Somatic Facial and Body Treatments
What is a Somatic treatment?
Somatic means "of the body." Somatic treatments are different than traditional massage or facials because they see the body as a whole (not individual parts) and work with your nervous system (not just your muscles or your skin) to create change that actually lasts.
The nervous system controls everything: inflammation, healing, how muscles hold and release, how your skin behaves. Connective tissues like fascia and skin are an important part of the nervous system because they form a continuous communication network, woven with sensory receptors that constantly report to the brain. When we provide the input those receptors are designed to recognize - sustained pressure, stretch, vibration, rhythm, warmth, stillness - the system does what it's built to do. It self-regulates, returns to homeostasis and heals.
We are not fixing anything. We're giving the body the right conditions to fix itself.
When the nervous system is stuck in chronic stress, it holds, tightens and becomes inflamed. No amount of pressure or product can override that from the outside. Somatic treatments help shift the system into a parasympathetic state (the only state in which real repair happens), breaking holding patterns and reducing inflammatory markers. The more you practice getting into this state, the more resilient your system becomes. This is why regular, trauma-informed care is so important for overall wellness.
Every session with Touch of Yin is curated to respect your nervous system from beginning to end, helping you to feel safe in your body and building resiliency over time.
What does it mean to be “trauma-informed?”
For us, it means….
All sessions begin with context, choice and consent.
You have the right to change your mind and express your needs at any time.
We respect bodily autonomy and boundaries.
We use the most ethical, intentional and nourishing skincare products we can find.
We do not aim to make you feel pain for the purpose of beauty or healing.
We use a detailed intake to gain insight on your specific sensory preferences.
We aim to have a transparent and easeful process from booking to checkout.
You are never rushed into or out of a service.
Your feeling of safety in your body is never an inconvenience; it is the goal.
Hi, I’m Bethany, and I’m highly sensitive. I have had terrible experiences with body and facial work because of my unique sensory preferences and highly reactive nervous system. This is why I am so dedicated to making your experience as comfortable as possible and utilizing tools to encourage nervous system regulation from the beginning.
Service Overview
Click each category to learn more about the specific somatic treatments we offer. Navigate to the booking page to see time options and pricing.
Bodywork
I do not offer traditional deep tissue or Swedish massage. Custom sessions are useful for incorporating more add-ons and targeted therapeutic work, but full body sessions with Leef and Sarga require more time and are booked with that in mind. Buccal massage is not included and can be added on to any bodywork session.
LEEF Massage
Slow flow, high product, medium pressure
The most fluid and enveloping of the body treatments, drawing from Esalen, and Lomi Lomi traditions, this session is a full body connection where nothing is ignored.
In this treatment, long, continuous strokes move across the full body in a seamless flow - these are bilateral, rhythmic, generous with product and contact. Therapeutic work, stretches, rocking, cradles and holds are woven in for complete a complete sensory reset.
You should leave feeling like you've been completely held. Cared for in the most elemental way. Like every part of you was attended to and nothing was forgotten.
Best for: stress, nervous system dysregulation, chronic tension, emotional holding, deep relaxation
Sarga Bodywork
Slow and steady, low product, deep pressure
The deepest release of all the body treatments, drawing from myofascial work and structural integration. This session is like nothing you have ever felt.
Sarga is a barefoot massage modality where the therapist uses their feet - supported by a tensional silk system - to deliver deep, broad, even pressure across the body. Minimal product is used.
The continuous contact covers more surface area and is far more regulating to the nervous system than elbow-based deep tissue work, which can cause the body to brace. You should leave feeling like jello, but not in pain from the depth.
Best for: deep pressure lovers, chronic muscle tension, poor circulation, restricted mobility
mld
Slow and rhythmic, low product, light pressure
The most gentle of the body treatments, drawing from both Vodder and Brazilian traditions and customized for each client. This work is as meditative as it is therapeutic.
Vodder manual lymphatic drainage is not a massage. It is an exceptionally light, rhythmic technique using specific skin-stretching strokes. Product is only added for Brazilian techniques.
When the lymphatic system stagnates, excess fluid accumulates in the tissue, inflammatory waste builds up and cells are starved of nutrients. MLD clears that congestion. It also stimulates the parasympathetic response, making it a wonderful nervous system tool.
Best for: puffiness, swelling, inflammation, chronic pain, post-surgery recovery, nervous system support
Pre-Natal
Slow flow, medium pressure, customizable
Specialized bodywork for pregnancy, adapted at every stage to safely support the changing body. Choose from LEEF-style (slow flow, long strokes, therapeutic treatment) or manual lymphatic drainage.
While deep tissue work is not appropriate for pregnancy, pre-natal massage is still important and effective for addressing back pain, hip tension, swelling and fatigue while providing deep nervous system care for both parent and baby.
Safe positioning and comfort are taken into consideration for your pre-natal sessions with a fully adjustable table and side-lying work.
Best for: any stage of pregnancy
Facial Massage
All facial massage services and 90 min+ facial treatments include a combination of these 3 techniques, customized for your needs. Longer services = more time to include all 3 with more depth. A 60 min facial massage may be beneficial for someone strictly looking to treat TMJ concerns, but 90 mins is recommended for sculpting and ultimate relief.
Myofascial Sculpting
Slow and steady, no product, medium pressure
A hands-on facial technique using deep stretches, skin rolling, targeted muscle release and gentle holds to soften and mobilize the superficial fascia of the face, neck, scalp and chest.
Healthy fascia is fluid and free-moving; restricted fascia contributes to sagging, lines, puffiness and dullness. By communicating directly with the sensory receptors in this tissue, we encourage it to release, rehydrate and create visible structural change from within.
Best for: aging, loss of definition, skin texture, puffiness, jaw tension, nervous system support
Buccal Massage
Slow flow, high product, medium to deep pressure
An intraoral technique where massage is performed from inside the mouth to address the deeper muscles, fascia and fat pads of the face. Muscles of the TMJ are targeted for jaw tension relief.
Buccal massage is one of the most effective non-invasive approaches for facial sculpting and jaw tension relief when it is performed correctly. We use strict sanitation and safety procedures and work on the tissue gently first, with increasing pressure as needed.
Best for: sagging or volume migration in the lower face, deep lines, asymmetry, TMJ symptoms (jaw pain, clicking, headaches, ear aches), braces or Invisalign tension
Lymphatic Drainage
Slow and rhythmic, no product, light pressure
Our Vodder-informed MLD approach uses gentle, rhythmic strokes that move fluid out of congested tissue, calm inflammation and support skin clarity.
The neck is one of the most important and highly concentrated collections of lymph nodes in our bodies, impacting drainage of the face and cranium. Working the full face, neck and head can have a profound impact on chronic inflammatory skin conditions, as well as regulating the nervous system.
Best for: puffiness, inflammation, TMJ pain, migraines, chronic skin conditions (acne, rosacea, hyperpigmentation, eczema), post-surgery recovery, nervous system support
Facials and Skin Treatments
All facial treatments include herbal steam, double cleanse, enzyme exfoliation and herb-infused towels throughout. Customization options such as honey tapping, herbal masks, extractions, chemical peels, gua sha, facial reflexology, facial cupping and herbal poultices can be explored during your consultation.
Every facial treatment is built on a foundation of two exceptional product lines: Laurel Skin and Maya Chia. Products are selected and blended for each client based on skin type, concerns and the needs of the session.
Laurel Skin is whole plant herbalism for the face - 100% organic, raw, and unrefined botanicals formulated to work with the skin's innate intelligence rather than override it. Because the full spectrum of a plant's phytochemistry is preserved intact, these formulas carry an uncommon potency and the ability to create deep, lasting shifts within the skin. The focus is on healing the barrier, nourishing the microbiome and creating change over time rather than forcing quick results or suppressing symptoms.
Maya Chia is where clean beauty meets rigorous science - a science-first approach that pairs vibrant botanicals with clinically proven actives, each included for a clearly defined role in transforming skin. Powered by supercritical chia seed oil and antioxidants like astaxanthin, the formulas are built from peer-reviewed research. The beautiful textures disappear into the skin and the scents are clean and crisp, while the results refuse to be ignored.
Together, these two lines cover the full spectrum: deeply nourishing plant medicine and precision-driven actives, both aligned with a somatic philosophy of working with the body (not against it).
Essential Somatic Facial
60 minutes
A focused, results-oriented session dedicated entirely to your skin. No sculpting or buccal massage - just thoughtful, unhurried attention to whatever your skin needs most.
Ideal for those with specific concerns they want to address consistently, or as a standalone skin maintenance session.
Best for: acne, pigmentation, congestion, sensitivity, dehydration, or anyone wanting to focus purely on skin health
Flow Somatic Facial
90 minutes
Skin treatment plus full facial massage. After an initial skin treatment phase, the session moves into myofascial sculpting and buccal massage.
This slow, intentional work through the fascia of the face, neck and chest is where skin and structure meet: the massage creates the conditions for the skin treatment to work more deeply, and the skin treatment supports the tissue being worked.
Best for: aging, loss of definition, chronic tension in the face or jaw, puffiness, nervous system support alongside skin concerns
Nourish Somatic Facial
120 minutes
Everything in the 90-minute session, with the added gift of time and additional modalities.
This extended session allows for a more thorough skin treatment, deeper massage work and room to incorporate additional customization such as sound healing, specialized tools or simply a slower, more meditative pace.
Best for: those with multiple concerns, anyone who wants the most unhurried and fully personalized experience, or a true reset
Customizations
Every session can be fully customized. The following can be blended in or layered on depending on your service choice and length. You will have the option to add these on or select them during your intake if they are available.
Energetic Tools
Sound healing tools can be played around the body or placed on the body, depending on the type.
Tuning forks
Tibetan bowls
Crystal bowls
Gongs
Various chimes and water tools
Craniosacral therapy is a gentle, hands-on form of energy work that can be integrated into most treatments.
Shirodhara is an Ayurvedic warm oil treatment that is poured slowly and consistently over the forehead (third eye chakra).
Bodywork Tools
Myofascial decompression, also known as cupping, is used to create space in the fascia in areas of restriction. We may combine this with movement to enhance results. Cupping may or may not leave marks on the body (this is not the goal, but it does happen).
Herbal poultices are a Thai traditional medicine tool. They are essentially fabric wrapped around herbs and formed into a ball with a handle. The poultices are steamed throughout the service and used to roll and stamp the body, adding heat and herbal remedies to areas of tension. Literally feels like a warm hug!
The Lymphatic Brush is a unique tool that is brushed on the body during lymphatic services or when lymphatic support may be needed.
Facial Tools
Facial cupping is not like body cupping. We will use soft, silicone cups to manipulate the fascia and improve lymph movement in the face.
Gua sha uses a flat stone to improve fascia release, especially in areas with a lot of restriction.
Facial reflexology is a unique technique that utilizes a metal or crystal wand to scrape and circle areas of the face. While we sometimes find areas of restriction, this is an energetic technique that ties areas of the face to areas of the body. It is incredibly relaxing and nourishing.
Herbal poultices can be applied to the face with specialized herbs for skincare concerns.
The Lymphatic Brush can also be used on the face to support lymphatic movement in the skin.
Skin Treatments
Chemical peels can be added to any skin treatment, however we will make sure you are not contraindicated before performing any peels. Depending on the strength, we may add the peel at the end of the facial (after the massage)
Celluma LED therapy is one of the most researched and non-invasive therapeutic tools for skin concerns. Our flexible panel can be wrapped around your face or body and set to one of the following modes:
Acne - kills bacteria by stimulating a self-destruction response
Aging - supports collagen and elastin production by stimulating cellular energy
Pain - uses infrared to penetrate deeply into tissue and reduce inflammation
Contour - encourages lipid degradation and elimination (especially when paired with lymphatic drainage)