Olympia Massage Alchemy

Happy National Relaxation Day!

Relaxation isn't about doing nothing. It's about giving your body a chance to recover.

When we're stressed, our muscles tighten, our breathing becomes shallow, our nervous system stays on high alert, and we often don't even realize how much tension we're carrying until it starts to hurt.

Taking time to relax isn't a luxury—it's one way we help our bodies recover from the demands of everyday life.

Spending time outside, reading a book, gardening, taking a nap, or getting a massage, I hope you find a little time today to slow down.

If your shoulders have been creeping toward your ears, your jaw has been clenching, or you've been telling yourself "I'll deal with it later," maybe today is a good day to listen to your body.

Happy National Relaxation Day.

— Jakob

Hi everyone!

If you've had a massage at Olympia Massage Alchemy and enjoyed your experience, would you consider leaving me a Google review?

As a small business, reviews make a huge difference. They help people who are looking for a massage therapist learn about my practice from the people who know it best—my clients.

If you have a minute, you can leave a review here:
https://g.page/r/CRq0kIb_jJ3oEAE/review

Thank you to everyone who has supported Olympia Massage Alchemy by booking appointments, sharing my posts, recommending me to friends, or leaving a review. I truly appreciate it.

— Jakob

Share with your friends!

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

Happy National Face Mask Day!

While I don't offer facials or face masks, I do offer a few services that pair well with a relaxing massage.

Facial massage can help reduce muscle tension in the face, jaw, temples, and scalp. It's a great option for people who carry tension from stress, jaw clenching, or headaches.

I also offer:
• Exfoliating leg scrubs to smooth and refresh tired legs.
• Hot stone massage to provide gentle warmth and help relax tight muscles.
• Candlelit massage sessions for clients who enjoy a quieter, more calming atmosphere.

Every massage is based on your goals for the session, so you're welcome to add services or spend extra time on the areas that need it most.

— Jakob

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