It’s Anniversary Season at Kua Body and we want to send a special thanks to all of our loyal clients and the generous community of Los Altos and Pleasanton – continually empowering our vision.
At Kua Body we don’t just talk about health and wellness, we live it. We recently re-opened after having expanded our Los Altos and Pleasanton studios, celebrating our Second Year Anniversary in both locations and are proud to provide a wellness sanctuary for every client that focuses on providing individualized massage to enable greater health. Massage is the only thing we do, and we do it better than anyone else. In our search for delivering you greater balance, tranquility and contentment we are pleased to bring you our Kua “Body Talk” – an engaging platform to connect with our specialists and explore their healing advice to optimize your life.
Today we are featuring our specialist Jennifer Ruiz, who is celebrating her one year anniversary practicing at our Los Altos studio. Jennifer is continually exploring new ways of restoring balance, healing and well-being. She has been a practicing bodyworker since 2005. She is a graduate of Body Therapy Center, Palo Alto, is State Certified (CAMTC), and is a Diplomate in Asian Bodywork Therapy (NCCAOM).
Jennifer is the owner of Osmena Pearl and operates under the umbrella of Kua Body Studios alongside multiple highly trained therapists all running their own private practices.
After working as an independent contractor for many years, I was looking for a place where I could not only learn and grow my practice but also be a part of an interconnected team. Interconnected communication with my colleagues at Kua Body is an integral part of my work, and I love the strong community we have built together in Los Altos. This interwoven environment led by Upuia makes Kua Body such a tranquil oasis for both clients and for the Kua team of therapists. I am so happy I made the decision to work at Kua Body last September and have never looked back since. I keep looking forward…. always!
What makes your practice at Kua Body such a unique and special experience compared to other massages in Silicon Valley?
By maintaining open communication and individual attention with each of my clients I not only aim to help my clients with any issues presented, but to empower and encourage them to be aware of how they can be a part of their own healing process. I believe that integrating and utilizing approaches that at their core are based on positive intention, compassion, and integrity are key in enhancing one’s overall well-being.
I love the idea of integrating massage and bodywork with self-help techniques. It isn’t enough to tell the client what they should be doing between sessions but it is helpful to show them. I find clients not only appreciate the individual attention but enjoy the visual and hands-on approach. At Kua Body, every massage specialist takes the time to empower their clients by allowing them to be a part of their own healing – an experience that can last a lifetime.
Please tell us a bit about yourself and what brought you to Kua Body… what drew you to this healing modality?
I have always been fascinated with anatomy, physiology, movement, and a genuine desire to help others. I was searching for a career that would embody all these attributes and one I could ultimately be happy and passionate about doing. In the spring of 2005 I decided to take my first bodywork class which happened to be Acupressure, and knew after the first day I had found my calling. After a life threatening illness in 2005, it was bodywork and Pilates that played a key role in my recovery both physically and emotionally. I decided to complete my certification in both so I could share the benefits of healing with others.
“Jennifer is an amazing and effective facilitator of healing. She has the unique ability to unblock what needs attention and empower the client to really take ownership of their healing process. This is very rare in a healer, and Jennifer has a magical ability to facilitate her client’s internal wellness journey with her mastery of knowledge.” – Kua Body Client
Why is it important to unplug with regular massages? What are the long term benefits that you have noticed in your clients?
It is not only a relaxing experience but a transformative one as well. Over time client’s change and evolve physically, emotionally, and mentally but they start to become more aware and are able to recognize what they need from their therapist and how they can be a part of their own healing process.
You touch people all day. What have you learned about the healing power of human touch?
The power of touch, movement, and breath have the ability to strengthen and heal the body, mind, and spirit and give rise to empowerment and longevity.
I love this particular quote by C.G. Jung that truly encapsulates the idea of massage and bodywork:
“Learn your methods and techniques and be prepared to abandon them when you encounter the human soul.”
How do you keep yourself healthy and happy on a daily basis? Are there any healthy daily practices you recommend?
I try and practice what I preach, but as you know life gets in the way! I typically start my day with a light Pilates or yoga practice. If I don’t have time for that I will always do my Jin Shin Jyutsu Daily Self Care techniques and breathing exercises. This always keeps me balanced and ready to face the day.
I recommend finding something that keeps you invigorated and enlivens the body, mind, and spirit. Mindful movement, focused breathing, and quieting the mind keeps me healthy and helps me alleviate stress.
On your days off, what do you do to re-balance and re-energize yourself? Any favorite Bay Area hidden treasures you can tell us about?
I am always grateful to spend quality time with my family and friends. To reconnect with what is important. I also love my dog. I am truly obsessed with my dog… Riley. Animals give us a sense of how we should be. He gives me peace and happiness. I also love being near the water. Whether it is the ocean or a lake… it reminds me of just how small I am and humbles me…. brings me back to reality with a stronger purpose.
What are 5 fundamental things everyone should be doing to optimize their health and wellbeing?
- Move your body
- Be aware of your body alignment in everything you do
- Enhance and focus on your breath
- Quiet the mind
- Let it be. There is only so much you have control over. Things have a way of working themselves out so there is no need to stress out as much as we do.
If you have questions for Jennifer or would like to schedule a massage, please contact her at 650.346.1072 or osmenapearl@gmail.com.
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Kua Body Studios
Los Altos (650) 383-5209
Pleasanton (925) 405-5828
Email: info@KuaBody.me
