A Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork

by Merlita


Renew, Unwind, Rejuvenate and Embrace Total Wellbeing


About me

Hello  ~  I graduated from National Holistic Institute, A College of Massage Therapy,  Emeryville, CA., in 1999.  My education and training benefit and supports my vision to offer holistic approaches for wellness, balancing the body, mind and spirit.  Dedicated to servicing the community for over 24 years, I offer Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork.  I follow a treatment plan designed to focus on the client’s individual health needs and wellness goals.  I have the ability to draw from various techniques to deeply relax the client and to specifically address an area of the body that is holding pain or restriction, always keeping in mind the comfort level of the client.
In 2008, I was certified as an Approved Provider with National Certification Board Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB).  I enjoy sharing my knowledge and training in the classroom teaching continuing education and also being a resource for those just starting their journey in Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork.
My belief is that everyone in the community deserves to have access to wellness programs;  that include Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork, bringing balance and joy into their lives.

Thank You for visiting my website ~ Be Well,   Merlita
  • Merlita Bautista-Knecht
    Certified Massage Therapist, CAMTC#22139
    National Certification Board Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork  (NCBTMB #450768-08)
Lomi Lomi Workshop
September 23-25, 2024
Massage Therapy Institute, 424 F Street, Davis, Ca.  95616
(530) 753-4428
Instructor ~ Merlita Bautista-Knecht

Lomi Lomi
The ancient art of Hawaiian Lomi Lomi has been practiced for hundreds of years. Its rich history has established many styles and techniques, influenced by the Kupuna (elder) or Kahuna (master) and their family’s origin and customs of healing.   Lomi Lomi Massage, La’au Lapa’au (Plant Medicine), Pule (prayer) and even Lua (Hawaiian Martial Art) were, in various forms, a part of daily life. Growing up with the land, it was a natural learning to discover what parts of the ‘Ohana (family) could assist when faced with imbalance or illness.  Every form of Life was considered family by the Ancient Hawaiians, this would include the body, emotions, thoughts, spirit, all that mother nature offered, motion, touch and attention.
In this way, plant remedies, healing touch, massage tools, and the energetics of attention was uncovered and nurtured. According to the earliest records, family grew up absorbing aspects of healing from the land, elders, and their own experience.  

Present offerings of Lomi Lomi Massage Therapy reflect the many styles from the past. Lomi Lomi will relax and rejuvenate the fascia, muscle tissue and improve circulation, of the body The offering of Lomi Lomi also centers on the act of forgiveness (Ho’oponopono), which releases blockages in the body’s flow of natural energy. This is key in delivering the intention of aloha, with our presence, prayer, breath work and full bodywork movement.   Lomi Lomi, the love of “Aloha”.

I am teaching a Lomi Lomi workshop Sept. 23-25 at Massage Therapy Institute,
753 F Street, Davis.  Please call (503) 753-4428 if you would like to join.

Mahalo, Merlita


Training and Qualifications

A Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork offers alternative therapy with varying approaches that assist in softening fascia, the connective tissue in the body, create space in tight muscles, promote circulation, expel the impurities that may cause pain and limit range of motion.  This therapy will also assist in relieving tension, stress, rejuvenate the body and bring a sense of wellness.

Menu of Services


Swedish Massage

A full body massage using various techniques to release tension and stress and to improve blood circulation to the body.  Light, medium to firm pressure is offered staying at the clients comfort level;  leaving the client relaxed, refreshed, rejuvenated and renewed.  Swedish Massage is the foundation of many other Western and Eastern practices.

Therapeutic Massage

An integrative approach with Swedish techniques, trigger point work, and strokes that focus on specific areas of the body; releasing tension and stress, improving range of motion and leaving the client with a sense of wellness to the overall body.


Lomi Lomi Massage Therapy

An ancient Hawaiian Massage with a holistic approach creating connection between Body, Mind and Spirit. Auntie Margaret, a pioneer who taught and shared the loving touch of Aloha and prayer, offered the essence of Lomi Lomi; encouraging the light and positive energy of the therapist to share with the client. This therapy balances the body to reach clarity and relaxation using long fluid rhythmic motion ~ offering the love of Aloha!

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)

A therapy that offers gentle, slow manipulation of the tissue directing lymph (impurities) to be drained and released. Deeper breathing is encouraged while doing MLD, it will help with stimulation and to expel the impurities. MLD may assist with reducing pain, swelling and inflammation. MLD will also increase range of motion and improve the immune system. Limb mobilization and relaxation techniques are often combined with MLD. Manual Lymphatic Drainage is a treatment, not a massage.

Massage Cupping Therapy

Offering a therapeutic massage incorporating silicone, plastic or glass cups.  Massage Cupping  Therapy will reach the deeper layers of muscle tissue, where the roots of congestion and pain may be based.  Impurities rise to the surface of the tissue and may cause some discoloration marks; which will dissipate in a few hours while other markings may take up to 2 weeks.  These discoloration marks depend on the extent of impurities being released.  Massage Cupping Therapy promotes circulation,  releases tension and stress, increases range of motion and will give you a sense of wellness.

Temporomandibular Joint Therapy (TMJ)

TMJ is a disorder that affects the muscles and nerves of the temporomandibular joint. This joint is located on each side of the jaw and it connects the jaw to the skull. TMJ occurs when the muscles and nerves of the TMJ joint become injured or inflamed. TMJ can cause jaw pain in the jaw joint and the muscles that control the jaw; also may cause headaches and neck pain. Massage Therapy to the external and internal muscles may give relief to pain and tension.                          


Rate Schedule

We Accept Downtown Dollars  (Benicia)
Serving Benicia, Ca. and surrounding communities
60 minute session

$90.00

90 minute session

$135.00

120 minute session

$180.00

More to come...

Contact me

Reception by Appointment Only

601 - First Street, #200, 2nd Floor, Benicia, CA. 94510

(707) 205-0307

atherapeuticmassage.mbk@gmail.com

Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday - 9am to 6pm