Somatic Massage is a personalized approach to bodywork that supports relaxation, body awareness and a greater sense of connection with yourself. Rather than following the same routine for every person, Asttarte draws from decades of experience with massage, acupressure, Shiatsu, Thai-inspired bodywork, energy healing, Breathwork and spiritual wellness practices. Each session is shaped around your comfort, goals, boundaries and present needs.
Offered primarily at the Manayunk main office, with additional in-person arrangements in Northern Liberties and Lambertville, NJ when scheduled.
A Whole-Person Approach to Massage
Stress does not affect only one part of us. It can influence the muscles, breath, emotions, energy, posture and the way we experience our bodies.
Somatic Massage creates time to slow down and notice what your body may be communicating. Touch, pressure, gentle movement, breathing and stillness may be combined to encourage relaxation and greater awareness. Your session may focus on:
- General relaxation and stress reduction
- Muscle tension and physical discomfort
- Grounding and nervous-system support
- Reconnecting with your body
- Developing greater awareness of breath and sensation
- Emotional well-being during periods of change
- Restoring a sense of balance and inner spaciousness
This work is collaborative. You are welcome to communicate what feels supportive, request an adjustment or withdraw consent at any time.
Approaches That May Be Incorporated
Somatic Massage
Somatic Massage combines therapeutic touch with awareness of breath, sensation and the body’s responses. The purpose is not simply to work on muscles, but to help you become more present and connected with your body. Sessions may include lighter or firmer pressure depending upon your needs and preferences.
Shiatsu, Acupressure and Thai-Inspired Bodywork
Shiatsu and acupressure use focused pressure along traditional energetic pathways and specific points of the body. Thai-inspired techniques may include gentle stretching, compression and supported movement. These approaches may help promote relaxation, ease areas of tension and encourage a greater sense of mobility and balance.
Spiritual and Energy-Integrated Massage
For clients who desire a spiritual dimension, massage may be combined with Reiki, intuitive energy healing, meditation, visualization or conscious breathing. This approach honors the connection between physical relaxation, emotional awareness and spiritual well-being. Spiritual elements are included only when requested or agreed upon.
Shamanic-Inspired Bodywork
Shamanic-inspired bodywork may incorporate grounding, breath awareness, energy healing, intention and compassionate attention to the body. Gentle abdominal or belly massage may sometimes be included when appropriate, but it is never assumed. It is offered only after discussion and with the client’s specific consent. The purpose is to provide a grounded space for self-awareness and reconnection—not to force an emotional experience or make the body release something before it is ready.
Emotional Taoist Acupressure
Emotional Taoist Acupressure draws upon traditional associations among acupressure pathways, organs and emotional experience. Within this framework, gentle pressure and mindful awareness may be used to support relaxation and personal reflection. These traditional energetic associations are not medical diagnoses, and responses vary from person to person.
What Happens During a Session
Before beginning, we discuss:
- What you are seeking from the session
- Areas of tension or sensitivity
- Pressure preferences
- Areas you would like included or avoided
- Preferences concerning touch, energy work and other supportive practices
- Any physical conditions or concerns that may affect the session
You remain appropriately draped throughout table-based massage. Only the area being worked on is uncovered, and intimate areas are never included. Depending upon your needs, the session may incorporate massage, compression, acupressure, supported stretching, Breathwork, grounding or hands-on or hands-near energy healing.
There is no requirement to experience an emotional release. Quiet relaxation, rest and increased body awareness are meaningful outcomes in themselves.
Consent and Professional Boundaries
All massage and bodywork offered by Asttarte Deva Healing Wellness Center is professional, therapeutic, and supportive of each client’s individual healing journey. Sessions do not include erotic massage, sexualized touch by the practitioner, or requests concerning the practitioner’s clothing, appearance, or personal participation in intimate activities. All practices are guided by professional boundaries, informed consent, mutual respect, and each client’s individual needs and readiness.
Consent is ongoing. You may request lighter pressure, different positioning, hands-off energy work or the end of a technique or session at any time. New clients complete a phone consultation before scheduling so that we can discuss their needs, answer questions and determine whether the work is an appropriate fit.
Session options & pricing
| Service | Rate |
|---|---|
| Massage — 60 minutes | $225 |
| Massage — 90 minutes | $275 |
| Massage — 120 minutes | $325 |
| Integrative Healing — 60 minutes | $250 |
| Integrative Healing — 90 minutes | $325 |
| Integrative Healing — 120 minutes | $425 |
Single personalized sessions range from $225 to $425, depending upon the session length and format.
For those seeking deeper or continuing support, structured pathways of three, five, ten and twenty sessions are available. A continuing pathway allows us to work with greater consistency, observe patterns over time and combine appropriate approaches according to your changing needs. Packages are emphasized for clients seeking meaningful, sustained support rather than an occasional massage alone.
Discounts available upon those who ask and as needed.
Somatic Massage and integrative bodywork are complementary wellness practices. They are not substitutes for medical treatment, physical therapy, psychotherapy or emergency care.