If you're seeking holistic and integrative support for anxiety, grief, depression or stress... you're in the right place. We offer Custom Massage for Mental Health, Ashiatsu Barefoot (FasciAshi) Massage, and Brazilian Lymphatic Drainage Massage.
Don't see the answer to your question? Reach out! We're happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have.
WHAT MAKES THE MASSAGE FOR MENTAL HEALTH DIFFERENT FROM A RELAXATION MASSAGE?
At Cincinnati Massage for Mental Health, our approach extends beyond traditional relaxation massage to support both your physical and mental well-being. Our Licensed Massage Therapist is also a Licensed Mental Health Clinician, bringing specialized training in trauma, somatic work, and the mind-body connection to every session. While relaxation is certainly a benefit, we focus on therapeutic techniques—like Brazilian Lymphatic Drainage, FasciAshi Barefoot Massage, and customized integrative massage—that address the root causes of physical tension and emotional stress. By working with the fascia and nervous system, we help release stored tension, improve circulation, and restore balance, supporting a deeper sense of calm and resilience. This holistic, trauma-informed approach provides not only immediate relaxation but also long-term mental and emotional benefits, making our services uniquely suited for those seeking support in managing stress, anxiety, grief, or trauma.
WHAT ARE YOUR QUALIFICATIONS IN WORKING WITH CLIENTS SEEKING MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT?
Our therapist is a Licensed Mental Health Clinician with a MSW, and a BS in Kinesiology. Additionally, she has a 500 hour advanced yoga certification in Yoga Psychology, and trainings in Energy Psychology, Somatic Therapies, Integrative Health, Somatic Breathwork, Meditation, and Yoga Nidra. More information is available in the About section of the website.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT IN A CUSTOM MASSAGE FOR MENTAL HEALTH?
Your therapist will send preliminary paperwork after confirming your appointment. This paperwork allows you to answer questions about therapies you would like to receive or are interested in as well as a brief mental health assessment to determine appropriate modalities to use in the service. A broad list of many of these modalities can be found on the service page for Custom Massage. These include EFT, Vagus Nerve Toning, Cupping Therapy, Aromatherapy, Acupressure, Swedish Massage, Lymphatic Drainage, and more. Your therapist will check in with you throughout the service to determine if you are comfortable and if you'd like anything changed. At the completion of the session, your therapist will step out, allowing you to dress and freshen up. The therapist will provide you with an aftercare plan, including when to return and how often.
WHAT IF I WANT A MASSAGE FOR MENTAL HEALTH BUT I AM MORE INTERESTED IN ONE OF YOUR OTHER SERVICES?
Mental health support is the overarching goal of every service at Cincinnati Massage for Mental Health. If you love a Brazilian Lymphatic Drainage session, or want to try to FasciAshi Barefoot Massage- you will still receive the emotional well-being benefits you're seeking. You can read more about how they support mental health on the individual service pages for each.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR FOR A FASCIASHI BAREFOOT MASSAGE?
For a FasciAshi Barefoot Massage, we recommend undressing to your comfort level, ideally with no clothing, to allow full access for the broad, sweeping strokes that make this massage technique so effective. This allows your therapist to work directly on the skin, enhancing the therapeutic benefits of the massage. However, we understand that everyone has different preferences. If you prefer to keep some clothing on, that’s absolutely fine. We’ll adjust by using gentle compression techniques over clothed areas rather than the usual gliding strokes, so you can enjoy the session while feeling completely comfortable. Our priority is always your comfort and relaxation, so please feel free to choose whatever option makes you feel most at ease.
CAN I HAVE FASCIASHI BAREFOOT MASSAGE BE PART WITH FEET AND PART WITH HANDS?
Because the room and table must be set up in a very specific configuration for a FasciAshi appointment, we ask that appointments be specific to just that service. We can, however, finish the massage off with a little bit of work with the therapist's hands if you like a scalp and face massage, or if you like some extra time spent on your feet or hands.
WHAT DOES A FASCIASHI BAREFOOT MASSAGE LOOK LIKE? DO YOU HAVE ANY VIDEOS?
We do have some video footage you can view on our Instagram account.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I GET BRAZILIAN LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE?
The frequency of lymphatic drainage massages depends on each person’s unique needs, health conditions, and treatment goals. Generally, we may recommend a series of sessions close together initially, followed by regular maintenance sessions. For acute needs, such as recovery from surgery or addressing significant swelling, we often suggest scheduling multiple sessions within a shorter timeframe—such as one to two sessions per week for 3-5 weeks—to effectively manage symptoms and aid recovery. For ongoing maintenance, clients may find benefit from less frequent sessions, such as once a month or every 4-6 weeks, to support lymphatic health and overall wellness.
IS BRAZILIAN LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE REALLY A LYMPHATIC MASSAGE?
The Brazilian Lymphatic Drainage Massage by Josie Rushing merges the best elements of traditional Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD), incorporating Vodder techniques with Brazilian styles, to deliver the full spectrum of lymphatic benefits from various approaches. At Cincinnati Massage for Mental Health, we recognize that each person’s lymphatic system is unique and deserves individualized care. This understanding has driven us to immerse ourselves in the study of traditional MLD, Brazilian Lymphatic Drainage, post-surgical support, and integrative mental health and lymphatic care from world-renowned experts, embracing a holistic view of health and the mind-body connection. By blending lymphatic drainage with myofascial release tailored for each person, we maximize the therapeutic benefits, promoting an environment that effectively encourages lymph fluid movement toward healthy lymph nodes and vessels. This approach offers multiple benefits: enhanced lymphatic flow, improved circulation, reduced inflammation, and a profoundly calming effect on anxiety and stress with each session. Our dedication to client wellness extends beyond the treatment room. We offer Brazilian Lymphatic Drainage in a supportive, relaxing setting, while also empowering clients with strategies to maintain a healthy lymphatic system post-massage. At Cincinnati Massage for Mental Health, we are passionate about setting a high standard in lymphatic massage therapy and helping clients build sustainable health habits.
IS BRAZILIAN LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE SAFE FOR EVERYONE?
While we do believe that nearly everyone can benefit from this service, there are contraindications. People who should consult with their physician before seeking Brazilian Lymphatic Drainage include: Active Infections or Fever: Those with acute infections, fever, or systemic illness should avoid lymphatic drainage massage, as it may worsen the condition or facilitate the spread of infection. Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Individuals with a history of or current DVT should refrain from lymphatic massage, as the pressure could potentially dislodge a clot, posing a serious risk of embolism. Active Cancer or Metastasis: People with active cancer, particularly involving the lymphatic system, should avoid lymphatic massage due to the possibility of spreading cancer cells or disrupting treatment. Heart or Kidney Conditions: Those with severe heart or kidney issues, or compromised organ function, should avoid or only consider lymphatic massage under healthcare supervision due to the potential risk of fluid overload or circulatory complications. Skin Infections or Open Wounds: Massage over areas with skin infections or open wounds may aggravate the condition, increase infection risk, or interfere with healing. Pregnancy (First Trimester): While massage is generally safe during pregnancy with modifications, it is advisable to exercise caution during the first trimester and consult with a healthcare provider prior to receiving lymphatic drainage massage. Individuals with Specific Medical Conditions: Anyone with certain health conditions or concerns should consult a healthcare provider to ensure lymphatic drainage massage is safe and appropriate for them.
Meet Your Therapist
If you're seeking additional support for grief, anxiety, stress, or depression... you're in the right place.
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With training as both a massage therapist and a mental health clinician, I am passionate about helping individuals on their mental health journey,
Using evidence-based therapies, I provide holistic support to promote emotional well-being and overall mental health. Each session is tailored to the unique needs of my clients, ensuring they receive the most effective and transformative experiences throughout their treatment plans.
I have witnessed the incredible healing power of massage therapy time and again, and I am committed to supporting my clients in moving through their physical, emotional, and spiritual transitions.
Contact me today to learn how I can support your mental health journey.
Why Choose Cincinnati Massage
for Mental Health?
If you have never experienced regular massage and bodywork from a gifted and talented massage therapist, let us describe what you can expect from us.
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Before your session, you'll complete brief intake forms to tell us more about your treatment goals, your primary concerns and challenges, the current state of your emotional well-being, and how we might consider approaching your first session.
The first session is mostly the "getting to know each other" session. The massage therapist is assessing the quality of health in the soft tissue and nervous system through touch. As the massage therapist works through different areas of the body, the client can feel each area with greater awareness and realize their level of pain, dysfunction, or health.
After the first session, the massage therapist will provide you with an aftercare plan, complete with a treatment protocol to address your concerns based on the current literature. Whether you're here for stress, anxiety, depression, grief, or a combination of them... there is a treatment plan for you.
Each following session is "training" for the client as the healing journey begins.
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This training involves the ability to let go, soften and unwind. Letting go of the chronic tension and stress that accumulates in the body. Resting the nervous system that is in a chronic state of fight, flight, or freeze.
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The healing process is a result of this "letting go". This leads to greater function of the entire body, more vitality, balanced emotions, a sense of well-being, deeper sleep, and an overall feeling of freedom and ease within.
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Each session is a deeper dive into releasing the many layers of tension, trauma, and myofascial armoring that prevent true health and healing from occurring. Like layers of an onion, it takes time to reach the center.
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Regular massage and bodywork scheduled according to evidence-based practices can reverse years of unhealthy patterning in the body.
If you have never experienced this extraordinary process, perhaps it is time to raise the bar on what is possible for your physical health and emotional well-being.
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Click below to book your session now with the intention of continuing on a regular healing schedule: