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Monday 10am - 6pm Tuesday 10am - 6pm Wednesday 10am - 6pm Thursday 10am - 6pm Friday 10am - 6pm Saturday 10am - 2pm

Cynthia's Massage and Bodywork

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United States
Knoxville, TN
Cynthia's Massage and Bodywork

Licensed Massage Therapist specializing in Thai Massage

Based out of New Haven, CT
CT License #11221

02/20/2024

If I was better at memes, I'd do that Bernie Sanders one, "Once again I am asking..."

All of the reviews from last year have really increased my visibility on Google, and I am so appreciative!!! I've gotten a surprising number of good inquiries from Google, and I would love to see that grow.

What would help the most is local reviews from people around New Haven that mention Thai massage or assisted stretching.

I've you've got a few minutes, please consider going to my link in bio and leaving a brief and honest review.

Thank you!

10/23/2023

Thank you to everyone who left a review on my Google page! It is so helpful when starting over in a new city.

If you haven't left me a review yet and would like to, just find my link in bio!!

Thank you!!

10/21/2023

I've been getting over being sick and feeling a little cooped up, but I've also been enjoying feeling cozy at home.

It's given me the opportunity to return to my thoughts around interoception, or the internal felt sense. Interoception has a lot of definitions, but one way to think of it is the sensations deeper than our skin - internal rather than external stimuli and experiences.

It includes sensations such as your heartbeat, breath, hunger, thirst, digestion, and urge to eliminate.

It also encompasses experiences like the release in a good stretch, a hip with a dull ache, lightheadedness, or a feeling of smooth movement in a joint.

Interoceptive sensations can be things we enjoy, don't enjoy, or that we feel neutral about. They also can be information about areas of our bodies that could return to homeostasis, or balance. They may be an invitation to various actions or activities, such as intentional rest, eating a meal, helpful movement, or, my favorite, a massage.

For years I've been working on a list of interoceptive words, and much like I've used a feelings wheel to explore my emotions, I've used my interoceptive list to more deeply explore my body awareness.

I can't fit my whole list here, but here's a sampling.

Ache
Aligned
Awake
Balanced
Bendy
Charged
Clammy
Clear
Closed
Compressed
Cramp
Dizzy
Elastic
Expansive
Fatigue
Foggy
Grinding
Heavy
Irritated
Loose
Nauseated
Numb
Pinching
Relaxed
Sensitive
Smooth
Stiff
Tight
Warm

Do any of these sensations resonate with you today? Are there any that you would add to the list?

10/16/2023

Another kind review from a very kind client 💛

I have Thai massage appointments open this week, Thursday-Friday, 10-5!

10/03/2023

Thank you all for your kind reviews! 💛☺️💛

02/21/2023

Did you know I started a newsletter?

I'm still getting the hang of it and I've been bad at publicizing it so far, so please forgive my lack of communication!

I started a newsletter because I've been posting most of my updates here, and wanted another avenue to keep people in the loop. I would LOVE to be less dependant on social media, and I've got plenty of clients and students who don't use it at all. Email seems to be the most universal way to keep in touch.

So far my newsletters have had a little bit of newsy stuff about my practice, Thai massage appointment openings for the month, and class schedules.

If that's something you want in your inbox, sign up in my link in bio!

If you get enough in your inbox already, it's all good. I unsubscribe from most email lists, and I don't want to be in your inbox unless it's actually valuable to you.

Either way, I'll keep you all updated here or there ☺️

11/02/2022

5 Ways to Restorative Malasana

Malasana, or Goddess Squat, is one of my favorite yoga poses in general, and I recommend to so many clients that they start doing some squats for strength.

But squats can also be restful!

I played around with some variations, and you can use yoga props like a bolster, block, or yoga strap, or you can improvise with things around the house like dense, folded blankets, a book, or a scarf.

I started seated on a block or bolster with my back against the wall.

A strap a round my knees with a block between my knees added a feeling of stability, and allowed my thighs to rest more fully.

I also tried placing a bolster in front of my and resting my head. You could also wrap your arms around and hug the bolster.

Turning around and facing the wall is another simple variation that doesn't require any props except something to sit on, though you can also place a hand towel at your forehead to add some softness.

Lastly, I came to a legs-up-the-wall pose and brought my feet down the wall into a reclined squat.

Have you tried any of these variations? Which is your favorite?

11/01/2022

Offer yourself respite from the hustle & bustle with 2 hours of restorative yoga, and to help you settle in, I will be including Thai massage assists. It’s the perfect combination to encourage relaxation & peace!

Vote & then head straight here for some TLC!

Tuesday, November 8th
5:30-7:30p
$40 per grateful recipient.
Limited to 8 students.

10/25/2022

Some days are hard work, and some days I get to sit back and relax a little.

10/19/2022

This is my favorite way to get deep pressure to the legs!

10/11/2022

Our bodies are our home, the vehicles that allow us to move, the lens through which we see the world. Through our bodies we interact with the world, wave at a neighbor, hug a small child, place an arm of comfort around a grieving friend. Our bodies allow us to experience the pain of a twisted ankle or the relief of a massage.

But, bodies are just bodies.

Our bodies don't determine our worth.
Our bodies' limitations don't limit our resilience or ability to adapt.
Other peoples' perceptions of our bodies don't speak the truth of who we are.
Bodies are just bodies.

10/06/2022

Just started another Restorative Yoga and Compassionate Touch series!

This series of classes bridges the gap between a regular yoga class and a private Thai massage appointment. In class, students have the opportunity to explore resting in about 4-6 different easy poses while I apply Thai Massage techniques. I keep the class size small, limiting it to 6 students, so every student gets around 10-12 minutes of hands-on time from me.

My favorite part of this class is getting to know students as they come back month after month. As spend more time with students I get to know their body's needs better and am able to tailor their experience to their aches and pains.

Ready to join the next series?

Keep an eye out for an announcement for offering in November!

09/09/2022

Graduated!

I started the journey of becoming a Thai practitioner nearly 4 years ago when I took my first Thai on the Table course with Kelly M Nichols Scott] . Today marks the completion of my journey to certification, but is still only the beginning of my journey as a Thai massage therapist.

I am so thankful for all of my teachers, mentors, and friends in this journey, Kelly M Nichols Scott] and so many others!

09/09/2022

10 ways to Restorative Bridge!

Bridge Pose can be a lot of work when you do it in a Flow Yoga class, but in Restorative Yoga it is *chef's kiss*

Supported bridge is an inversion and can give you a small backbend. Since it's an inversion it's not appropriate for those with eye pressure issues such as glaucoma.

You can do supported Bridge Pose with yoga props, such as a bolster, block, or yoga strap, or use items around your house like thick blankets, books, and a scarf or belt.

To get into bridge, life face-up on the floor. Bend your knees and plant your feet. As you life your hips, place a bolster, block, or stack of folded blankets under your sacrum.

Take a few breaths and notice where you need support.

If you feel strain in your low back, lower the support under your hips, maybe taking the block to a lower setting, or replacing the bolster with a folded blanket.

If your knees tend to fall open to the sides, grab a yoga strap, scarf, or belt and secure it loosely around your knees.

If your shoulder are digging into the floor, add a blanket folded over just a few times to add some padding.

Need support under your neck? Use a rolled hand towel, cervical pillow, or sandbag under the curve of your neck.

Here I also added sandbags to my hips and shoulders for a more grounded feeling.

Spend a few minutes here, breathing gently. Allow your hips to melt into the support. Feel the firmness of the ground under you feet.

Have you practiced a restorative Bridge Pose before?
What pose should I do next?

Image Description: a series of 10 photos showing Cynthia, a dark haired white woman, demonstrating restorative Bridge Pose. She lies on the floor with her knees bent and feet planted, and her hips are raised and supported with various props.

09/06/2022

New clients are often surprised at how relaxing Thai massages are.

I usually describe Thai Massage as "a series of deep compressions, stretches, and joint mobilizations," and for some people, that can sound anything but relaxing. However, people change their minds once they try it!

It may take a few sessions, but once clients trust me, they relax as soon as they get on the mat. Clients realize that I won't stretch them beyond their limits or compress deeper than is comfortable. They let go and allow me to mobilize their body - rotating hips, jostling their spine, lifting their torso. At the end of the session they'll get up feeling taller, lighter, looser, energized, and sometimes rested.

When was the last time you fell asleep during a massage?

09/01/2022

When was the last time you truly rested?

Rested from you daily work?
Rested from your hobbies?
Rested from social media?
Rested from screens?
Rested from the news?
Rested from producing something?

Focused on your body?
Focused on your breath?
Focused on nature?
Focused on the taste and texture of your food or drink?
Focused on being present?

Remember that we NEED rest.

Our bodies need rest.
Our minds need rest.
Our spirits need rest.

Our culture doesn't often support rest, but there are spaces that do.

I create spaces for rest in my private Thai massage sessions, Restorative series, and classes, but there are other spaces too.

What do you do, or not do, to rest? Do you have a community that supports rest?

Image Description: a photo of a woman recieving a Thai massage. She lies face up on a Thai mat with her arm extended to her side. Cynthia, who is wearing a light blue shirt and black pants, kneels next to her arm and applies pressure to her clients wrist with her hand.

08/30/2022

I adjust stretches to each individuals body.

So if you see photos of me bending someone in ways you could never imagine bending, it's ok! Flexibility is NOT a requirement for recieving a Thai massage!

It turns out that working in a yoga studio means that the people I can usually grab for a photo shoot are generally pretty bendy, but many of my clients are not.

In fact, many of my clients come in because they AREN'T as flexible as they'd like to be, and that's one of the things we work on in their sessions.

Image Description: a photo of a woman recieving a Thai massage. She lies face down on a massage table with her knees bent, and Cynthia's arms are visible, pressing her clients feet down toward her hips.

08/26/2022

Just gathering a snack in the middle of a busy day!

We have SO many figs at . They were a nice little pick-me-up as I wrap up a busy work week!

Image Descriptions: 1) A photo of Cynthia picking figs. Shis is wearing a light blue shirt and plum pants, and picks from a sprawling tree that is taller than she is.

08/25/2022

"Ok, Cynthia, I'm here to get stomped on!"

This is how one client describes her Thai massage. Her husband, sons, and daughter all know not to call during her weekly session when Mom is "getting stomped on." But while I do use my feet when I'm giving Thai massages, I PROMISE I'm not stomping on my clients 😂

My intention is to never let my clients leave feeling like I beat them up, and very few clients report back saying they felt sore the day often their massage.

The whole time I'm working, I'm noticing how your muscles are responding to the pressure, and I adjust accordingly. Sometimes your muscles need deep, broad pressure, like the kind of pressure I can give with my feet, and sometimes your muscles need shallower pressure moving at a faster phase along the energy lines.

I can often tell when the pressure is too much, but sometimes I can't, and that's when I need you, my client, to let me know! If you're tensing up against the pressure or holding your breath, it's too much pressure.

What about you? Have you ever left a massage feeling beat up, or felt sore for the days following your massage?

Image Description: a photo of a client getting a Thai massage. The client lies on his side with his top leg bent. Just Cynthia feet are in the frame, and she is stepping on the inner thigh of her client.

08/22/2022

Mountain Brook is a simple restorative pose you can do at home!

While I have bolsters to work with at the studio, you can also use folded or rolled towels and blankets (dense cotton blankets work best, if you have them!), and a small throw pillow might be perfect for supporting your neck.

Mountain Brook, named for how your body flows over the three bolsters, is a fairly simple Restorative pose, but I really struggled with it for months. A number of instructions I read used a thicker round bolster under the torso, and for as much as I tried, I could not relax into it. Since I've switched to just a folded blanket, I've finally been able to relax.

To get into Mountain Brook, you'll need three props - one to support your head (like a rolled towel, blanket, or pillow) one to support your torso (ideally a little thicker and firmer than your head support), and one to support your knees (usually a large bolster or folded blanket)

Lie your props out on the floor, and sit with your knees over the largest prop. Slowly make your way down to the floor and adjust. Your arms will come straight out to the sides, nestling in the space between the two upper props. Depending on the firmness of your props, your shoulders may be floating.

Take a few breaths and check in with your body.

If it's difficult to relax your torso, take away some support by by removing, unrolling, or unfolding the blanket.

If there's too much stretch across your chest, you can lower your props, or you can add some small rolled towels under your shoulders.

If your low back feels tense, add more support under your knees.

Once you're comfortable, take some slow, deep breaths, imagining your breath flowing through your body like a gentle brook. Stay here for as long as feels comfortable, up to 10 minutes.

08/17/2022

Massage Therapists LOVE work on our hands!

But so does everyone else!

Texting
Driving
Typing
Writing

Or daily lives are full of repetitive motions that build up tension in our hands. And wrists. And forearms. And shoulders.

I incorporate work on the hands and forearms onto most of my massages, but if you need focus there, please let me know!

Video description: an overhead video of Cynthia wirking on a clients arm and hand. She adds compressions to the arm, and them massages the hand, finishing with wrist rotations.

08/15/2022

Have you thought about booking a regular appointment?

There have been points in the past few months where I've told clients I couldn't get them an appointment for 3 or 4 weeks.

The best way to make sure you don't have to wait is to get a regular time slot. I have openings for spots every 1, 2, 3, or 4 weeks.

Every week
*Wednesdays at 10a
*Fridays at 10a

Every 2 weeks
*Wednesdays at 2:30p
*Thursdays at 1:30p
*Fridays at 12:30p

Every 3 weeks
*Wednesdays at 12:30p

Every 4 weeks
*Thursdays at 1:30p
*Fridays at 12:30p

Want to claim your regular time slot? Let me know and I'll get you booked!

Image Description: A photo of a client receiving a Thai massage. The client is face down on the mat, and Cynthia's leg is in the frame, stepping on the back of the clients' thigh. A patch of sunlight bathes Cynthia's foot in bright light.

08/11/2022

Last week I graduated a client!

What does this mean?

Clients come to me with many different goals. Some are looking for specific pain relief. Some want regular self care. Some start Thai massage to support their mental health. Some of these goals are ongoing and simply become a part of the clients regular routine, but when these goals are specific and we reach them, the relationship changes.

A client had been coming every week or every other week for over a year. They started because they needed pain relief and intentional stretching, but they also began to notice the mental health benefits of regular self care.

As their pain has subsided and they've found motivation to start working with a personal trainer, they don't need Thai massage as often.

So the relationship changes.

I often see my regulars more frequently than I see some friends, so I'm always sad to see them less. BUT, I am SO happy to see my clients moving forward with their goals and feeling better in their bodies.

And when clients move on, they know I'll still be here for them when they need to come back 💛

Image Description: A photo of Cynthia giving a Thai massage. She stands in a forward fold while using her hands to compress the back of her clients thighs.

08/10/2022

Just taking to notice how much my spider plant has grown!

I was looking back at some Reels from a few months ago and was reminded of how tiny this plant was. It seems like I JUST took her out of a 2" pot, and it seems like she's almost outgrown the current one!

08/05/2022

Excited to have this sweet little plant hanger from .pots hanging in my studio!

Currently holding Little Crazy, because if I put anything but a cactus in it, I'm sure I'd forget to water it often enough and it would die 😬

Image Description: a photo of a corner of the studio where Cynthia works, showing the new plant hanger, the bars that it's hanging from, and some floating shelves in the background. The plant hanger is semi egg-shaped and an off-white. It holds an orchid cactus, which has zig-zag stalks.

08/03/2022

Reclined Bound Angle Pose is a favorite in my Restorative Yoga classes!

It's great with minimal props, but I find that the more props I have, the more weightless and free I feel. I love using the
bolsters and eye pillows we have in the prop closet at the studio, but you can also use stacks of dense blankets, firm pillows, folded towels, or thick books. Check out all of the slides for different variations!

You can get into this pose with just a bolster and blocks. Starting seated on the ground, bring the bolster lengthwise behind your sacrum. Plant your feet and bend your knees before placing blocks to either side of your legs. Slowly lower your torso to the bolster, and drop your knees to the sides. Angle the blocks so your legs rest on the flat side.

Take a few moments to adjust.

If you feel a stretch in your groin, move the blocks in closer. This pose helps open the chest and belly, and a stretch in the groin inhibits this opening.

If you feel discomfort in your low back, you can lift the back of the bolster with a block, or add more height with a folded blanket. You can also use a small bolster or rolled blanket at the base of the bolster.

If your shoulders are uncomfortable or tight, add folded blankets, blocks, or pillows under your arms.

If you neck needs support, you can use a towel roll or sandbag under the curve.

When I have them available, I love adding sandbags. A little extra weight on the hips, thighs, or feet can feel especially grounding.

An eye pillow or towel placed across the eyes always helps me to relax more fully.

You can hold this pose as long as feels comfortable to you, usually up to 25 minutes.

🧘‍♀️💆‍♀️🧘‍♀️💆‍♀️🧘‍♀️💆‍♀️🧘‍♀️

What about you? Have you been to a Restorative Yoga class where you did this pose? What was your experience?

Image Descriptions: Ten photos of Cynthia, a white woman with short dark hair, doing variations of Reclined Bound Angle Pose. She uses different props such as bolsters, blocks, blankets, and a yoga strap to support her body in the pose. She practices on a mat on a bamboo floor, and there is a brick wall in the background.

06/27/2022

So many ways to rest...

One thing I love about restorative yoga (and yoga in general) is that there are so many ways to use props!

A goal of restorative yoga is to support the body fully in the pose, and each body needs different placements and amounts of support.

Today I explored just two related poses, Locust and Bow, and found so many ways to rest in them using just a handful of props.

I started with just a folded blanket under my knees and thighs while lying face down on my mat, making sure my hips stayed planted on the ground. I felt like I needed support under my chest, so I added a folded blanket, and later a bolster. I played around with different props under my thighs and ankles, all the while checking in with my back to make sure I wasn't feeling any pinching. Eventually I added a scarf around my thighs and calves to support my legs in Bow pose, though I found I needed shorter props in order to stay comfortable in it.

I spent time focused on my breath and my body. I kept making sure I wasn't straining my back. I noticed how my breath moved through my abdomen and shifted my hips and thighs with each inhale. I allowed my body to fully relax into the pose, and I made changes if I wasn't able to.

Restorative poses like this can help the body to relax and unwind. It creates intentional time to focus on your body and breath, and to allow your body new ways to rest.

Have you practiced restorative yoga? Do you have a favorite restorative yoga pose?

Image Description: All slides show Cynthia, a white woman wearing a teal shirt and lavender pants, lying face down on a yoga mat. Each slide shows different variations of Locust and Bow pose, with different props supporting her knees, thighs, ankles, chest, and arms.

05/16/2022

I just made up some cute little adjustment cards for class tonight!

My Restorative class will be 7:30 to 8:30 on Mondays. I usually do numerous hands on adjustments in my classes. Even though I check with students beforehand, students preferences can change throughout a class.

The adjustments I do includes elements of Thai massage. I may assist some stretches or mobilize joints. Compressions are my most frequent adjustments, and can include compression to the shoulders or hips, or I may even step on hamstrings or forearms (just enough for it to feel helpful!).

Throughout a class, a student may find that their preference has changed - maybe at the beginning they thought assists would be nice, but now they've realized that's not what their body needs. Perhaps a student decided to focus more on breathing or meditating and doesn't want the distraction of someone adjusting them. Maybe they are in a pose that feels vulnerable and don't feel welcoming to touch. Or, a student simply doesn't want touch anymore.

Conversely, a student who said they don't want adjustments decides they actually would like them.

And some students may change their minds multiple times throughout the class.

These cards are an easy way to communicate changing preferences, and I'm happy to give students more ways to communicate their needs!

Image description: a photograph of green and purple index cards. The green cards say "adjustments? Yes please!." The purple cards say "adjustments? No, thank you!" The cards lie on a dark blue yoga mat with a dark blue yoga strap behind it.

04/15/2022

Incant get enough of this blanket I found in Sayulita, Mexico!

I wish I had the space in my baggage to get 10 more.

Ready to get on the mat for a Thai massage?

I have a Karma Massage appointment available next Thursday at 10a, and I'll be posting other availability for next week shortly!

Image Description: a photo of the Thai mat that Cynthia works on. It is covered in a white a purple striped blanket. The mat is on a hardwood floor, and behind is a wall painted light blue.

03/31/2022

Thank you for the new plant baby!!! 😍

So far I've killed all the the aloes I've had, but I'm resolved to make sure this one lives!

Image Description: a close up photo of a tiny aloe. The bright green leaves, patterned in a tight swirl, stand out against the plastic Terra Cotta colored pot. A bright block window and light grey marble windowsill form the background.

Address

711 Irwin Street
Knoxville, TN
37917

Opening Hours

Monday	10am - 6pm
Tuesday	10am - 6pm
Wednesday	10am - 6pm
Thursday	10am - 6pm
Friday	10am - 6pm
Saturday	10am - 2pm

Website

http://www.cynthialmt.com/

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Videos

I am overwhelmed by the response and am so excited to be offering this! If you were thinking about making an appointment, please message me and I can get you on my waitlist! If you'd like an appointment sooner, I have (indoor) appointments available at the Glowing Body @gbhealingarts Monday through Saturday (check my link in bio for booking). If you'd like to be the first to know about the next opportunity for outdoor appointments, leave a comment below (make sure it's the original post if you're viewing this on Facebook!)

During the month of September I am offering $12 off massages in celebration of @glowingbody 's 12 year anniversary! Just follow the link in bio, click "Book Now," and mention the 12 year anniversary when you request your appointment! See you soon!