Maria Fakhoury specializes in those types of massage which reeducate muscle fibers, increase muscular balance, restore suppleness, and relieve pain. Her massages are much more involved than the usual "relaxation" massage given at a spa or salon. She is trained to address specific muscular problems, such as carpal tunnel, thoracic outlet syndrome, back disorders, and post accident trauma. Her focus is on restoring symmetry to the body and retraining antagonistic muscle groups so that they work together.She considers massage to be her life's calling, and believes strongly in the power of this ancient form of healing. Touch is, in effect, one of the oldest forms of healing and is sorely lacking in our modern, hectic world. Unfortunately in our society, touch is most often associated with either sexuality or violence. In it's most basic form, it is neither. It is healing and nurturing, and necessary for a healthy emotional and physical state.
After a 25 year career in advertising, Maria felt it was time to counteract some of the negative effects of the constant barrage of images, slogans, and media hype that alienate people from themselves. She wanted to help people to get in touch with themselves and their bodies again, and gain a sense of self acceptance and peace within their own skin.
In 1991 she enrolled in a holistic school of massage, The Institute of Psycho-Structural Balancing in Santa Monica, California. There she received her initial training in massage therapy. She then attended the Southeastern School of Neuromuscular and Massage Therapy in Jacksonville, Florida, where she graduated as a Certified Neuromuscular Therapist in 1997.
Maria sees clients by appointment at the Wellness Services Clinic in Glenside Commons, in Richmond, Virginia. She is also available as an ergonomic consultant, and conducts specilized workshops. A trained singer, she is especially skilled in working with singers and musicians, helping them to improve their performance and avoid repetitive strain injuries.