Olympia Massage Alchemy

Like so many people in our community, I've been thinking a lot about Rachel Carns.

Rachel has given so much to Olympia through her music, art, business, and community. Now she's facing a recurrence of breast cancer and a long recovery after surgery that has left her unable to work for the foreseeable future.

I wanted to find a way to help, so here's what I'm doing.

I'm setting aside 10 sixty-minute Swedish massage appointments and 100% of the money from those appointments will go directly to Rachel.

If you've been meaning to book a massage, this is a chance to take care of yourself while also helping someone in our community.

Appointments will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Once all 10 have been booked, the fundraiser will be complete. To book the fundraiser appointment, go to my web page's services link (https://mysite.vagaro.com/olympiamassagealchemy/services ) and book a "Fundraising Massage".

If you'd rather donate directly to Rachel, or learn more about her story, you can do that here:

**https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-rachel-through-her-cancer-journey-hp7gd**

Cancer affects all of us in one way or another. I hope this can ease even a small part of the financial burden so Rachel can focus on healing.

Thanks, everyone.

— Jakob

Camping is one of the best parts of summer in the Pacific Northwest, but sleeping in a tent can feel a lot harder on the body than it used to.

Hauling gear, sitting in camp chairs, hiking with big packs, sleeping on the ground and even driving to the campsite can make it’s] easy to come home with a stiff back, tight hips, sore shoulders, or a neck that doesn’t want to turn.

Therapeutic bodywork like massage, cupping, and stretching can help reduce tension, improve mobility, and make camping feel a lot easier and can make recovery after a camping trip a little faster.

Give me a call!

— Jakob

Happy National Underwear Day!

One question I get asked most often is, "What am I supposed to wear for a massage?"

A: whatever you're comfortable in.

At Olympia Massage Alchemy, you never have to undress more than you're comfortable with. Some people remove everything except their underwear. Some stay fully clothed.

You're always professionally draped with a sheet and blanket regardless, and only the area I'm actively working on is uncovered. My goal is to create a space where you can relax without worrying about what you're wearing—or not wearing. Your comfort, privacy, and consent come first, and you're always in control of your session.

— Jakob

Happy National Assistance Dog Day!

One of the goals at Olympia Massage Alchemy is to make massage as accessible as possible.

For some people, that means a wheelchair-accessible space. For others, it means extra pillows, a slower pace, or adapting a session to meet their body's needs. And for many people, it means having their service dog by their side.

Service dogs are always welcome at Olympia Massage Alchemy. They aren't just pets. They're highly trained partners that help people live more safely and independently.

Everyone deserves to receive care in a space where they feel comfortable, supported, and respected. If your service dog is part of that, they're welcome here too.

Happy National Assistance Dog Day!

— Jakob

People have been asking all summer if I sell the Olympia Massage Alchemy shirts that you've seen me wear at events, so I finally decided to make it happen.

Rather than ordering a bunch of inventory, keeping track of sizes, and shipping everything myself, I set up a Bonfire shop. They print each item as it's ordered, which means there's no excess inventory or wasted products sitting around. They also use recycled shipping bags and offer apparel from brands with sustainability initiatives.

One thing I wanted to do differently: I'm not really interested in making money from merchandise. The small amount I make above Bonfire's production costs will be donated to Stonewall Youth, a local nonprofit that supports LGBTQIA+ youth here in our community.

So if you'd like an Olympia Massage Alchemy shirt or hat, now you can grab one whenever you'd like—and know that you're supporting both my business and a great local organization.

You can check out the shop here:
https://www.bonfire.com/store/olympia-massage-alchemy/

Thanks to everyone who kept asking. Here ya go.

— Jakob

Happy National Sunflower Day!

Summer is short, especially here in the Pacific Northwest. Plant the flowers, eat the tomatoes, watch the bees, listen to the birds, and spend a little more time outside. Make time to slow down, too. Both your garden AND your body benefit from a little care.

I've always loved sunflowers. They're more than just beautiful flowers. They feed birds and other wildlife, provide nectar and pollen for bees and butterflies, help improve the soil with their deep roots, and even produce nutritious seeds that people have enjoyed for generations.

They also remind me that growth takes time. The tallest sunflowers in the garden all started as tiny seeds. It's a good reminder that small, consistent actions like stretching, getting enough sleep, eating well, taking a walk, or scheduling a massage can add up to big changes over time.

Sunflowers are also known for their resilience. They grow tall through wind, heat, and changing weather, always reaching toward the light. I like to think we all can do the same. Sometimes the best thing you can do is simply turn toward what helps you grow, whether that's spending time in nature, being with people you love, or taking an hour to let your body rest and recover.

I hope you find some time to enjoy this beautiful season while it's here.

— Jakob

Happy International Tiger Day!

I've always loved tigers. If you've known me for a while, you probably know that Jakob Tiger has been my nickname for years.

What I've always admired most isn't just their strength. Tigers don't waste energy. They move with purpose, they're patient, and they know when to rest and they rest A LOT. If you've ever watched a big cat wake up, one of the first things they do is stretch before they get moving.

As a massage therapist, I spend a lot of time helping people whose bodies are tired, tight, sore and off balance. We work through the stiffness from long hours at work, sore muscles after the gym or having too much fun, tight shoulders from stress, and all the little aches that build up over time.

Most of us are pretty good at ignoring what our bodies are trying to tell us. We tell ourselves we'll stretch tomorrow, take a day off next week, or deal with that sore shoulder when things finally slow down.

Taking care of your body isn't something you earn. It's part of staying healthy. Massage, stretching, good sleep, movement, and making time to recover all help you keep doing the things you enjoy.

So today I'm celebrating one of my favorite animals and taking a reminder from them: listen to your body. Rest. Stretch. Relax. Repeat.

Happy Tiger Day!

— Jakob

Happy World Holistic Therapy Day!

People often ask me what "holistic" really means. To me, it simply means looking at the whole person instead of just one symptom.

Maybe your shoulder hurts because you've been working long hours. Maybe your headaches are coming from jaw tension. Maybe you're feeling run down because you're stressed, not sleeping well, or carrying more than your body was meant to carry.

Massage is just one tool, but it can be a powerful one.

At Olympia Massage Alchemy, I offer therapeutic massage, relaxation massage, hot stone massage, lymphatic drainage, myofascial cupping, therapeutic stretching, and crystal healing. Every session is different because every person who walks through my door has different goals, different experiences, and a different body.

Some people come in because they're in pain. Others want help recovering after surgery, improving mobility, reducing swelling, managing stress, or simply taking an hour to breathe. There isn't one "right" reason to get a massage.

I don't believe wellness looks the same for everyone. For some people it's regular exercise. For others it's therapy, medication, time in nature, nourishing food, community, spiritual practices, or simply getting enough sleep. I think bodywork fits into that bigger picture—it isn't meant to replace the other things that keep us healthy, but it can be an important part of them.

My goal is always the same: to meet you where you are, listen to what your body needs, and create a treatment that's tailored specifically to you.

Happy World Holistic Therapy Day!

- Jakob

Happy International Self-Care Day.

When people hear the words "self-care," they often think of bubble baths, candles, or spa days. While those things can absolutely be part of it, self-care is usually much less glamorous.

It's making the doctor's appointment you've been putting off. It's getting enough sleep. It's drinking water, moving your body, setting healthy boundaries, taking your medications, asking for help when you need it, or giving yourself permission to rest.

As a massage therapist, I meet a lot of people who spend their time caring for everyone else. Parents, caregivers, healthcare workers, teachers, retail workers, and people balancing work, family, and everything in between. Too often, they're the last person on their own priority list.

Massage is one way to invest in your health, but it's only one piece of the puzzle. Real self-care is about paying attention to your body before it starts demanding your attention. It's recognizing that taking care of yourself isn't selfish—it's one of the best ways to stay healthy and continue showing up for the people and things you care about.

I hope you find a little time today to do something that your future self will thank you for.

— Jakob