Blue Heron Bodywork

Okay, we're going there. 😂

Because I think this is something people, especially postpartum people, shouldn't have to feel embarrassed about.

Your body does not stop being a body just because you're getting a massage.

And pregnancy and postpartum come with A LOT of bodily fluids.

Bleeding. Leaking. Breast milk. Sweat. Discharge. Bladder leakage. The occasional surprise.

None of it grosses us out.

I've had clients worry about bleeding on the table. I've had people apologize for leaking breast milk. I've had people worry about bladder leakage.

And every single time, my answer is essentially:

Girl. I got you.

If you're more comfortable wearing underwear, wear it.

If you're more comfortable without it, take it off.

If you're on your period, you don't need to wear a tampon you hate just because you're worried about making your massage therapist uncomfortable.

If you're postpartum and you're bleeding?

Please bleed on my table.

We have towels. We have sheets. We have a fantastic laundry service.

What we don't want you carrying into your massage is shame.

Your body is not gross.

Your body is not embarrassing.

Your body is not a burden.

Your body is allowed to be a body here. 💙

Big news! Blue Heron Bodywork is now open 7 days a week! 🎉

With expanded evening and weekend appointments, it's easier than ever to find a time that fits your busy schedule.

We're so excited to be able to serve our community with even more appointment options, and we can't wait to welcome you into the treatment room.

Book your next session today—we're here all week long. 💙

More availability. More flexibility. More chances to prioritize yourself.

The first harvest reminds us to slow down, take a deep breath, and prepare for the season ahead. As summer begins to wind down, we wanted to celebrate with a little something for our amazing community.

✨ For two days only — August 1 & 2 ✨

Our End of Summer Special is 22% OFF, making your massage:
60 minutes: $90 (regularly $115)
90 minutes: $117 (regularly $150)

How it works:
1. To receive the discount, you must book the service labeled "End of Summer Special." Our regular massage services are not included in this promotion.
2. Sessions must be prepaid at the time of booking.
3. You may schedule your appointment up to 3 months in advance.
4. The End of Summer Special is completely customizable! Your session can be prenatal, postpartum, therapeutic, sports massage, Tui Na, or whatever your body needs most.
5. If you'd like sports massage, Tui Na, reflexology, deep tissue manipulation, or KT taping, be sure to book with Evan, as those are specialties only they offer.
6. Offer ends Sunday, August 2 at 09:59 PM.

Whether you're soaking up the last days of summer, preparing for a busy fall, or simply overdue for some time to care for yourself, we'd love to help you step into the new season feeling your best.

Thank you for allowing Blue Heron Bodywork to be part of your wellness journey.

P.S. Please enjoy my aggressively layered Canva artwork. As the great philosopher Shrek once said, "Ogres are like onions... they have layers." Apparently, so do my graphics. 🧅😂

New at Blue Heron Bodywork: KT Taping

When most people think of KT tape, they picture professional athletes with colorful tape on their shoulders or knees.

But did you know KT taping can also be an incredible tool for pregnancy and postpartum support?

KT (kinesiology) tape is a specialized elastic tape that's strategically applied to the skin to provide gentle support where your body needs it most. By slightly lifting the skin, it can help improve blood and lymphatic flow, reduce swelling, decrease strain on overworked muscles, and provide short-term pain relief—all while allowing you to move naturally.

During pregnancy and postpartum, KT taping can be used to support:
🤰 Belly weight and lower back strain
🫁 Diaphragm discomfort as baby grows
🦶 Swollen ankles and feet
🤱 Posture changes during the nursing months
💪 Support for the abdominal wall during pregnancy and healing support postpartum

One of the things that excites me most about offering this service is that it extends the benefits of bodywork beyond your massage appointment. Once your tape is applied, it continues working with your body for several days, providing ongoing support as you move through everyday life.

Whether you're an athlete recovering from training, an expecting parent adjusting to your changing body, or navigating the physical demands of postpartum recovery, KT taping is a simple, effective way to give your body a little extra support between sessions.

I've dreamed of bringing this service to Blue Heron Bodywork since the very beginning, and I'm so excited that Evan has the training and experience to finally make it a reality.

Sometimes the smallest amount of support can make the biggest difference.

New at Blue Heron Bodywork: Tui Na

If you've never heard of Tui Na, you're not alone! It's not a common service here in Kansas, but it's one I'm incredibly excited for Evan to bring to Blue Heron Bodywork.

Tui Na (pronounced twee-nah) is an ancient form of Chinese medical massage that has been practiced for thousands of years. Rather than focusing solely on relaxation, it's a therapeutic treatment designed to address pain, improve mobility, and restore balance throughout the body.

Traditional Chinese Medicine teaches that the body has pathways called meridians, through which vital energy—known as Qi (pronounced chee)—flows. Tui Na uses specific techniques to support the healthy flow of Qi while also addressing the muscles, joints, and connective tissues.

So...what does that actually feel like?

Think of it as a blend of several therapies working together. Evan combines deep tissue massage, acupressure, stretching, and gentle joint manipulation to create a treatment that's completely tailored to your body's needs.

Whether you're dealing with chronic muscle tension, recovering from an injury, feeling physically restricted, or simply looking for a different approach to therapeutic bodywork, Tui Na offers a unique way to support your body's natural healing process.

One of the things I admire most about Evan is their commitment to continually expanding their knowledge and bringing evidence-informed techniques from a variety of traditions into their practice. Tui Na is a wonderful example of that philosophy—honoring a treatment with thousands of years of history while using it thoughtfully to meet each client's individual goals.

Sometimes the oldest healing traditions still have something valuable to teach us.

New at Blue Heron Bodywork: Reflexology

Did you know that some of the smallest areas of your body can have the biggest impact on how you feel?

Reflexology is a complementary therapy that uses firm, sustained pressure on specific points of the feet, hands, and ears. These areas are believed to act as "maps" of the body, and stimulating them is intended to encourage relaxation, support balance, and promote an overall sense of well-being.

Unlike a traditional massage, reflexology doesn't focus on muscles. Instead, Evan applies intentional pressure to carefully selected reflex points while you relax comfortably throughout your session.

Many people choose reflexology because they enjoy its calming, restorative nature. It can be a wonderful option for those looking to unwind, reduce stress, or simply experience a different approach to therapeutic bodywork.

At Blue Heron Bodywork, we view reflexology as one more tool to support your wellness journey. Whether you're navigating the physical changes of pregnancy, recovering postpartum, spending long days on your feet, or simply looking for a peaceful moment to recharge, reflexology offers a gentle, non-invasive way to care for yourself.

One of the things I appreciate about Evan is the thoughtfulness they bring to every session. Their approach to reflexology is intentional, calming, and centered around helping each client feel supported in a way that meets their individual needs.

Sometimes healing begins with simply slowing down, taking a deep breath, and giving your body the care it deserves.

EDIT: The $10 has been donated. We have funded enough for 2 free massages 💙

💙 Community Fund Update 💙

When I first started the Blue Heron Bodywork Community Fund, my hope was simple: that together we could make massage accessible to someone who really needed it.

I'm excited to share that we've officially raised enough to cover one free massage, and we're only $10 away from funding a second!

So it's time to reopen nominations.

If you know someone who is currently pregnant or postpartum and you think they could benefit from receiving a massage, I'd love to hear about them.

Maybe they're going through a difficult season. Maybe money is tight. Maybe they've been putting everyone else first and haven't had the chance to care for themselves. Whatever the reason, if someone comes to mind, tell me about them.

To nominate someone, leave a comment below with their name (or just their initials if you'd rather protect their privacy) and a little bit about why you're nominating them.

I'll read through every nomination carefully before selecting the people who will receive these sessions.

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to the Community Fund. Every dollar that's been added has come from people who wanted to make a difference for someone else, and I think that's a pretty special thing. 💙

New at Blue Heron Bodywork: Deep Tissue Manipulation

If you've ever said, "I feel like there's a knot in there that just won't let go," this session may be exactly what you're looking for.

Deep Tissue Manipulation is a focused therapeutic treatment that targets the deepest layers of muscle and connective tissue. Using slower strokes, knuckles, forearms, and concentrated pressure, Evan works to address stubborn areas of chronic tension and restricted movement.

Over time, stress, injury, repetitive movements, and even poor posture can lead to adhesions—bands of tight, rigid tissue that limit mobility and contribute to pain. This treatment is designed to gently break up those adhesions, helping restore healthy movement, reduce inflammation, and provide lasting relief.

Despite its name, deep tissue isn't about using the most pressure possible. It's about using the right pressure, in the right place, with the right intention. Every session is adjusted to your comfort level and therapeutic goals.

This type of treatment can be especially beneficial if you:
✨ Experience chronic muscle tightness
✨ Have limited range of motion
✨ Recover from repetitive strain or old injuries
✨ Want to improve mobility and move with less pain

One of the things I admire most about Evan is their ability to work with precision. They have an incredible understanding of how muscles and connective tissue work together, allowing them to address the source of tension rather than simply chasing symptoms.

Because sometimes relief isn't about pushing harder—it's about working smarter.

New at Blue Heron Bodywork: Sports Massage

When you hear the words sports massage, you might picture professional athletes preparing for a competition.

But the truth is, sports massage isn't just for athletes.

It's for runners. Weightlifters. Weekend hikers. Dancers. People who work physically demanding jobs. Parents carrying toddlers. Expecting moms whose bodies are constantly adapting. Anyone who wants to move more comfortably and recover more efficiently.

Sports massage is a targeted session designed to prevent and treat injuries while enhancing performance and recovery. Through focused stretching, deep tissue techniques, and therapeutic massage, Evan works to improve flexibility, reduce stubborn muscle tension, flush out metabolic waste, and help your body recover from the demands you place on it.

Every session is customized around your goals. Whether you're training for your first 5K, preparing for a lifting competition, chasing kids around the house, or simply trying to move without pain, treatment is tailored specifically to your body.

One of the reasons I'm so excited to have Evan on our team is because this is an area where they truly shine. Their experience with stretching, deep tissue techniques, and movement-based therapy brings an entirely new dimension to the care we can offer at Blue Heron Bodywork.

Because at the end of the day, your body deserves to feel strong enough to support the life you love living.