Aquatic Bodywork

While there are many styles of aquatic bodywork, the work I do is Hawaiian Temple Lomi Lomi in the water. It incorporates the principles of MDMA®, but I approach the work as sacred shamanic bodywork, as the water component of Lomi Lomi.

Tremendous advantages present for the biomechanical work, when the body is freed from the effects of gravity, the practitioner has 360 degree access in all planes, and the body's momentum through the water can be used both for it's effect on tissue and to identify physical holding patterns.

In addition, and perhaps most significantly, the work in the water can be very powerful emotional and spiritual healing work. The sense of surrender, the trust, the immersion and support, the sound of one's breathing resonating through the cranial bones, all contribute to a deeply meditative state, wherein the receiver is free to release all that no longer serves. The work is very intimate, further contributing to the sense of trust and support, the freedom and letting go. Clients often describe their experience as "returning to the womb," or "I felt like a mermaid."

While emotional release is not a goal, it is welcomed and supported. A client may surprise themselves by sobbing for 5 or 10 minutes, for reasons known or unknown, or may laugh uncontrollably. These emotional releases are completely supported with holding, stillness and security until they are finished. Then we resume the massage.

Not everyone is ready, or even wishes to receive the work on this deep level. Your experience of it is controlled largely by your openness to it. I cannot take you to a place you don't wish to go. Nor would I attempt to.

Bathing Suit vs. Birthday Sut

Many choose to receive this work in the nude. This may enhance the "womblike" sensation many report in receiving the work. It is not essential. It can add a layer of trust and surrender that deepens the emotional and spiritual components of the work. It also removes restrictions that may limit abdominal work(in the case of one piece style swimsuits). Should you choose to wear a suit, I suggest a two piece suit that is as comfortable as possible, that uses a clasp, rather than ties. Long dangling ties float in various directions and sometime the knots loosen, necessitating a pause to re-tie. This is not an issue with suits that conform to the body and clasp together. You may also choose to wear only suit bottoms. I am unattached to your preference. In this work, you have the power to define your experience. While you may stretch your comfort zone slightly to be open to receiving a deeper experience, you should not abandon that zone. Make choices that allow you to be comfortable and trusting, not fearful or anxious. You are where you are and where you are is perfect. You are perfect. Created just as you were intended to be.

Multi Dimensional Movement Arts®, MDMA®

MDMA® is a water based style of massage developed in Miami by Author, Massage Educator and Therapist Sandy Freidland. It is a powerful, and yet extraordinarily gentle modality. By supporting the body's weight in the water, the Therapist has greater access, the body's normal tonicity is released and tissues become slack, allowing for greater penetration, stretching and more powerful effect. An hour is the pool receiving MDMA® is the equivalent of two hours on a massage table.

Water Frees us from the oppressive pull of gravity. We are lighter and we are free.

Experience incredible, delightful, transformative massage therapy. Profoundly restorative, Michael's professional massage therapy releases deeply held muscle tension, unblocks holding patterns and taps your body's own healing energy. Your South Beach Massage Therapy session will leave you feeling great!

Michael deftly incorporates many massage styles, such as Swedish Massage, Esalen Massage, Thai Massage (Thai Yoga), Lomi Lomi, Multi Dimensional Movement Arts as needed into his sessions. Michael's therapeutic massage has a powerful energetic component that helps you arrive at that space of deep healing.