Bodyworker Spotlight: Naomi Ruth
VALLEY MOON PRENATAL + POSTPARTUM MASSAGE THERAPY with NAOMI RUTH (she/her/hers)
Why did you want to become a bodyworker?
I wanted to be a bodyworker since I was a teenager. Therapeutic bodywork was a regular maintenance for me while healing from minor dance injuries. Massage was a window into a pain-free existence for me as a performer, a tap dancer, and avid mover shaker. Later in life, after years of working as an actor and teaching yoga, I discovered my passions for working with the body needed to be explored. Once I earned my degree in Massage Therapy, it took hold and I officially became a bodyworker. I was able to link my in-depth knowledge of anatomy, my interest in Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic medicine, and all the different healing modalities of bodywork.
What have you gained from this work?
I have gained meaningful connections to people from around the world. When given the honor of being someone's massage therapist, I gain their trust and story. It is a great blessing to be able to facilitate healing and deep relaxation. I love listening to bodies, using my x-ray vision (metaphorically) to see what's needed most, and allowing the body in front of me to make incredible healing shifts toward better alignment and ease. Over the past decade, I have gained great knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the pregnant body, and the body that has given birth. I am still in awe that I get to work in this field.
What do you hope your clients feel after working with you?
I truly hope that my clients feel invigorated, calm, and connected to their bodies. I want my client to feel like a new person when their feet touch the ground after rolling safely off the table. I want them to feel surprised at how good they can feel when they dedicate the time for self care. I do this work to allow anyone in the maternal stages of life to feel comfortable, and feel amazing both physically and emotionally. I want my clients to feel their very best!
How does your healing work inform your activism or understanding of the world?
I am very passionate about all things childbirth, and my work as a pre & postnatal massage therapist is my birth activism. I am a strong advocate for people's health and rights surrounding childbirth. I do this work to help empower people in their birth process, and to facilitate some strength and confidence while in this big chapter of their lives.
What's your favorite season of the year and why?
Autumn might be my favorite time of the year. At the slightest breeze my scarf will be on, my ankles and lower back (kidneys) have layers keeping me warm, and I enjoy the crisp dry air. Fall foods are delicious, colorful, and warming. I appreciate the full moons more in the autumn night, and love sitting by the fire while the crunchy leaves roll around me. Don't get me wrong, my happiest is when I am warmed by the sun, but the Fall takes the lead.
What has made you smile recently that you feel the need to share?
My recent smiles have been earned from silly moments with my kids, walks in the forest with our dog Maple, winning a hand at MahJong, moving my body in any way shape or form, and most importantly eating a large home cooked meal.