Origin of the Name "The Monkey's Tail"

In the Beginning...

Early 2019

I wanted to massage with both my hands and my feet, using something like a tail to support myself.

I experimented with aerial silks, rope and tree climbing equipment, bungee dance harnesses, and even considered the expensive film production harness that stunt devils use, like in the famous scene in Mission Impossible.

And my favorite band growing up was The Monkees. "We're just tryin' to be friendly! Come and watch us sing and play"
One of my favorite books, which lead me to follow other works by the primatologist Frans de Waal
Furthermore, monkeys are comfortable with their bodies and letting nature do its thing.

There’s also an easter egg. Monkey Tail = MT, just as MT stands for Massage Therapist.

Nowadays

Late 2020

I did a Shamanic Journey and the image of a relaxed monkey with a crooked tail came to my mind. It seemed like it should be the new logo. The crooked tail symbolized a minor setback that a massage could fix, whether it was mental stress or a physical pain that needed some gentle smoothing out.

January 2021

The name evolved from Monkey Tail Massage to The Monkey’s Tail: Evolutionary Massage and Spa. 

I wanted to convey to clients that I take science and evidence seriously. I don’t want to be confused with Goop or New Age practitioners, especially now that I want to offer spa treatments beyond massage therapy. 

I am a life-long student and will always be evolving myself and my work. When I spoke to friends about the name “The Monkey’s Tail”, one was skeptical that it doesn’t sound spa-like at all, and the life of Neanderthals and monkeys just doesn’t evoke relaxation. When I thought of changing it to “The Monkey’s Dream”, another friend said “well, that’s boring. There’s something intriguing about a monkey’s tail. It has a hint of a bygone era. Humans have this tailbone that’s vestigial of a former tail.” 

Do massage therapists ever get turned on giving massages?

There’s a lot of diversity in the massage therapy community, but speaking for myself I’d have to say…no. It’s undeniable that I have massaged people that I consider to be attractive. But I’m at work, and I’m only thinking about how I can serve my client, regardless of how scrumptious he might be. It is so important for my clients to feel safe and not judged, either positively or negatively. 

I hate going to businesses and being told I’m attractive or given any kind of sexual energy. Man, Home Depot is the worst. I just want to do what I came for. Seriously. If you’re a dude working at Home Depot, just leave the poor ladies alone.

I would hate myself if I gave off that vibe to anybody who walked into my studio. But I don’t even have to worry about it, because I’m so focused on learning what the client needs and how I’m going to accomplish it with the time that we have. It really doesn’t phase me if I think he’s the sexiest thing in the world. Who cares? That is so beside the point. We have come together for a serious project – bodywork. There is so much information I am sorting through as I assess my client’s treatment. It’s just an afterthought.

Don't be self conscious!

So, no, I also don’t care if you aren’t sexy! BECAUSE I DON’T CARE EITHER WAY! Women – stop being embarrassed about whether or not you shaved your legs or got a pedicure. I don’t care!

Men – don’t worry if something about you is going to turn me off. I was never turned on! And I never will be, so don’t even try. 

Our time together is all about you forgetting your worries. Let your mind escape into that safe place where you are an exceptional being full of love and creativity. That is what you’re paying me for, and that is what we should both be focusing on. 

Guided Meditation: Driving

I get really bored when I’m driving…especially long distances. I started listening to guided meditations to give myself ideas for writing my own. As I listened, it occurred to me that some people enjoy driving – they find it relaxing. So I attempted to guide a meditation that focused on the sensations of a long drive.

My attempt

Then I saw this one!

Erin giving a back massage with a thought bubble with a math equation relating to time

Inspiration

Lately, it’s been blog post ideas. I always get really inspired when giving a massage. It’s meditative for me. My best ideas come to me when I’m giving a massage, and I feel refreshed afterwards.

Time

I also think a lot about time.

For example, when someone says they want me to focus more on their hamstrings and their abdomen, I have to consider which areas to spend less time on. I start my massages by working on the back so I can take a few breaths and center myself, and take a minute to assess what was said in the interview before the client got on the table.