December 10, 2025

Why Massage Is the Best Gift You Can Give This Holiday Season

Why Massage Is the Best Gift You Can Give This Holiday Season

By Jess / JTB Studios

The holiday season is beautiful… twinkling lights, cozy nights, time with people we love…
But it’s also A LOT.

Extra commitments. Extra emotions. Extra tension.
Most of us are running on low batteries by mid-December and trying to pretend everything is fine.

One of the kindest gifts you can give someone this year is a moment of deep exhale. A moment where their only job is to let someone take care of them.

That’s why massage is the ultimate holiday gift.
Here’s why it matters more than ever:

1. Because our bodies hold the season’s stress

Travel, shopping, family dynamics, busy schedules — the body carries all of it.
Massage gives someone permission to release tension they didn’t even realize they were holding.

2. Because people rarely buy these things for themselves

Most women will put everyone else first: kids, partners, parents, coworkers, even the dog.
A massage gift card says:
“You matter too.”

3. Because winter is actually the BEST time for bodywork

Colder months tighten muscles and slow circulation.
Massage improves circulation, boosts immunity, and supports mood regulation.
It’s basically wellness wrapped in a cozy blanket.

4. Because experiences > stuff

People won’t remember another candle or sweater.
But they WILL remember how you made them feel.
They will remember the moment they walked into a quiet room and finally felt their shoulders drop.

5. Because it gives the gift of nervous system rest

In a season fueled by overwhelm and adrenaline, massage is a full-body reset.
It calms the mind, supports sleep, and brings the nervous system back home.

Give someone (or yourself) the gift of care

JTB gift cards are available for anyone who needs rest, relief, or a moment just for themselves.

It’s the gift that supports the whole person — mind, body, and spirit.
And honestly?
That’s the kind of gift that lasts.

And if you want to book a massage for yourself to rest and restore, we got you.

February 6, 2024

The Timeless Embrace of Massage in a Modern Wellness World

In a world where wellness trends seem to evolve faster than we can keep up, one might wonder if traditional services like massage still hold relevance. With an array of options at our disposal—from red light therapy to sound healing—it’s easy to question the place of massage in this modern landscape. However, as someone who cherishes the art of massage, I firmly believe its significance endures, offering a unique and timeless form of healing and connection.

Recently, I was asked whether I considered massage to be an antiquated service. The question gave me pause, prompting me to reflect on what sets massage apart in a sea of wellness modalities. What came to mind was the profound depth of human connection it facilitates—the unspoken exchange of care and compassion between therapist and client.

In our increasingly digital and disconnected world, genuine physical touch has become a rare commodity. While we may be surrounded by screens and virtual interactions, the experience of being touched by another human being—without ulterior motives or expectations—remains deeply nourishing for the soul. Massage provides a sanctuary where individuals can temporarily escape the pressures of modern life and reconnect with their bodies and emotions.

What distinguishes massage from other wellness practices is the intimacy and trust inherent in the therapeutic relationship. A skilled therapist not only addresses physical tension but also creates a space for emotional release and relaxation. In the gentle kneading of muscles and the rhythmic flow of strokes, there is an expression of unspoken, unconditional love—a gesture of care and empathy that transcends words.

Moreover, massage offers a holistic approach to well-being, recognizing the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. Beyond the physical benefits of improved circulation and muscle relaxation, it can promote mental clarity, emotional balance, and a profound sense of inner peace. In a world where stress and anxiety are rampant, these holistic benefits are invaluable.

While it’s true that the wellness industry continues to innovate and diversify, the enduring appeal of massage lies in its simplicity and universality. Regardless of the latest trends or fads, the need for human touch and connection remains constant. In many ways, massage serves as a timeless reminder of our shared humanity—a gentle invitation to slow down, breathe deeply, and embrace the present moment.

Far from being antiquated, massage remains as relevant and essential as ever in our modern world. Its ability to foster profound connections and promote holistic well-being speaks to its enduring power and significance. As we navigate the ever-changing landscape of wellness, let us not overlook the timeless embrace of massage—a sanctuary of healing, love, and compassion in an increasingly fragmented world. ????

October 3, 2019

Get to Know Your Chakras at JTB

Root, Sacral, Solar Plexus, Heart, Throat, Third Eye, Crown.

Maybe you’ve heard of the seven chakras, but have you ever related your fitness and wellness routine to the seven chakras?

Maybe you’ve heard mentions of them in yoga. Maybe you’ve heard it in acupuncture, in a crystal shop, or randomly through the grapevine. Maybe you’ve heard of chakras via massage or reiki, as practitioners focus on the prime meridian points to clear stagnant energy that builds up… Maybe you’re a metaphysical expert, or maybe you’ve never heard of them at all!

At JTB Wellness, we are totally friendly with spirituality and believe there is so much more than meets the eye.

We acknowledge that not everyone comes to the studio for the spirituality, and that’s okay, too!

Just know that if you are ever looking for a little more, we hold space for you too. 😉

I acknowledge that there are many other interpretations out there – and we always encourage you to find your own meaning behind the metaphysical! (Beyond what the eye can see and a doctor can examine.)

Without further ado, let’s get into it!

Root Chakra: Located at the base of the spine and associated with the color red. The root chakra is the connection to all security. Everything to do with being grounded, connected and safe. This chakra is related to anything having to do with career, finances, home, food, feeling safe and your childhood. (Your roots, per se.) Feeling grounded to the earth, protected, connected to reality. Hatha Yoga is a good practice for a slow, meditative movement that can focus on grounding down after a long day where you feel all over the place. The vibration of this slow, intentional, effective practice is said to increase the vibration of the root chakra! Taking a HIIT class can also do wonders for the root chakra- connecting with primal energy and explosive movements creates balance from the ground up, physically and energetically.

Sacral Chakra: Located below the navel, the sacral chakra is associated with the color orange, creativity, sexual energy.  An open sacral chakra allows in pleasure, abundance and well being. It has been said that the sacral chakra can only flourish when the root chakra is stable. In other words, we are not in a headspace to express our creativity if we do not feel safe and secure. Buti Yoga, Yoga Belly Dance Fusion, and any other practice that gets your hips moving & your creativity sparked will help balance the sacral chakra!

Solar Plexus Chakra: Located in the upper abdomen area, the yellow-glowing solar plexus is your confidence and self-esteem. Some also say that the solar plexus is the control center for self-fulfillment. People with a strong, balanced solar plexus chakra do not need external validation and are fueled by their inner knowing.  Your connection to your center can be found in your next Vinyasa class. In this class, we focus inward and notice the internal dialogue. There is an emphasis on being present in your body and your breath, with no need to look beyond your own experience in the practice for any sort of validation.

Another way to look at it is by seeing the solar plexus as your energy center, the one that sets the tone for how you walk into a room. In your next Butts + Guts class, focus on your center and visualize a strong yellow light coming from your belly button, expanding to your whole body and to the rest of the room. Not only does this encourage mindfulness in a class that can be challenging – but it can increase your energy and vitality!

Heart Chakra: Located at the center of the chest and glowing the color green, the heart chakra represents exactly what it sounds like… Love, joy and inner peace!  To soothe, balance, and restore your heart chakra, book a loving massage for yourself, or a couple’s massage for you and your heart-throb!

Throat Chakra:  This light-blue hued chakra is located in the throat, and associated with your voice and truth. A closed throat chakra can look like shyness, not speaking up – or even lying, talking over others or not being a strong communicator. Fortunately, a favorite at JTB Yoga is Buti Yoga, which can be very good for the throat chakra! In Buti Yoga, we like to get loud and proud; students are encouraged to sigh, laugh, and let out any stagnant energy through their voice. It’s not uncommon to hear laughter and cheerful hollering during a challenging Buti Yoga class, that’s what the practice was designed for!

Third Eye Chakra: The third eye chakra is located on your forehead, directly above and between the eyebrows. The color is indigo and this energy center is associated with the intuition and deeper knowing. At JTB, our Vinyasa flows connect to the third eye by connecting movement with breath. The balancing postures and back bending poses are also excellent for concentration, strengthening the inner focus deeper knowing.

We also offer Craniosacral Therapy, a deep and subtle practice which includes therapeutic touches on the head and low back, clearing any energetic blocks that prevent your third eye from being open and active.

Last, but not least! The Crown Chakra: Color indigo, located at the top of the head and associated with your higher being and connection to the spiritual realm. If you believe in a higher power, know we are all united somehow and there are forces out there greater than you – congratulations, you have an open crown chakra! 🙂 You are at an elevated consciousness and are hungry for more knowledge on how to expand it. Fortunately for you, on Friday, October 4th at 7:15 pm, we will be hosting our first Yoga Nidra – a practice in completely relaxing the body to be able to connect with the divine.

So there you have it! We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again; there’s something for EVERYBODY (and every Chakra) at JTB!

Which chakra resonates most with you? Which service or class will you try next? 🙂

December 26, 2018

New Levels of Membership for the New Year!

Christmas is over. Maybe you’re buzzing a little from the intake of candy, cakes, and cocktails…. you’re cleaning up paper, decompressing from social obligations, and enjoying some downtime as we slip into the cool, dark New England winter. As we regroup over the next week and assess our goals for the new year, you might be thinking about what you can do to feel GOOD in 2019. Feeling good comes in many forms, but I’ve found that adding a little (or a lot) movement into your world, plugging into a community, and treating your body with love and respect can make a huge impact on your everyday life.

I’ve been musing over the huge impact the services we offer at JTB have made in the lives of so many this past year. I feel so proud of the team I have, from the yoga teachers to the group fitness instructors to the massage therapists. I love being able to offer such a diverse class schedule and provide opportunities for people to find a way that they enjoy moving their body and stick with it. I love watching clients come in for a massage treatment and seeing them leave feeling and looking like a new person. I love watching my nutrition clients slay their goals, keeping them accountable, and sticking by them when they struggle. (And we ALL struggle sometimes.) Mostly, I love hearing the clients and members encourage new students when they come in after their first class… I love seeing special friendships develop along with hugs and tears in the reception area every single day… I love being the leader of that something for someone in so many different ways.

In recognizing that we stand out in more than one way, and that rest, recovery, and proper nutrition go hand in hand, I’ve been re-evaluating our membership options. I realize that self-care can get a little pricey, and I’ve been thinking a lot about ways that I can help make all of our transformational services more accessible to more people.

So, here it is… Introducing three new levels of membership for 2019.

Level One Membership– Join our Level One Membership and enjoy unlimited classes for just $99 per month! This was previously labeled, “Platinum Membership,” and while many people were able to sign up during promotions at $99, some of you have been paying $115 per month for unlimited classes. Starting January 1, everyone at this level will pay $99. (This will be automatically adjusted on your account.) This level will cap at 30 members.

Next Level Membership– Take it to the next level with our Next Level Membership with Massage! With this contract, you will receive unlimited classes on the regular weekly schedule and one 60 minute massage per month with Peter or Alison OR weekly remote nutrition coaching for $150 per month. This level will cap at 20 members.

Level Up Membership– Level UP with our Level Up Membership option! With this contract, you will receive unlimited classes on the regular weekly schedule, one 60 minute massage per month with Peter or Alison, and weekly remote nutrition coaching for $200 per month. This level will cap at 10 members.

All members will have access to exclusive, monthly, members only workshops and socials. You will also now be invited to bring one guest per month at no charge.

These memberships will not be available for purchase until January 1! Check your inbox New Year’s Day with a link that will direct you to our Mindbody site where you can choose your best level before they max out.

If membership is not in your budget, I understand. We will continue to offer drop ins at $16 per class, 5 class passes for $75, and 10 class passes for $145. (All passes have a 6 month expiration date.) Starting in January, we will also be offering, “First Friday Free,” pop up classes. These classes will run at 6 p.m. on the first Friday of every month and will be a different class format every time. Keep an eye on our Facebook Page for event updates and be sure to register as soon as we announce them as they are sure to fill up quickly!

Finally, any new students who want to check out our classes for the first time during the month of January will be able to purchase $30 for 30 days UNLIMITED classes. This option will be available for purchase January 1 through the 31st, it can only be purchased at your first ever class here, and it expires 30 days from the date of your first class. In February, we will go back to our everyday new student special of $10 for 10 days unlimited.

Cheers to the best year yet. <3

All my love,

Jess

March 19, 2017

What to Wear (Or Not) During Your Massage

The most Frequently Asked Question in massage: Do I need to get naked?

Short answer
No. Absolutely not.

Long answer
Many massage therapists and bodyworkers will say, “Undress to your level of comfort.” That can be vague and unnerving for someone who is new to massage (or even a seasoned massage veteran!). People new to massage might have no idea what that means. Heck, I’m not even sure what that means. Here’s what you need to know about clothing during a session:

First, no matter what, you’ll always be covered (draped) with a sheet and a blanket. You’ll never be left feeling exposed or chilly. When our therapists work on an arm, they will fold the sheet back and tuck it under your arm so it’s secure. (No drafts, my friends.) We follow the same protocol for the leg.

When we work on the full back, we will fold the drape down at the hips. If you’re wearing underwear we may gently tuck the sheet around the waistband, to protect your clothes from massage oil. If you’re wearing a bra, we will work around it. If you’re wearing a tank top or shorts or long johns, we’ll work through it. We know plenty of very effective massage techniques that can be administered over clothing. If we feel we can’t effectively treat your issue through the clothing you’ve chosen to wear, we will tell you, and together we’ll figure out another approach.

Please know that we don’t care what you wear, and we are not judging you. This massage is about you and it’s important you feel comfortable. For some people that means leaving some clothing on. For others, it means taking it all off. There is no right or wrong, this is your massage.

Enjoy your next massage!

March 18, 2017

What You Can’t Get From Massage Tools

There are plenty of tools that you can use to help yourself feel better in between massage appointments. There are foam rollers, therapy canes, electronic devices providing percussion or vibration, and balls of all kinds. You’ll see ways to use tennis, golf, racquet, and lacrosse balls for massage purposes.

These can be great to have at home, at work, or when you travel. They can help ease some pain when you can’t get in for a massage. Life events pop up and make it difficult to squeeze a massage into your schedule at times.

Massage is a great part of your plan for taking care of yourself, but of course it can’t be the only thing. It makes sense to have other activities and some tools to keep you feeling good regularly. For example rolling your sore and tired feet on a golf ball for a few minutes feels wonderful – and it helps get you up off the couch and moving again.

Here are some basic massage and bodywork tools.

Before you ditch your massage therapist completely, there are some things to consider.

Your tool does only one action. Most just compress your muscles. But that’s not all you need to feel better. In a massage your muscles are pulled, squeezed, kneaded, and stretched as well as being compressed. One tool isn’t the solution to everything. Hammers are good – for hammering. When you need to paint, drill a hole, or tighten a nut they are not nearly as useful.

Tools are not educated in how your body works. Your tool won’t know when to stop and your muscles may get overworked. Working in some areas of your body can be dangerous and may cause serious problems. Obviously you want to feel better, not worse afterwards.

Massage therapists have also learned about how much pressure to use and how best to work on a muscle. They can evaluate the progress and change the pressure or try a different technique. They may move you into different positions to change the angle to reach a muscle more effectively.

Some tools may require you to get on the floor or bend a certain way. This can be a challenge to some who are lacking in mobility or agility.

Pain can be tricky. You may feel the pain in one area but the real source can be somewhere else. If you only address where you feel the pain you will just treat the symptom and the pain will return. A massage therapist can often track down the source and help address the real problem.

There’s more to a massage than just working on your muscles. You get personal attention, listened to, and cared for. Your body and mind can both relax as you let go of your responsibilities for a while.

Tools for use at home can provide some nice benefits in between massages. Most of us enjoy saving money but when we need something important done correctly we pay a professional. Your body is the only place you have to live. Take care of it right.

Take What You Need!

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Fitness/Yoga/Massage:
27 Mendon Street,
Uxbridge, MA 01569

Call or Email:
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info@jtbwellness.com

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