Hands that heal: An interview with masseuse Jovan Aubry

by Minister of Information JR Valrey, Oakland Bureau Chief

Our people have been through a lot of trauma – things that are going on now and historical trauma. And because of a lot of untreated pain, we have psychological issues and addictions running rampant. 

Body massages are a way to release tension and trauma trapped in the body, and you can have it done at your own home by a professional, such as Jovan Aubry. Jovan Aubry has a private traveling practice, with a setup that is hand held, and fits in your living room.  For people who experience pain in their body, and for those of us who may not know what kind of tension our body holds, this is something natural that I recommend for people to check out. 

JR Valrey: What made you get into massage therapy?

Jovan Aubry: I’ve always wanted to make others feel better. I thought that was nursing until I realized I’d rather help people heal naturally. It was crazy how I thought one day during the pandemic how massage was my passion. A few days later, I saw that the National Holistic Institute was accepting students and I started school a week later. I’ve been a massage therapist for over a year now.

JR Valrey: What benefits does massage therapy have for the body and mind?

Jovan Aubry: Massage has many benefits. Not only is it relaxing but it helps increase blood flow. It helps release tension in the muscles, helps the immune system, and it helps with physical and emotional pain. I get a lot of clients who have anxiety and it helps them find peace, even if it is just for the moment. 

JR Valrey: Is there a particular style or kind of massage that you do?

Jovan Aubry: I am a light to medium pressure therapist, so I do a lot of focus work: Tai, Swedish, pre-natal, deep tissue and trigger points. I work with elders and minors as well. I even do energy work. 

The body carries so much stress and emotional weight on a daily basis that we don’t even realize how much pain we are in.

JR Valrey: What kind of things cause the blocking of energy in your body? What kind of things have you encountered in people’s bodies?

Jovan Aubry: There’s tons of energy transfer in massage. A lot of people walk around with trauma from their childhood or have experienced something as adults that they do not even realize they carry around every day. The body carries so much stress and emotional weight on a daily basis that we don’t even realize how much pain we are in. 

JR Valrey: What kind of responses have you gotten from people after you gave them a massage?

Jovan Aubry: I have gotten pretty good feedback. The one I truly appreciate is when they say my hands are healing. 

JR Valrey: Why is a body massage better than just a back massage?

Jovan Aubry: Every part of the body can and will hold tension. I can add pressure to a knot that’s on the back and you will feel a sensation go either to the top of your head or down to your toe. Everything is connected. You may feel it’s your back when it can be your hips that need work. 

JR Valrey: What are all of the services that you offer? What is the price range?

Jovan Aubry: I do customized home massages. I have sugar scrubs and I do energy work that opens up the chakras and I use crystals and sage. I offer a 60-minute massage for $75, a 90-minute massage for $100 and a 30-minute assisted stretch for $25.  

JR Valrey: How could people schedule time with you?

Jovan Aubry: They can email me at [email protected] or text to book an appointment to 510-648-7655.

JR Valrey, journalist, author, filmmaker and founder of Black New World Media, heads the SF Bay View’s Oakland Bureau and is founder of his latest project, the Ministry of Information Podcast. He can be reached at [email protected] and on Instagram.

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