ABOUT
ASHLEY ELAINE
I, like many women, have a history of a wounded feminine self, of disconnection from the body, and of the consequences that come from this condition. From this wound I inevitably began to question myself… What does it mean to be a woman? What is sex really about? Why am I so numb? What is it that wants to be healed? What is it like to live from my body? Though I have learned so much, I am still asking these questions, still discovering new things about myself, about this feminine spirit and body connection.
My first breast massage was incredibly self-intimate and nourishing. I received internal pelvic floor work that pinpointed my pain and radiated through me, sparking the return of sensation into that forgotten place. I was never taught to tend to my body in this way; I actually felt that my breasts and womb were not for me, but for my partner and for my potential future children. Massage has helped me learn to live from my whole body, breasts and womb included, and has assisted in the reclaiming of my physical, energetic, emotional and spiritual Self. I knew I wanted to help others on this same journey.
I went to massage school at the Pacific Center for Awareness and Bodywork in Kauai. This school focused on trauma-informed bodywork and the practice of dropping into deep presence with each client. After I graduated, I took Tami Kent’s Holistic Pelvic Care class, which focused on internal vaginal massage. I then learned the Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy, as well as breast massage. This past year I was on the Areola Breast Massage Team at the Northern California Women’s Herbal Symposium, and at Spiritweavers, an all-women’s gathering in Southern Oregon. I have given over 90 breast massages these past two months. I find this work to be profound and so beautiful. The most common thing women say is, “I had no idea my breasts were so tender and stuck,” and at the end of the session, “These feel like totally different breasts!” I am so honored to be a part of this deeper connection with the female body.
I have also begun training with Deanna Batdorff in Sebastapol, California. This woman has been studying Ayurveda since she was 18, and she is now in her 50’s. She is a fountain of wisdom and information, and in October I will be spending a month with her as her personal intern. Ayurvedic practices and principles resonate deeply with me, and I am looking forward to expanding my knowledge of this ancient medicine. I am also learning how to align the uterus from Deanna, who learned it directly from Ms. Beatriz of Belize. Ms. Beatriz was also integral in the foundation of Maya Abdominal Massage by Rosita Arvigo. I am honored to learn from this incredible lineage of wise women, and so excited to share it all with you.
Blessings,
Ashley Elaine
June 2024