AnTara Massage Studio: From Passion to Purpose a Decade of Massage Therapy Excellence – An Exclusive Interview with CEO Avinash Deonarine

Jul 16, 2023 News

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“Trust the process; everything happens in its own time.”

By Wayne Lyttle

Kaieteur News – In the latest issue of The Waterfalls Magazine, we had the privilege of sitting down with Avinash Deonarine, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of AnTara Massage Studio, for an exclusive interview. During our conversation, Avinash shared insights from his remarkable 10-year journey as a massage therapist.

Deonarine’s inspiration to become a massage therapist stemmed from his mother’s diagnosis of Rheumatoid arthritis and the potential benefits of massage therapy for her condition. A few months later, he came across an advertisement in the local newspaper by the American University of Peace Studies Inc., offering a course in Swedish and Thai massage therapy. Seizing the opportunity, he enrolled in the programme. His passion for the field grew as he witnessed people experiencing improvements and expressing their gratitude through compliments such as “I feel much better than when I came in,” “your hands are magic,” or “I thank you, I never knew I could feel this way after just one session.”

“The world is constantly changing, and we need to keep up with all that is happening. While we now have massage guns and various tools to enhance the experience, old-school techniques are still the best,” he stated.

Deonarine is trained and certified in Swedish and Thai massage therapy, but he emphasizes the importance of continuous self-education. He acknowledges the introduction of new techniques over the years that complement the traditional ones and provide a balanced approach.

Massage therapy offers several benefits, such as easing tense muscles, improving blood circulation, and inducing relaxation, leading to a stress-free state. These are just a few of the advantages clients can gain from massage.

The name “AnTara Massage Studio” pays respect to Deonarine’s parents, who he lost in 2017 and 2019 respectively. Combining their names, Anan and Tara, he looked up to them for their hard work, dedication, unmatched work ethics, and pure love. Additionally, “AnTara” is of Sanskrit origin, meaning heart or Supreme soul, making it a perfect fit.

One of Deonarine’s most memorable experiences involved working with an elderly man who had recently suffered a stroke. The man’s family reached out to Deonarine, and after a few sessions, they witnessed significant improvements in his mobility. Deonarine explained the importance of focusing on the affected area, promoting blood flow, and massaging the muscles. Neglecting the muscles can lead to stiffness, which hampers mobility and causes additional stress. While the effectiveness of massage therapy varies depending on the situation, Deonarine firmly believes in its efficacy.

“First and foremost, you have to love what you do. I have always been someone who wants to help, and this is my way of doing so. While training is essential, if your motivation is solely monetary rewards, you lose sight of the ultimate goals. Throughout the years, I have honed my skills by staying focused on the end goal. Whether it’s helping someone achieve a stress-free state, relaxation, or even just providing an opportunity for them to catch an hour of sleep on my table, I’m happy to assist. And yes, clients do fall asleep, Laughing Out Loud (LOL),” the CEO elaborated.

During the interview, Deonarine addressed common misconceptions about massage therapy. He stressed that massage is not exclusively for the wealthy; it is for everyone. He also highlighted the misunderstanding that all massage sessions end with a “happy ending,” clarifying that this concept is a misrepresentation and that massage should be appreciated for its true benefits and therapeutic potential.

He pointed out two prevalent issues that clients often face. The first is constant back pain, primarily caused by poor posture. Maintaining an upright position and avoiding slouching, along with regular massage sessions, can help alleviate this problem. The second issue involves foot pain or swelling due to prolonged standing. Wearing comfortable footwear and receiving a good foot massage can easily address these discomforts. Additionally, Deonarine provides advice to clients on self-care practices, especially for those who cannot afford frequent massage sessions.

Confidentiality is of utmost importance to Deonarine. He ensures that his massage studio is a safe space, allowing clients not only to relax but also to freely express themselves during sessions. Many times, a massage session turns into a therapy session where clients feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and concerns. Deonarine stressed the significance of maintaining confidentiality to foster a relaxed environment. After a decade in the field, he has clients who feel so at ease that they simply lie on the table and relax, with some even falling asleep.

When asked how he stays updated with the latest developments and advancements in the field of massage therapy, Deonarine emphasized that social media inundates us with updates. He mentioned the availability of courses offered by local wellness businesses and institutions, encouraging therapists to remain open-minded and continuously learn. Learning resources are abundant, and he urges all therapists to stay informed about information, tools, and other resources that can enhance their work and promote their clients’ well-being.

Reflecting on his experience, Deonarine advises individuals considering a career in massage therapy to go for it. He finds it incredibly rewarding to witness the positive impact massage has on people’s lives. He also warns against being coerced into practices one does not wish to engage in, emphasizing that massage should not be associated solely with sexualization but rather valued for its ability to help others.

When dealing with challenging clients, Deonarine acknowledges the significance of time management. He emphasizes the value of punctuality, as delays can disrupt the schedule and inconvenience other clients. To address this issue, he intentionally spaces out his appointments, allowing for a 30-minute buffer in case of any timing concerns.

Deonarine stressed the importance of being grounded and relaxed as a massage therapist. He recognizes that his state of mind directly affects the client’s experience. By ensuring he is at his best before each session, he can provide a beneficial and enjoyable experience for the client. His goal is to establish AnTara Massage Studio as a household name, where people recognize the quality of service provided. Helping others is his way of generating good karma and making a positive impact, one mind and body at a time.

Regarding advancements in massage therapy, Deonarine believes that while there may not be ongoing research in the field, progress is always forthcoming. He finds the Massage World Championships on Facebook fascinating and an excellent source of learning. Observing therapists from around the world showcase their skills inspires him to incorporate new techniques into his sessions.

When asked about his greatest satisfaction and fulfillment as a massage therapist after a decade in the business, Deonarine highlighted the fact that people feel better after a session. Compliments such as: “your hands are magic,” “this is my first massage, and it will not be my last,” or “my knee hasn’t hurt since you rubbed it”, validate his dedication. It is these simple expressions of gratitude that keep him motivated.

Deonarine further explained that people are becoming more educated about the benefits of massage therapy, and hearing testimonials from others encourages them to experience it themselves. While some individuals only seek therapy when they have an issue, he believes there is a growing awareness of the importance of mental health and overall well-being. Massage therapy not only helps with tension but also addresses insomnia, stress, arthritis, joint stiffness, sciatica, and more, without the need for medication. Education is key and if individuals educate themselves, they will realize the numerous benefits, which massage can provide.

Deonarine occasionally incorporates physiotherapy techniques to address muscle stiffness. He highlighted the synergy between physiotherapy and massage therapy, particularly in Thai massage, where stretches play a significant role. Athletes, for instance, often require pre-workout or pre-game stretching to enhance their performance. For individuals with prolonged muscle stiffness, a combination of massage therapy and physiotherapy exercises, such as squeezing a ball or picking up objects, can help restore mobility.

Deonarine emphasized the importance of seeking medical attention before pursuing massage therapy, especially if a person is experiencing extreme pain or discomfort. He advised individuals to prioritize their health by consulting a medical professional first. Deonarine believes that not every pain should be rubbed, as certain conditions may require specific medical attention. However, once a doctor recommends massage therapy, he is ready to provide his services. He emphasized that massage has not evolved, but people’s minds have evolved as they educate themselves about the benefits and effectiveness of massage in dealing with various ailments naturally.

During his practice, Deonarine has encountered ethical dilemmas or challenges, with one notable issue being gender stereotyping. He mentioned that some male clients prefer female therapists, while some female clients hesitate due to their partners’ concerns. However, he believes that once people experience the benefits of massage therapy, they become less concerned about the gender of the therapist and focus on the positive effects of the treatment.

For those skeptical or hesitant about trying massage therapy for the first time, Deonarine recommended finding a massage therapist who can be trusted and genuinely cares about the client’s well-being. He encouraged individuals to overcome their skepticism and take the plunge, assuring them that they would not regret it.

Deonarine shared his approach to self-care as a massage therapist, which includes practising meditation to find inner peace. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of spending time with family and engaging in activities that help him stay grounded. Being aware of burnout and fatigue, he stressed the significance of sleep in repairing the body. Lack of sleep can lead to physical and mental exhaustion, which is why he values rest as a vital aspect of self-care.

In terms of public perception and acceptance of massage therapy as a legitimate healthcare modality, Deonarine mentioned his social media presence, where he shares information about massage, dispels myths, and highlights the benefits. He believes that personal testimonials and word-of-mouth recommendations are effective in changing people’s perception of massage therapy. As more individuals become informed about its benefits, acceptance of massage as a legitimate healthcare option grows.

Reflecting on his journey as a massage therapist, Deonarine expressed a deep appreciation for health, recognizing it as true wealth. Through his profession, he has developed a greater sense of gratitude for life and the well-being he possesses. While he empathizes with those struggling with various ailments, he acknowledges the limitations of massage therapy and the importance of seeking appropriate medical care. Nonetheless, he remains committed to helping others to the best of his abilities.

As the interview concluded, Deonarine reiterated his belief that being a massage therapist is incredibly rewarding. Witnessing the positive impact on people’s lives and hearing their expressions of gratitude makes the learning experience and the pursuit of his career worth it. He encouraged individuals to prioritize their health and experience the transformative effects of massage therapy firsthand. Within those 10 years, he took 4 years off to pursue his studies in psychology, which he completed last year, earning a BSc in General Psychology. Now, this year, he has started his business.

If you are interested in booking an appointment with AnTara Massage Studio, conveniently located at 43 Garnett Street in the CoLabs Building, Georgetown, to schedule your appointment, please feel free to contact Deonarine at 657-8208 or email him at avinashkd1127@yahoo.com. You can also find more information and reach out to him on Facebook at Avinash Deonarine’s page.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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• American University of Peace Studies Inc., AnTara Massage Studio, Avinash Deonarine, Chief Executive Officer, massage therapist

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