Olympia Massage Alchemy

October is LGBTQ+ History Month.

For me, being LGBTQ+ affirming isn’t just something I put on my website. I want OMA to be a place where q***r and trans people can get a massage without wondering whether they’ll be judged, misgendered, or made uncomfortable because of who they are. Safe.

We’re able to be visible today because generations of LGBTQ+ people fought to live openly, build community, care for one another, and demand the right to exist as themselves. There’s a lot of that history that deserves to be remembered—and a lot of work that still isn’t finished.

This month, I’m especially grateful for the people who came before us, the people doing the work now, and the q***r community I get to be a part of here in Olympia.

LGBTQ+ people have always been here. Our history matters.

— Jakob
Olympia Massage Alchemy

It’s Hot Mulled C***r Day, and the weather is officially starting to feel like fall.

Warm c***r, cooler evenings, candles, blankets… this is the time of year when I want everything to feel a little cozier.

So if that sounds good to you too, try a candle-lit hot stone massage at OMA.

The warmth from the stones feels especially good as the weather gets colder, and candlelight makes the whole room feel a little quieter and more relaxing. Basically, it’s about as close as I can get to turning a massage into a warm mug of c***r. Jump in!

Come get cozy for an hour (or 90 minutes).

— Jakob
Olympia Massage Alchemy

***rDay

Apparently today is Ask a Stupid Question Day, which feels like a perfect excuse to say this:

There really are no stupid massage questions.

Wondering if you have to get naked? What happens if you fall asleep? Whether I care if you haven’t shaved? What cupping actually does? Whether the table will support you? What happens if you have to p*e halfway through your massage?

Ask me. Seriously.

I’d much rather you ask the awkward question than spend your massage worrying about it.

I’ve also put together an FAQ answering a bunch of the questions people have about massage, my space, accessibility, consent, pricing, and what to expect at OMA.

Read the FAQ here: https://mysite.vagaro.com/olympiamassagealchemy/faqs

And if your question isn’t there, send it my way. I’ve probably heard it before—and if I haven’t, you can still ask.

— Jakob
Olympia Massage Alchemy

September is Healthy Aging Month.

Getting older doesn’t mean we have to stop doing the things we love. For me, healthy aging is about doing what we can now to keep our bodies moving and feeling good for as long as possible.

Keep moving. Stay involved with your community. Keep learning new things. Eat food that makes you feel good. Make time for the people and things you enjoy. And take care of the aches and pains instead of always pushing through them.

Massage can be part of that too. Regular massage and stretching can help with tight muscles, stiffness and mobility, and it gives you a chance to actually pay attention to what’s going on with your body.

We’re all getting older. I want to keep gardening, camping, traveling and doing the things I love for a long time, and that means taking care of the body I’m doing them in.

- Jakob

I finally have memberships and massage packages available at Olympia Massage Alchemy!

I wanted to have a couple of different options depending on how often you like to come in.

Memberships are for people who want massage to be a regular part of their routine. You can choose two or four massages a month, save a little on each session, get some free add-ons, and have the option of keeping a recurring appointment time.

Packages are a little more flexible. You can purchase multiple massages at once, save money compared to booking them individually, and use them as you need them without a monthly membership.

So whether you’re someone who knows you need massage every week, come in a couple times a month, or just want to have a few sessions ready when you need them, there’s an option for you.

You can find all of the new memberships and packages on my website.

- Jakob

Innergize Day is the day after the fall equinox, and I kind of love the idea behind it. It’s a day to slow down and give yourself a chance to recharge.

Summer gets busy. We try to fit in vacations, camping, gardening, festivals, projects and everything else while the weather is good. By the time fall rolls around, I’m usually ready for things to slow down a little.

So take the nap. Cancel something you don’t actually want to do. Read your book. Go sit outside. Go to bed early...Get a massage!

You don’t always have to be doing something productive. Spending some time INnergizing will help you stay healthy through the fall and winter.

-Jakob

A lot of people are curious about cupping but aren't really sure what it does.

I use cupping when I'm working with areas that feel tight, stuck, or just don't seem to want to let go with regular massage. Instead of pressing down into the tissue, the cups use suction to gently lift the skin and underlying tissue.

I especially like using it on backs, shoulders, hips, and other areas that have been holding a lot of tension.

And yes, cupping can leave those round marks you've probably seen. They're not bruises in the traditional sense and they usually fade on their own over several days. I can also use lighter suction or keep the cups moving if you're worried about marks.

Cupping isn't right for everyone or every problem, but when it makes sense, it's a really useful tool to have alongside regular massage.

- Jakob

September is Pain Awareness Month.

I know a lot of you deal with pain every day. Standing on your feet all day at work, sitting at a desk for hours, old injuries that never quite stopped bothering you, chronic pain, headaches, sore joints, tight muscles, or just doing a physically demanding job day after day.

And a lot of us get really good at ignoring it. We work around it, change how we move, take some ibuprofen, stretch for thirty seconds and keep going.

Massage isn't going to make every kind of pain disappear, but it can be one more thing in your toolbox. It can help loosen up muscles that are constantly working overtime, help you move a little easier, and give your body a chance to relax.

You don't have to wait until you're completely miserable to take care of yourself, either.

I know life is busy. Just don't forget that the body getting you through all of it needs some attention too.

- Jakob

Olympia Massage Alchemy is officially open in West Olympia!

The boxes are unpacked, the massage table is set up, and I’m officially seeing clients in my new space.

I’m really excited about this move and looking forward to welcoming both returning and new clients. The new office is a comfortable, private space where I’ll continue offering therapeutic and relaxation massage, lymphatic drainage, cupping, stretching, hot stones and more.

As always, OMA is LGBTQIA+ affirming, consent-focused, and welcoming to all bodies.

Come see me in the new space!

Appointments are available at OlympiaMassageAlchemy.com

— Jakob