Providing Sarga Bodywork® to the Portland Area

Sarga Bodywork® is a barefoot massage and myofascial modality that uses a fabric strap attached to the massage table, allowing practitioners to apply deep, gliding pressure with their feet in a controlled and ergonomic way.

Techniques are Known To

Manage Pain and Tension

The myofascial technique administered stimulates a stretch response to relax contracted muscles and treat areas of pain and tension

Re-Center your Mind

Luxuriously slow movements, coupled with occasional breath guidance and toning, create a meditative quality to return you back to center

Promote Balance and Vitality

Tissue manipulation increases blood and lymphatic circulation to hydrate and detoxify areas of stagnation

Provide Stress Relief

The combing of the myofascial network informs the nervous system that it is safe to switch to the parasympathetic, or "rest and digest," state

Elongate Muscles to

Improve Posture

Stroke directions are intentionally chosen to reverse common structural patterns of the ageing process and every-day wear-and-tear

Heighten Performance

A high-tack, shearing effect unwinds adhesions to bring stability and help return joints to their normal range of motion

Anchor 1

Massage, or bodywork, is one of the most ancient forms of Medicine practiced by our ancestors. The product of soft tissue and joint manipulation can seem like magic when applied skillfully - the mind becomes quiet, the breath deepens, and our chronic aches, pains, and worries are momentarily relieved.

I believe that the root of earthly woes is separation. Separation from wise communication sent from our bodies. Separation from natural cycles. Separation of our truths from the daily use of our physical voices.

The first step to finding peace and returning to ourselves is listening intentionally to our bodies - and massage provides the perfect environment to connect back to what we have been so efficiently programmed to ignore.

My mission is to bridge that which seeks reunion; my hope is to be a guide towards your own saoirse (freedom).

Learn More

A Ritualistic Approach to Massage

What Clients Have to Say

"Saoirse is the first body worker I've ever had take my referred sensations seriously. I got so much more out of this session than I expected... I came in with limited ability to turn my head and was elated that I could see my blind spot afterwards!"

- Jamie S

FAQ

Which Massage Modalities are Used?

The primary modality utilized in bodywork sessions is a young, up-and-coming Western modality called Sarga Bodywork®, where feet are used to administer strokes. These moves are meant to be high-tack, create a shearing effect with oblique-directional drag, and has the opportunity to feel very deep due to the tensegrity created by the relationship between the therapist and the pull of the silks. Depending on the service, an intuitive blend of techniques inspired by Ashiatsu, Neuromuscular Therapy (Triggerpoint Therapy), Thai, and Tuina can also be interwoven into the treatment for more of a holistic, complete, and nourishing finish.

Is Sarga Right for Me?

Sarga is fantastic for folks who enjoy broader, deeper, treatment-based sessions, where receiving massages from hands in the past may have felt shallow or inadequate. People receiving Sarga have said that they feel a dispersal of tension and heightened relief that they have not received from other modalities. This is why other body workers, athletes, and active people who experience repetitive motions tend to respond well to this modality. It is not for everyone, which is why there is an option to purchase your first couple treatments at a discounted price. Folks who want a flowy, nourishing, purely energetic, and gentle massage do not tend to prefer this method over the traditional hands-on Swedish approach. Please note that barefoot massage is contraindicated for certain lived experiences or pathologies; it is important for your safety that you disclose all pertinent information of your current health and health history to assure that the treatment does not worsen your condition and take away from any beneficial outcomes. The following is an incomplete list of contraindications for Sarga and other barefoot modalities: - People who are not able to lie face down or face up on a massage table for long periods of time (no side-lying) - Pregnant folks or folks who are trying to become pregnant - People on medication for bruising or blood clotting such as Warfarin or Coumadin - People with osteoporosis - Those who suffered any recent injuries, surgeries, or fractures - Persons with any type of implants within 9 months of insertion - Fevers or flu-like symptoms

What Should I Expect during my Massage Session?

It takes about 3 sessions to solidify a foundational therapeutic relationship. Communication, honesty, and transparency are key in co-creating a treatment with maximum benefit for the client. An intake interview will be performed where we discuss relevant health history and identify the goal(s) for the treatment. You will be walked through a brief plan of the session, including body position and which areas are to be contacted, so that you may provide informed consent or request that an area be avoided. Depending on your comfort level, a mindfulness exercise or intentional ritual will then take place to root our goals and create the circle and space for treatment. An exit interview will be performed post-treatment to confirm whether the goal(s) were reached, take note of what felt effective, and discuss any suggestions for continuing self-care and possible future treatments. The circle will then be energetically closed. Please remember that as a client, you are able to request changes to the plan prior to and during treatment, changes to the pressure or strokes applied, choose the level of dress in which you experience treatment (please note Sarga is most effective with the least amount of clothing), and other ways to co-create the session within reason. If you are someone who tends to have trouble asking for what they desire, we can include a complimentary exercise to help you become more comfortable doing so prior to getting on the table.

How Often Should I Book a Massage?

This depends on your intention - the following is true for folks who also work towards their health goals outside of sessions through different modalities. Yearly – More of a treat-yourself session. Good for temporary pain relief, but not enough for long-term results. Quarterly – Helpful for stress relief and seasonal resets, though not frequent enough for lasting physical changes. Monthly – Solid for maintenance. Keeps stress and tension from piling up while giving yourself regular time to recharge. Every Other Week – Consistency starts to pay off here. Great for accompanying your journey to relieving chronic pain, injuries, or ongoing tension patterns. Weekly – Best for focused treatment, with consistent, prolonged benefits. Ideal for persistent pain, high stress, or issues that need more consistent attention.

Do You Accept Insurance?

I currently am credentialed with Heraya Health (Kaiser Permanente Oregon). Heraya only covers hour-long sessions. Please email soileirmassage@gmail.com directly to make an appointment.

Why are Massages SO Expensive?

Massage is extremely hard on the body, and therapists tend to injure themselves within the first couple years of their career to the point where they have to find other means of living.

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