“Some time ago, on my way out of a massage session with Max, totally blissed out, I told them that my experience of the session was ‘poetic’. I don’t know exactly how to explain what I meant. We live in a world that demands that we quantify everything we do, and all services we receive – a supposedly ‘evidence-based’ world. But I don’t know how to quantify my experience with Max, and perhaps that’s why I used the word ‘poetic’. How can I quantify the feeling of safety when Max explained their approach to consent, and described how they would respond to me if I indicated that something hurt (they say “thank you” rather than “I’m sorry”). Or that when I felt tearful when they were working on a particular area of my body, I felt that Max didn’t need me to reassure them that everything was ok. On a scale of 1 to 10, how helpful has Max been in my journey with my body? Very. Very helpful, in a way that numbers don’t capture.”
About me and my work
From first learning practices and techniques to ground myself in my own body over a decade ago, I have been a passionate advocate of the power of being present in our bodies to transform our experience of living.
Hi, my name is Max Mora. Supporting people to be freer and more joyful in their bodies is an underpinning principle of my work. I consider it a profound privilege to work with people holistically to arrive in the present moment and to recognise and give attention to their bodies both viscerally and intellectually.
In practical terms, I do this by weaving a combination of holistic massage or Thai yoga massage with what I have learned from guided mindfulness practices and how our nervous systems work.
I also offer bespoke scar tissue remediation sessions, which involve massage of the scar using a myofascial approach without oil, followed by the application of an organic castor oil heat pack. While the heat pack is in place, holistic massage with scented oils soothes the rest of the body and the mind.
Is a somatic massage therapy approach right for you?
The way I work is best suited for those who want to use the bodywork, augmented by guided breathwork and mindfulness, to increase their somatic awareness and notice their relationship with their body. It’s beautiful massage to be sure, but it invites a wider purpose. In my experience, profound realisations are possible when in a state of deep relaxation and presence in the ‘here and now’ reality of the body.
Inclusive massage therapy
I work with all bodies, and I take active steps in my personal and professional development to cultivate inclusive practice. I am experienced in working with gender diversity, neurodiversity, all body sizes, and bodies that carry scar tissue. I am committed to anti-racist practice, including engaging in anti-racism trainings and ongoing self-reflection and action. My practice is trauma-informed, both through trauma-related training and significant experience of working with people with embodied trauma.
Some of my clients are in counselling or psychotherapy and use our sessions not only for relaxation but for somatic self-enquiry that they can take back into the talk therapy room. I write about this in Musings (my series of short blogs) as the benefits of concurrent talk therapy and bodywork appear significant.
Re: COVID-19 - I am happy to wear a fluid-resistant surgical mask for clients who request this protection - just let me know when booking.
Session information
Rate: £95 for an 85-minute session
Session times and location: Appointments are on Fridays at Warwick Works, Downs Road, London E5 8QJ (see Google map). Appointment times are: 8:20am; 10am; 11:40am; 1:45pm; 3:20pm.
Accessibility: My massage table is wide and high quality, to be comfy for all body sizes. Warwick Works has a ground level entrance and a double internal flight of stairs. If you would like to book a session and need to discuss access options, please let me know as alternatives may be possible.
My bodywork qualifications
I hold a VTCT/ITEC Level 3 Diploma in Massage and a VTCT/ITEC Level 3 Diploma in Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology from the Brighton College of Classical Massage, awarded with distinction. I hold a Thai yoga massage practitioner certificate and three advanced practitioner certificates from the Mudita School of Thai Yoga Massage, whose teachers are in the direct lineages of traditional Thai massage masters Pichet Boonthumme and Asokananda. My primary teacher is Osteo-Thai fusion therapist, Dave Hoyle. I also hold certificates in scar tissue remediation from training with Dr Ellen Heed and the Jing Institute of Massage and Complementary Medicine. I hold a certificate in embodied consent teaching from Wheel of Consent training with Dr Betty Martin. I am also trained in deep tissue massage, trauma-informed practice, breathwork and somatic education.
I am a registered, insured and accredited member of the Federation of Holistic Therapists, and adhere to their Code of Conduct and Professional Practice.
You can also find me on Instagram.
