What is Sarga Bodywork?

Sarga Bodywork is a barefoot myofascial massage methodology in which I utilize a length of fabric (the sarga) fastened to the massage table to aid in delivering slow, therapeutic, myofascial and deep tissue techniques with my bare feet. The sarga is used for stability and to add tensional and gravitational force to strokes which aim to facilitate deep relaxation and less restriction in recipients’ bodies.

Sarga Bodywork’s innovative techniques place an emphasis on the fascial system. Relieving fascial tension can help improve restrictions, enhance elasticity, and improve the overall health of fascia. By addressing fascial health through skilled and intentional manipulation, Sarga Bodywork can contribute to greater mobility, comfort, and vitality in the body.

Fascia is also highly innervated, meaning it has a direct influence on the nervous system.  By utilizing techniques that specifically target fascia, Sarga Bodywork can be particularly effective in stimulating a parasympathetic response, which is the rest-and-digest state of the body that facilitates a deep sense of relaxation and wellbeing.

Why use my feet?

Feet are amazing and dextrous massage therapy tools.  Barefoot massage techniques are less "pointed" and have the ability to deliver deeper, more consistent pressure due to the broader contact surface area of therapists' feet and the gravitational force that can be accessed for the delivery of the techniques.  Because my feet are important tools for the work I do, I take care to keep them as clean and groomed as my hands.

Who can benefit from Sarga Bodywork?

As a form of deep-tissue massage, Sarga Bodywork is best for people who receive bodywork regularly.  Our goal with a Sarga Bodywork treatment is to provide a systematic and full-bodied "combing" of recipients’ connective tissue, straightening out twists, kinks, and facilitating more organization.  As such, Sarga Bodywork is a great physical and nervous system reset when used for regular maintenance, both for people who are active and those whose bodies suffer from lack of regular movement.

Possible benefits of Sarga Bodywork include:

  • Relieved Tension

  • Improved Flexibility

  • Reduced Pain

  • Enhanced Circulation

  • Restored Balance

  • Stress Relief

  • Injury Prevention

  • Postural Improvement

  • Increased Energy Flow

  • Body Awareness

What can I expect from a treatment or a series of sessions? What do I need to do to prepare for it?

Your session will begin with a thorough intake to assess your current needs and any precautions or modifications that might be appropriate.  We will review a pressure scale to ensure the pressure I use during your session is comfortable and effective.  Because strokes for the lower back and hips cross the midline, it is best if you are able to undress completely. Once I re-enter the room, I will begin the session with some grounding words and body compressions. Next I will undrape your body in sections and apply a small amount of cream with my hands over the entire back of your body.  I then clean and sanitize my feet in a basin next to the table and climb onto the table and wrap my arms into the sarga to begin the massage.  At times I will climb down to adjust draping, help you turn over, apply more cream or work from a stool at the head of the table.  Any time I come off the table I will step into sanitized treatment slippers.  My clean feet never touch the ground during a treatment.  At the end of your session, I will offer some gentle movement and words to close the session.

Sarga Contraindications

While Sarga Bodywork aims to stay on the soothing, parasympathetic side of manual therapy, it does wield some strong tools (barefoot massage, myofascial techniques, tensional and gravitational force).  Because of its myofascial and compressive elements it is not suitable for every client. Contraindications include, but are not limited to, pregnancy or trying to conceive, high or low blood pressure, acute injury, advanced stages of osteoporosis or other degenerative bone conditions, certain medications, recent surgeries, and advanced diabetes. Please take care you fill out your intake form thoroughly in advance of your session, so as to receive a treatment that is safe and effective for you.

Some feedback from people who have received Sarga Bodywork from me:

“I appreciated the slow, measured contact with my muscles.. I felt met and satisfied by the pressure.”

“The release from this session was unlike any other.  As a yoga instructor this will become a session I need monthly.”

“This was maybe the first time I’ve ever felt a massage strong enough to fully address my particular issues as a person who has been working manual labor for nearly 20 years.”

“The ‘tool’ of the foot was an extraordinary medium for receiving bodywork.  The pressure was deep but never overwhelmingly so.  I thoroughly enjoyed it.”

“So amazing… had a grounded feeling… very satisfying, freeing and integrative all at once.”

“The slow pace really helped my body relax - I nearly fell asleep! Loved every minute.”

Rebeca Torres- Rose offers therapeutic massage, chair massage, Thai massage, and Sarga bodywork at CLINIC Wednesdays 12:30- 6pm and Thursdays 10am- 7pm.