Restorative Massage

“The ancient Ayurvedic medicine defines six stages of dis-ease. Often Western medicine does not diagnose disease until health problems reach the fifth stage. Therefore balancing the body sooner is more efficient.”

-Judith Sullivan, Bodyworker & Author

Why Restorative Massage

Life constantly asks our nervous systems to stay “on.” Restorative massage is an invitation to do the opposite—to soften, slow down, and return to a state where your body remembers how to heal itself.

This style of massage is not about pushing or forcing change. Instead, it uses skilled, attentive touch that signals safety to your parasympathetic nervous system—the part of you that allows rest, repair, and renewal. When your body feels safe, it can finally release tension, rebalance, and restore harmony.

Restorative massage is both deeply relaxing and therapeutic—it not only eases stress in the moment but also supports long-term balance and resilience.

What Restorative Massage Can Support

  • Soothing the nervous system and calming anxiety

  • Reducing stress and regulating blood pressure

  • Easing discomfort from repetitive use or postural strain

  • Supporting autoimmune conditions by lowering stress load

  • Enhancing body awareness and overall sense of well-being

My Approach

In my sessions, I offer nervous-system-aware touch that complements your body’s natural rhythms of rest and repair. Sometimes I weave in elements of Zero Balancing™, offering points of stillness that help your body reorganize more deeply.

A restorative massage is more than relaxation—it is a chance to reconnect with yourself, to feel held, and to give your system the space it needs to heal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to undress?
Yes, restorative massage is performed directly on the skin with draping for your comfort and privacy.

Is this the same as a deep tissue massage?
No. Deep tissue uses stronger pressure to work into the muscles. Restorative massage focuses on the nervous system, using skilled, gentle touch that invites safety and release without force.

What will a session feel like?
Most people describe it as calming, grounding, and deeply restful. You may feel lighter, clearer, or more at ease afterward.

How long is a session?
Sessions are typically 60–90 minutes, depending on your booking choice. This gives your body time to soften and your nervous system time to unwind.

Can this help with chronic stress or tension?
Yes. While restorative massage doesn’t “fix” conditions, it can reduce the stress load on your system, which in turn supports healing, resilience, and overall well-being.massage works to soothe the nervous system, enhance body consciousness, regulate blood pressure, and reduce anxiety. This tranquil state enables the body's systems to function harmoniously, promoting overall wellness.

Book a Restorative Session (AKA Celestial Harmony Massage) with Jen at The Ritual Spa. ‪‪❤︎‬

Education and Training:

  • Licensed Massage Therapist #0019019722, Commonwealth of Virginia - Board of Nursing

  • Licensed Massage Therapist #2024-4113, West Virginia Massage Licensure Board

  • Certified Manual Lymph Drainage Therapist #KTM1022TX10, Klose Training

  • Certified Zero Balancing Practitioner

  • The Lauterstein-Conway Massage School & Clinic: 550 hours

  • SMRT for Head & Neck and Arm & Hand: 24 hours

  • Oncology Massage Global, Module 1: 24 hours

  • 100+ hours of various continuous education in bodywork

  • Yoga Teacher Training for the Mystically Inclined: 200 hours