Today we’d like to introduce you to Leah Levitan.
Hi Leah, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, let’s briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I’d been a corrective bodyworker for almost 6 years before I found my way to the lymphatic system. There were certain cases that I couldn’t help, regardless of my extensive knowledge of the fascial and musculoskeletal systems. I was a “Find it and fix it fast!” kinda gal, but something was missing. That *thing* was my understanding of chronic inflammation and its role in illness and disease. Once I found the lymphatic system, I was hooked. It all started when my team and I attended The Academy of Lymphatic Studies and got certified in The Vodder Method of Manual Lymphatic Drainage. Once we began to put that into clinical practice, we immediately saw the difference in our client’s bodies! I knew this was the missing piece, and shortly after, I rebranded my clinic from “Align Massage Co.” to “Align Massage + Lymphatics.” We went all in on lymph. I’ve since returned to Norton School Of Lymphatic Therapy, where I learned how to directly help people with diseases affecting their lymphatic system—mainly lymphedema and lipedema. I’m now a Certified Lymphedema Therapist and proud owner of a heart-centered practice that’s made for those who are struggling with a chronic disease or illness.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not all lymphatic systems function the same. I quickly realized this after my staff and I got certified. In my mind, we’d use this tool in our office for swelling and pain due to an acute injury- we were corrective body workers who worked with athletes! We didn’t know what we didn’t know and weren’t prepared with the knowledge and skillset required to work on the growing number of clients who currently had (or had had) cancer or other complex health issues. While continuing our education and gaining new insight through our experiences, “Align Massage Co.” had a major identity crisis. Were we for athletes or chronic illness? I knew that I wanted my practice to offer specialized care and be the best (to be experts) at whatever we did. To do that, it just couldn’t be both. It took witnessing, first-hand, healing beyond what I thought was possible to decide to focus on blending the most effective modalities I had learned over the years and offering what we like to call “next-level lymphatic drainage” to an entirely new client population. There were some growing pains, yeah. It was a big commitment to dedicate my career to a system of the body like that, but it was an easy decision when I stood back and looked at the big picture. This is the key to our health; it’s the future of medicine. How could I not answer that call?
We’ve been impressed with Align Massage + Lymphatics, but for folks who might need to be more familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Here at Align, we are a team of licensed massage therapists who are experts in the lymphatic system, fascia and scar tissue work, and Manual Lymph Drainage. Healing from a chronic illness is hard, and it takes a certain level of body literacy to be able to point the body in the direction that it needs to go to make large strides. It is a requirement to be an active participant in the healing process, but that can feel overwhelming and exhausting if you’re sick and have a long list of uncomfortable symptoms. We get it! We build trust through mutual agency and aim to offer bodywork that both empowers and inspires. As a new client, you’ll receive education regarding the lymphatic system, and we’re here to teach you how to support it on your own at home. This allows you to expedite your healing, gain autonomy in your health, become that active participant, and help us help you heal beyond what you think might be possible. We’ve seen it happen! If we’re doing our job correctly, you’ll need us less and less. That’s the whole point.
How do you define success?
To live this life authentically and in my way.
Pricing:
- $140 (60 min. session)
- $210 (90 min. session)
Contact Info:
- Website: alignmassagecompany.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lymphloveclub/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsfrMivOUpB1AASUODzPV0g
