I tried it: Intuitive Massage

I recently visited one of DC’s top eco-spas, Nusta Spa, where I experienced an Interpretive Touch Massage by the therapist who designed the treatment, Brad Drummer. The therapy is designed to be personal, highlighting the talents of the therapist while addressing the needs of the client.

Interpretive Touch Massage utilizes wave motion techniques as well as long, slow strokes and “floating” (or cradling) of your limbs. In addition, says Drummer, “I have inserted what I call ‘interpretive spaces’—periods during the massage when the therapist can bring his/her strengths and insight into the session.” These moments of freestyle are based upon what the client needs and do not go against the overall philosophy and flow of Interpretive Touch. This allows other spas (including Exhale Spas) to have Drummer customize these interpretive spaces into unique massages that are still recognizable as part of the Interpretive Touch revolution (Exhale calls it Deep Flow).

By warming up my tissue with his long, pulsing, luxuriously slow stokes, he gradually went deeper and deeper without going beyond that delicious good pain.  By cradling my limbs, Drummer helped me to feel where I was holding my tension, enabling me to let go. And through his touch, he was able to tell where I carry most of my tension (neck and shoulders), and gently created space in previously tight muscles. The wave-like strokes, combined with the floating sensation of weightlessness, transported me to a sea of tranquility that I was sorry to leave when Drummer gently informed me that the massage had ended.

The Interpretive Touch philosophy can be found at several spas nationwide. For more information on Interpretive Touch visit www.interpretivetouch.com; Nusta Spa, www.nustaspa.com; Exhale Spas, www.exhalespa.com

—Shanon Hoffman

September/October 2007