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ABOUT

ASHLEY ELAINE

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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? Why am I so numb? What is it that wants to be healed? What is it like to live from my body instead of my head? To develop the intuition of my heart and womb? 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.

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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. In 2024 I was honored to serve 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 hundreds of breast massages; 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 completely different!” I am so honored to be a part of this deeper connection with the female body.

 

I have also studied and trained in Ayurvedic practices 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. In addition to completing her Clinical Ayurvedic Foundations course, I also took her Pancha Karma class, which trained us in the practice of holding 3-day healing sessions for a single client. These sessions were profound, inspiring, and deeply personal, with several bodyworkers weaving their magic together in a very sacred space. Ayurvedic practices and principles resonate deeply with me, and I am looking forward to expanding my knowledge of this ancient medicine so I may better serve my clients and community. 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.

 

In May of 2025 I took an intra-oral class from Pat O'Rourke in Seattle. This class focused on learning massage techniques for the neck, jaw, and inside the mouth (intra-oral). This practice helps with the relaxation and embodiment of the jaw, alignment of the neck, and activation of the voice. This is another technique I am excited to offer to my clients, another way to live more fully from the body.

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I truly look forward to working with you.

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Blessings,

Ashley Elaine

June 2025

Ashley Elaine Shenk

SAN JUAN ISLANDS, WASHINGTON

971.701.4035

​© 2023 by Ashley Elaine with the help of her sister

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