Indigenous + African + Massage
Indigenous
+
African
+
Massage
+
Indigenous + African + Massage +
Indigenous African Massage Education, LLC exists to bridge African-descended massage therapists and bodyworkers in North America, who were separated from their ancestral roots through chattel slavery, back to their ancestral healing practices and modalities, to enrich the Western massage canon with African modalities, and to build a pipeline toward opening a dedicated massage school.
Many years ago, back in 2024, when we all took the political rhetoric around the TikTok ban seriously, I made a post. It was three-quarters observation, one-quarter hunch: I suggested, with zero research to back it up, that massage had been whitewashed. My hunch was based on historical patterns. I promised the internet that I’d look into Indigenous African massage healing practices and modalities, and share what I found. Turns out, I was right. And the rest, as they say, is history.
Meet the
Therapist +
Writer +
Instructor
Welcome! I’m Stephen R. Freshley, a Licensed Massage Therapist dedicated to honoring and sharing the profound wisdom of Indigenous African healing traditions. My practice blends the time-honored techniques passed down through generations with a deeply personalized approach that respects each person’s unique needs.
With years of experience in therapeutic bodywork and specialized training in Indigenous African massage modalities, I offer treatments that go beyond relaxation—supporting holistic well-being, restoring balance, and reconnecting mind, body, and spirit. My work is rooted in cultural integrity, respect for ancestral knowledge, and a commitment to helping clients experience the restorative power of touch as our ancestors intended.
Whether you are seeking relief from chronic tension, emotional renewal, or a deeper connection to cultural heritage, I am honored to hold space for your journey toward healing and self-discovery.
