The Relaxation Response

Jenn might not want me to post this since she’s actually too busy for new clients, but in case that ever changes, I thought I’d post it. I’ve been getting massage therapy for years and Jenn is hands down the most amazing massage therapist I’ve ever seen. Some are a little «out there» for me and I find Jenn very grounded. She’s smart and interested in the ways in which all your health issues connect. She’s a great sounding board and makes helpful suggestions for self-​care. I never feel rushed because Jenn builds in extra time to chat before sessions and let you take your time leaving afterwards (one of the advantages of private practice). I try to get off the table as quickly as I can, but it’s nice knowing I don’t have to leap off the table, pay, and run out the door. I can stretch and get my bearings.
Sometimes in the helping professions, you come across providers who have their own agenda or feel too emotionally involved with you as a patient. Not so with Jenn. She listens to what you say, isn’t pushy, is sympathetic, but doesn’t go to pieces if you don’t make progress on some imaginary timetable. I’ve been seeing her for over a year and always feel 10 times better when I walk out of a session. I’m really not sure what it is about her technique that’s so much better, but she’s actually able to make headway where none of the other massage therapists I saw were able to (and not for lack of experience — she has less experience than some of the other massage therapists I saw who had great results with other clients). If your massage therapist isn’t working for you, I encourage you to shop around. There’s bound to be someone out there who is a better fit for you.
She’s more expensive than the other massage therapists I’ve seen, but well worth every penny. I’m not sure what I’ll do if I move or if she stops private practice! Possibly curl up into a little ball and die. :)

I’m not really a person who has ever been big on getting massages. Until I visited Jenn Meisel.
No masseuse has ever made me feel more at ease, or has targeted the parts of my body where the tension lies as well as Jenn. She’s pragmatic, intelligent and funny, so her philosophies about the mind-​body connection never feel «new agey.» You know you’re in the hands of someone who is exceptionally trained and loves her work. When you leave, you will feel much more relaxed, contented and connected than before. I recommend her to everyone. I live in Boston, but making the trek to her office near Davis Square is well worth the effort.

I had massages with Jenn for about a year when she was working at Pyara and became a total devotee — it’s great she’s now branching out on her own in Somerville. She is without doubt the best massuese (right word? i don’t know!) I’ve ever met — her philosophy about mind/​body connection comes across powerfully and I never leave feeling anything less than relaxed and content. And she’s a thoroughly nice person as well :) I highly recommend her to anyone.

Love love love Jenn! I’ve been getting massages from Jenn for the past 4 years and I wouldn’t go to anyone else. I first met Jenn when she worked at the Pyara Aveda Salon in Harvard Sq. I was given a gift certificate for a massage and just happened to be paired up w/​Jenn as my masseuse. Ever since my first 60 minute massage w/​her, I knew she was GOOD. Since this first time was right before I got married, I was especially grateful that she could help me to relax and let all the stress melt away.
Then, while in Hawaii for my honeymoon, my husband and I got a couples’ massage at the Ritz Carlton. That experience made me realize how GOOD Jenn is because the Ritz massage was AWFUL. A total waste of money and I felt like I was a piece of dough being kneaded. After that bad massage experience I vowed only to go to Jenn.
Jenn has since moved on from Pyara and has opened up her own practice… and I can’t be more happy for her. She and I have developed a great relationship over the years and it feels like catching up with a friend whenever I come to see her.
As for her technique… I like A LOT of pressure and Jenn is able to do that. I love that everything that she does while massaging feels deliberate and purposeful. NOT like kneading dough. It shows that she knows the human anatomy and knows what to do, how to do it and when to back off… when to add more… when to talk, when to stay quiet. She is so attuned to my needs for those glorious 60 minutes that I wish I could see her every single week.
Jenn is wonderful!