Today we’d like to introduce you to Meghan Chandler.
Meghan, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
While living in WA some time ago now I completed my studies in clinical massage therapy as a Swedish Massage Therapist in 2009. Soon afterwards I got the opportunity to venture to Thailand where I was officially introduced to Thai massage after learning about the modality in school. Since that first visit, I have completed many courses studying Thai medical theory and Thai bodywork.
This past year I journeyed back to Thailand to study traditional postpartum care from traditional midwives in the rural mountains of Northern Thailand. Since my introduction to Thai massage, my work has centered solely around it. I currently practice Thai bodywork in Lowell, MA with an independent massage therapist establishment, The Dhamma Room.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Although I can say I have been more than fortunate with my practice, just as any career I’ve had my own obstacles to see through. Unfortunately, there is a stigma with the profession of massage therapy. As such, I have had to deal with situations that many people do not have to face. For instance, while attempting to relocate my business I had to deal with regulations which were outdated stating that a massage establishment cannot solely offer massage therapy it, therefore, must be affiliated with another profession i.e. a hair salon, chiropractor etc.
Hearing the term “massage parlor” instead of a massage studio or a massage establishment has been an ongoing irritant of mine with a very negative connotation. Having to deal with assumptions and misunderstandings of people has been a challenge but something I have been able to work through. I practice massage therapy, specifically Thai bodywork as I sought out to do with an individual massage therapy establishment license.
The Dhamma Room – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Thai bodywork can be immensely deep bodywork or it can be a gentle, nourishing treatment dependent on a client’s needs. The style of bodywork I practice is affiliated with Lanna medicine which is native to Northern Thailand. It involves compression, acupressure point work, stretching, and joint mobility. I shy away from familiar terms such as “lazy man’s yoga” when describing my work because it’s so much more than that. Thai medical theory has opened the world of Thai massage and has made it limitless. Each session is individualized to each client.
And that’s what I find so distinctive about my work. There’s also the tools used in Thai bodywork which I use mixed within treatments. I offer traditional Thai fire cupping, scraping, and Tok Sen; a practice unique Lanna medicine. Each session incorporates hot herbal compresses to assist with the bodywork. A pregnancy massage uses a special herbal compress to help nourish the mother while another formula exists to tend to a mother after she has given birth focusing on the new needs of the mother’s body.
There there are the liniments, balms, and oils with amazing aromas and amazing medicinal properties to work with. What I’m proud of as a practitioner is not one skill set or one aspect of Thai massage but having all the tools, all the knowledge, all the information that I’ve been fortunate to come across thus far. It’s an ongoing learning journey and as my knowledge grows I believe it will show in my practice and that is what makes me proud.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
My proudest moment of my career is hard to pinpoint as there has been many. Every completion of a course, every educational trip, and every business opportunity has made me proud.
Pricing:
- New client special: $64 60 minute massage $92 90 minute massage
- Regular rates: $80 60 minute massage $115 90 minute massage $140 120 minute massage
Contact Info:
- Address: 572 Dutton Street Lowell, MA 01854
- Website: www.DhammaRoom.com
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