead of bars installed in the ceiling), and it focuses more on fascia manipulation than compression.

A new modality may be in my future ;)

International Massage Association

The competition started Saturday morning and took place at a local university's Physical Therapy department. There were three rounds each day, and competitors were placed into triads to share a massage table.

I was at table 6 with Justin Poncet (solo), Vanessa Cuvelier & Perrine Clarisse (duo) of France and the category was Western Freestyle.

I gave a full-body routine that focused on yoga-like body mechanics and creative passive stretching techniques. My receiver spoke little English, which was a fun challenge, especially since he had a shoulder injury that limited some moves.

Some competitors came as duos to perform choreographed "4-Handed" massages. I was very lucky to receive a 'shamanic'-oriented 4-hand by the French Gold medalists of 2022! The creativity, ingenuity, and immense preparation that these ladies poured into their session was palpable and amazing.

International Massage Association

I FINALLY made a report of my time at the World Massage Competition in Copenhagen, Denmark! So please enjoy the run-down over the next week!

Friday was a virtual competition for therapists at home competing over Zoom.

For the rest of us, the organizers hosted a sightseeing walk! It was a fabulous way to meet some of the contestants and judges. People were so friendly and eager to get to know each other and our work in the world. I think massage competitions enjoy the most, and best quality, hugs of any competitive event.

The walking tour took us around Copenhagen's historic center. We saw Tivoli Gardens, one of the oldest amusement parks in the world, and the city's most famous tourist trap, Nyhavn, with its canals and classic Danish buildings.

Massage Association

The Open Table: Openings this week - http://eepurl.com/iBU_8A

The Open Table: Availability This Week and Next! - https://mailchi.mp/afb1c9541347/heading-to-the-world-massage-championships-8768384

You might be thinking "How do you do a virtual massage session?"

Well, virtual sessions are about fine-tuning the exercises and stretches you do in between your sessions with me. For those committed to tackling and beating myofascial pain, massage is just one part of a larger treatment plan, and virtual sessions are how we meet live to do your home care plans!

DM me if you want customized assistance targeting the muscle groups and fascia that are holding you in pain patterns.

Book with me through my website (link on my page)

It's good to be a member!

The benefits of being a member with me are:
💆‍♀️️1 session/mo at $15 off the normal price. (Billed automatically with card on file)
🎉15% OFF 1 additional session each month
🧘🏽10% OFF 1 virtual consult weekly
🙀Unused in-person sessions roll over for up to 3 months
🫂2 "Buddy passes" Your membership session can be given to friends or family up to 2x per year

Terms & Conditions
🚫Unused virtual sessions do not roll-over
✋Membership discount may not be used for: sessions less than 60 minutes or longer than 105 minutes, add-ons, series or packages

Cost-of-living adjustments are made annually for many jobs, and that’s necessary for small businesses, too. I haven’t adjusted my rates over the past year in order to avoid extra strain to you during the challenging economic times. Now it’s time for a little adjustment, so session rates will change on Sept 1st.

New rates will be $130/hr for non-members, and $115/hr for members.
Discounted series will still be $10 off full-price.

Curious about memberships?
Tomorrow's post will have ALL the membership details!

Well, I'm headed to Copenhagen today! The World Massage Championships are in two days and I am thrilled to finally be on my way!

THIS IS HAPPENING!

Wish me luck and check my stories for updates along the way :)

Announcement! I'm headed to the WORLD MASSAGE CHAMPIONSHIPS in Copenhagen, Denmark in ONE WEEK!

The competition is June 30 - July 2nd, and I'm so excited to be competing for my first time this year! I will compete in the Western Freestyle category on Saturday and the Wellness category on Sunday.

To follow the adventure, stay tuned to my stories and posts here and on Instagram .Bodywork

It's officially official! Here's my registration to the International Massage Championship hosted by the International Massage Association in Copenhagen, Denmark!
Just 2 weeks from today I'll be competing in the Western Freestyle and Wellness categories!

Eliza McCutchen, USA - World Championship Massage 2023 The International Massage Association look forward watching Eliza McCutchen skills at the World Championship in Massage in wonderful Copenhagen. Read more here.

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT! I am competing in the 2023 WORLD MASSAGE CHAMPIONSHIPS in Denmark! "What the heck is that!?" you ask? Well, click the link below to read all the details!

In order to cover the basic costs of the journey, I'm reaching out for support to fundraise $3,000. Please consider donating, and if you want to be a 'practice dummy' there's a way to do that (read to the bottom of the GoFundMe page).

I take off June 26th! Help me bring Massage Gold home to Boulder, USA!

Send Eli to the World Massage Championship!, organized by Eli McCutchen In 2019 a local headline changed my career goals forever: The World’s T… Eli McCutchen needs your support for Send Eli to the World Massage Championship!

Wow! We're already a third of the way there!

Thank you so much to the folks who have donated and if you haven't had a chance - donations are still open.

Any amount is helpful and much appreciated!

https://www.gofundme.com/f/Eli-to-the-championships?sharetype=teams&member=26790553&pc=fb_co_campmgmt_w&rcid=r01-168490186825-f0f8ccc6f9e911ed&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=p_lico%2Bshare-sheet&fbclid=IwAR2rv4azSru7rAQoyP0MdUyJNdwjG_TVUf5pNGYrmwFuu7UeOLZZIBvVu0Q

Send Eli to the World Massage Championship!, organized by Eli McCutchen In 2019 a local headline changed my career goals forever: The World’s T… Eli McCutchen needs your support for Send Eli to the World Massage Championship!

New service: Massage Kitten! 😻
Increase your relaxation by sheer cuteness. May provide spontaneous acupuncture. 🦀

This is the newest addition to my family: Figaro!

For anyone allergic, don't worry, he only works at my home, not my office 😄

I've had several clients recently (and myself!) say they're worried that they feel too lazy, too tired, or lack motivation. Remember that we are STILL in the throws of the most stressful event in recent memory. Dealing daily with the global domino effects of the pandemic is extremely stressful, and you can't expect yourself to be operating as if things are normal

Wow. I wish there were clear words to describe what therapy IS... what power it has to shift EVERYTHING. But it can only be described in metaphor. It's like floating in an ocean inside your body, using the waves to redirect your spine into place. The the deep currents floating your cranial bones apart to give your brain the space to breathe again... Like a dry sponge soaking up water.

It's a experience, and the best nap you've ever had. It helps your bones remember where they go, your organs remember what they do, and your nervous system remember what peace is.

I started learning a new modality! Learn about Watsu and see if you'd like to have a session so I can practice :)

What's a Watsu? Imagine floating on your back in a hot spring, the warm water bubbling and swirling around your skin as you sink deeper and deeper into bliss... Now imagine that in the water you're being gently cradled and moved through a series of gentle stretches, movements, and light massage while you float. Tha...

Join me and other holistic wellness practitioners for a lovely morning of self connection & self care! This Sunday 8/22, 9a-1p at in Longmont! I'll be offering short treatments for massage, cupping, and craniosacral!