body-neutral, anti-racist, gender-affirming
trauma-Informed massage therapy for pain and stress relief
We carry weights on our shoulders as we move through this world. These may include, but are certainly not limited to, struggles with body image, racism, and gender identity. As a Mexican-American with indigenous roots, I know well the weight of racism — and it is important to me to create a space where people can rest. A space where we can put down the weight of oppression and enter a state of restoration, healing, and ease.
Our promise at IMEB is to hold space for you to lay down the weight, and rest… and to give you a great massage.
-Cesar
You’ve probably seen the term “body-positive” on social media, written into a caption that speaks to the notion that all bodies are beautiful or something similar. There are two main issues with that. Firstly, this is a whitewashing of the original movement. Body positivity began as a radical movement to fight back against discrimination that intersects size, race, and gender — specifically discrimination against larger-bodied Black women. Secondly, when body-positive is used to mean “all bodies are beautiful” it establishes outward beauty as the single most desirable quality. Sometimes it is hard or even impossible to see ourselves as beautiful, and that’s ok. Our bodies are so much more than their appearances. Thus, the term “body neutral” was coined to provide an alternative of simply accepting our bodies as they are. This is a body-neutral space. Our tables have a 1,200 lb. working load limit.
Learn more about body-neutrality. Learn more about the issues with body-positivity.
body-neutral
There is no time in this country’s history untainted by racism. If you’re surprised at the extent of it, you’ve not been paying attention. There is no middle ground between racist and anti-racist — to do nothing is to side with the oppressor. To be anti-racist is to embody a commitment to both opposing externally manifesting racism as well as the more insidious conditioned racism that we all carry inside of us. This is important to acknowledge as massage therapists because BIPOC are often subjected to lower standards of care.
anti-racist
This is an LGBTQI+ welcoming massage practice. When one’s external appearance doesn’t fit within conventional binary, it can be dangerous — especially in such a vulnerable context as a massage session. It’s critically important for us massage therapists to educate ourselves about gendered violence, especially as it impacts these communities and to create a safe space. Additionally, it is important for us to educate ourselves about the impacts of gender-affirming surgeries, hormone use, binders, etc. in order to provide competent care. Your gender identity is recognized and honored here.
gender-affirming
Photos by Lauren Hanussak- laurenhanussak.com
Our clients come to us with chronic pain, repetitive stress injuries, anxiety, depression, athletic injuries, gender-affirming surgery related recovery, and other kinds of trauma. Read on to hear from them.
Featured testimonial
Lisa H. - she/her
"I am a big words person, but the older I get, the more I recognize that my body has a sense and understanding that has nothing to do with words. César's massage work speaks to my body on that level. It isn't just that he gives a really good massage. I've *had* great massages from various therapists.
He's doing something more, something that has to do with safety and integrity and recognition and honoring -- but when I try to describe it in words, the words keep being insufficient. So. I say check out his website, and if it resonates with you, book a session and see what your body thinks.”
Book an Appointment
Please note that this location is not accessible. If you cannot navigate stairs, please reach out to our colleague- Krystal Kade
Additionally,(K)N95 grade masks are required throughout the session and clients are requested to be up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccination. Please refer to this infographic from the CDC to see what that means for you, and feel free to reach out with any questions.
César is in maintenance therapy until fall 2025 and is, as a result, immunocompromised. That said, this about more than that. One of our core values is community care, which involves doing everything we can to minimize the transmission of infectious illnesses. Thank you for doing your part.