Oncology Massage With Csilla, Certified Massage Therapist

Csilla, CMT International Orange

Oncology Massage at io

Going through treatment for cancer can be a vulnerable time for anyone. At io, we aim to support our client's journey from diagnosis to treatment and recovery. We offer them peace and sanctuary: a break from cancer and a chance to feel like themselves again.

The oncology massage practitioners at io have undergone specialized and rigorous training based on understanding cancer as a disease, the various treatments, the numerous side effects, and especially how massage can be integrated into a treatment and wellness plan. The massage plan is designed with the long- and short-term side effects of chemotherapy, radiation, and/or surgery in mind. 

Introducing Csilla: Certified Massage Therapist

Csilla is one of our most experienced oncology massage therapists. Her warmth, intuition, and calming energy make her the perfect fit for oncology massage – she instinctively knows how to put clients at ease.

“Csilla is a wonderful massage therapist and extraordinary human. She shares her love, light, and nurturing energy with everyone she meets, whether giving a massage or just saying hello in the hallway. Csilla has spent many years in Hawaii, and it shows as she truly embodies the Aloha spirit. We feel so grateful to have her as a part of our io family.”
- Melissa Ferst, io founder

How long has Csilla worked at io?

We are so lucky to have Csilla – she came to io five years ago from an extensively traveled and professional background. Born in Budapest, Hungary, she has lived in the Bay Area via Maui since 1990. She graduated with over 1000 hours of training from the Maui Academy of Healing Arts and enjoyed a top-tier position with one of the leading spas in the world while in Hawaii. 

Csilla’s oncology training:

Carolyn Tague MA, CMT, an internationally recognized oncology massage educator and practitioner, trained Csilla and other io practitioners. This training taught them how to properly assess, develop, and provide a safe and nurturing massage to alleviate treatment side effects such as headaches, disrupted sleep patterns, stress, pain, nausea, and fatigue. 


How is io's Oncology Massage different from traditional massage? 

The stress caused by a cancer diagnosis can put your central nervous system on high alert, your body forgets how to relax, and your muscles tense up. Csilla’s compassionate touch will lower your stress levels and help you cope with your treatment side effects. She will customize your massage around your medical care - it’s all about you.


Csilla’s holistic massage style:

Csilla’s naturally rhythmic yet therapeutic massage style is heavily influenced by the flowing style of Lomi Lomi massage - a traditional Hawaiian bodywork known as the ‘loving touch’ massage. 

Long, soothing strokes glide seamlessly from one part of the body to another, like moving waves, until your body relaxes and gives in to her touch. Once your body relaxes, she can go deeper into your muscles and joints to relieve tension. The healing art of Lomi Lomi treats mind, body, and spirit as one  – a more holistic and spiritual approach than Swedish or deep tissue massage. You can take the girl out of Hawaii, but you can’t take Hawaii out of the girl!

 

A CHAT WITH CSILLA

What is your favorite treatment to perform? 

My favorite treatment is pregnancy massage: it is one of the most special times in a woman’s life.


What are your favorite wellness tips?

I make recommendations based on the individual – they have to fit easily into their daily routine: more bodywork, a product from our spa shop, meditation, yoga, acupuncture, connecting with nature, CBD hot bath.


What is your self-care routine?

I practice yoga for one hour every day, and I have a clean and balanced way of eating. I also do things that bring me joy: talking to my parents daily, surrounding myself with people I resonate with, sharing a great meal with my partner. I love listening to music, dancing, reading great books.


How do you treat yourself?

I love traveling, and I always visit spas to experience new bodywork treatments. I grew up in Budapest, and on a winter Sunday afternoon, my Grandma, Mom,  sisters, and I would go to the beautiful Turkish bathhouses.


You have been in the industry a long time. How have you seen the massage industry evolve?

I feel like the massage industry is evolving more and more towards medical-massage.


What do you like most about working at io?

I am very happy to work for a female owner.


Tell us a secret about you!

I was a professional runner when I was younger. I ran the 400 meters hurdle: the killer race.