Interview with masseuse Jovan Aubry

Information Minister JR Valrey, Oakland Bureau Chief

Our people have been through a lot of trauma – things going on right now and historical trauma. And because of so much untreated pain, we have psychological problems and pervasive addictions.

Body massages are a way to release trapped tension and trauma in the body, and you can have a professional like Jovan Aubry do this in your own home. Jovan Aubry has a dedicated travel practice with a hand-held layout that fits in your living room. For people who experience pain in their bodies and those of us who don’t know what kind of tension our bodies have, this is a natural thing I recommend people check out.

J.R. Valrey: What led you to massage therapy?

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

J.R. Valrey: What are the benefits of massage therapy for body and mind?

Jovan Aubry: Massage has many benefits. It not only relaxes but also helps increase blood flow. It helps release tension in the muscles, aids the immune system, and helps with physical and emotional pain. I have many clients with anxiety, and it helps them find peace, if only for a moment.

J.R. Valrey: Is there a particular style or type of massage you do?

Jovan Aubry: I’m a light to moderate pressure therapist so I do a lot of focus work: Thai, Swedish, prenatal, deep tissue and trigger points. I also work with adults and children. I even do energy work.

Our bodies carry so much stress and emotional load every day that we don’t even realize how much pain we are in.

J.R. Valrey: What causes the energy in your body to become blocked? What kinds of things have you encountered on people’s bodies?

Jovan Aubry: There are tons of energy transfer in massage. Many people walk around with trauma from their childhood or experience something they don’t even realize they carry as adults every day. Our bodies carry so much stress and emotional load every day that we don’t even realize how much pain we are in.

J.R. Valrey: What kind of reactions did you get after massaging people?

Jovan Aubry: I got pretty good feedback. What I really appreciate is when they say my hands are getting better.

J.R. Valrey: Why is body massage better than back massage?

Jovan Aubry: Every part of the body can and will hold tension. I can add pressure to a knot in the back and you will feel a sensation all the way to the top of your head or to your toes. Everything is connected. You may feel like you have a back when you have hips that need work.

J.R. Valrey: What are all the services you offer? What is the price range?

Jovan Aubry: I do personalized home massages. I have sugar sacs and do chakra open energy work and use crystals and sage. I recommend a 60-minute massage for $75, a 90-minute massage for $100, and a 30-minute assisted stretch for $25.

J.R. Valrey: How can people schedule time with you?

Jovan Aubry: They can email me at jovanaubrymt@aol.com or text me at 510-648-7655 to make an appointment.

JR Valrey, journalist, writer, director and founder black new world mediaHeads SF Bay View’s Oakland Office and his latest project, The Ministry of Information Podcast. it can be reached blockreportradio@gmail.com and on instagram.