Bodywork Sessions

I bring over 20 years of experience as a Licensed Massage Therapist and Bodyworker. My training lineage includes Thai Massage, Shiatsu, Chi Nei Tsang (abdominal massage), Breema, and Craniosacral work. I am also inspired and informed by somatic practices like Body-Mind Centering, the Feldenkrais Method, Contact Improvisation, Qigong, and Nei Gong.

The bodywork sessions I offer are quite different from conventional massage. I typically work with clients through comfortable clothing (no oil) and I use a wide range of techniques and touch qualities—from subtle holds and listening contacts (as in craniosacral) to deep structural work, rocking, stretching, traction, and mobilization (as in Thai and Shiatsu).

I like to work intuitively, so after a thorough intake form which you fill out immediately after booking, I begin to imagine a sequence of techniques for your session based on what you have told me you are experiencing and what you are wanting to change - a choreography for the session occurs to me - and yet what happens in the actual session can be quite different because my approach is rooted in Listening touch.

My approach to bodywork is intended to help you shift from a state of stress into a deep healing state — which provides mental and physical rest and allows the innate healing intelligence of the body to function better.

What to Expect

Sessions typically happen on a massage table, though I sometimes work on a floor mat. I usually work with clients through loose, comfortable clothing and do not use oil, except on occasion for abdominal work and neck/head work.

We'll begin with a brief check-in, followed by some listening touch/holds that allow me to listen to your body and help us both settle. Throughout the session, I may offer gentle invitations to presence—simple cues to bring you back to breath, body, and sensation. I usually recommend quiet during a sesssion to support you to get the most benefit from the opportunity to self connect.

Sessions could include:

  • Craniosacral therapy - gentle, listening touch that supports nervous system regulation, emotional digestion, and unwinding

  • Abdominal massage - gentle and relaxing; supports enlivening and expanding the breath, energy flow and circulation to the organs, unwinding fascial adhesions in the guts and organs that contribute to structural problems, detoxification, self connection, and so much more

  • Back and Spinal work - key acupressure points along the spine that support nervous system and organ regulation

  • Feet, hands, and neck/head - some work on the periphery always included

This work is especially supportive for people challenged with:

  • Chronic Illness, Chronic Pain, Chronic Fatigue, Chronic Gut Issues

  • Anyone who's been pushing themselves too much and needs to remember how to rest

  • Nervous system overwhelm - too much coming in and not enough letting go

Rates

90 mins $150

Schedule HERE

testimonials

“Mali's deeply calming and nurturing presence has been a profound influence on my life and bodywork.  Her slow and caring approach has allowed me to trust and surrender to change within myself.  Mali moves through the world with the confidence of a true healer and has the ability to communicate through touch what it means to relax." Sheryl Grunde

"Nearly ten years prior to receiving from Mali, I experienced a traumatic hip injury. Over the course of years, I sought all forms of bodywork for relief and became quite the connoisseur. I had my first massage from Mali at Breitenbush Hot Springs and it was then I realized that I wasn’t looking for relief, I was looking for transformation. The fluidity and confidence of her practice left me with no choice but to surrender to healing; never before had it been made clear to me how many parts I needed to let go of in order to heal the pain. It is a healer who leads such an all-encompassing practice that has the ability to inspire these changes within the body and Mali is one of the few healers I have met who naturally does this. Anyone given the opportunity to receive from Mali Jarvis is blessed." Shawna Wells

"I have been working with Mali Jarvis LMT for quite some time now and absolutely love her work ! She is so talented, as she is able to blend various practices of healing to her clients needs. My favorite massage that Mali does is Thai floor massage. She is able to handle my body like I have never been stretched out and relaxed before! I am a disabled woman of nine years and have gotten a lot of bodywork. Mali is the only one who is given me relief and respite. When I leave her office I feel like I can breathe again. I strongly recommend Mali to any of my friends and peers. Sincerely, Sheila Sargent"

"I was deeply moved by the compassion, sensitivity, and respect she embodied during the massage. It felt like a fluid healing dance, opening my chest (I'd been experiencing tightness, trouble breathing, and a lingering cough, which dissipated after our sessions) and realigning my limbs. It was also the first time I'd ever received an abdominal massage. A unique experience! Since then, I've noticed that my monthly cycle is more regular, and I feel a stronger connection to my "core" (body, inner self). I highly recommend her treatments! I'm in awe of her body wisdom and beautiful strength."

Anna Kate Yarrow

“I am familiar with Mali's work. It is exquisite.  She knows how to be present and create space in the body. She knows how to calm down the nervous system and create trust. Try it you will not regret it.”

Birgit Ball-Eisner RN and Rolfer

former owner of Monterey Institute of Touch

"I was deeply moved by the compassion, sensitivity, and respect she embodied during the massage. It felt like a fluid healing dance, opening my chest (I'd been experiencing tightness, trouble breathing, and a lingering cough, which dissipated after our sessions) and realigning my limbs. It was also the first time I'd ever received an abdominal massage. A unique experience! Since then, I've noticed that my monthly cycle is more regular, and I feel a stronger connection to my "core" (body, inner self). I highly recommend her treatments! I'm in awe of her body wisdom and beautiful strength." - Anna Kate Yarrow, Santa Fe, NM

More info about Abdominal Massage

My initial training in abdominal bodywork was in Chi Nei Tsang. My approach to this important and vulnerable area of the body has softened and is equally influenced by craniosacral work. I have a deep affinity for working in the belly and organs. Many have never had their abdomens touched therapeutically. I approach this area with slowness, reverence, and care. I work with the skin layer/lymphatic massage, the muscle and fascial layers, the organs and intestines, the nerves coming out of the spine, the navel (hub of wheel of body) and the breath. Sessions are given on a massage table and receivers remain clothed. I work both through the clothing and on the skin with oil. This work invites receivers into a deep healing state where they can breathe, meet themselves with support, and digest held tensions, memories, and emotions.

What can abdominal massage help be beneficial for?

Complex Chronic Illness conditions like fatigue, fibromyalgia, pain, gastrointestinal issues, stress related disregulation of any and all body systems

Shallow breathing, neck and shoulder tension

Regulating hormones and menstruation

Regulating the nervous system and promoting a healing state (healthy Vagal tone)

Helps to relieve structural imbalances

Supports detoxification through promoting healthy diaphragmatic breathing, circulation of blood in the organs, lymphatic drainage, and digestion / elimination

Healing from trauma by offering support for self-connection, emotional digestion and release

I have a deep affinity for working in the belly and organs. Many have never had their abdomens touched therapeutically. I approach this area with slowness, reverence, and care. I work with the skin layer/lymphatic massage, the muscle and fascial layers, the organs and intestines, the nerves coming out of the spine, the navel (hub of wheel of body) and the breath. Sessions are given on a massage table and receivers remain clothed. I work both through the clothing and on the skin with oil. I often incorporate a few craniosacral holds at the beginning and end. Often a series of treatments can be beneficial to shift issues you may want to address.

Please reach out with any questions.

“I have worked with many bodyworkers over the years and have yet to meet one like Mali. Mali is sensitive, intuitive, and highly skilled. Her bodywork is so unique that it is difficult to categorize. She has made working with anyone else problematic due to her incredible work. I can not recommend Mali more highly.” - Tory Capron

"Mali's healing work is deep, grounded, and nurturing. A fantastic fusion of Ayurvedic, Thai, Shiatsu, CNT (bellywork); the whole self is encouraged to stay open and present for shifts that may occur within the flow of the session. I highly recommend her bodywork to those who are genuinely seeking and embracing total wellness within themselves. " - Erin Noble