By Jeremy D. Wells
Carter County Times
Joe Suttles said he already felt like it was time to move his massage practice back home to Grayson, and then the universe conspired to force his hand. After the tragic loss of his brother, former city councilman and Grayson firefighter Duane Suttles, and his own cancer diagnosis and recovery, Joe said he wanted to spend less time commuting back and forth to Morehead, and more time with his parents and family.
Then, Morehead State University (MSU) decided to demolish the building he was practicing in to expand their parking.
“I was located in the Blair Building, in Morehead, and the landlord sold the building to MSU, and they demolished it. It’s already gone now. They demolished it for the parking.”
But, Suttles continued, “I’ve been needing to come back home anyway. I live in Grayson. I was tired of commuting 82 miles a day. Plus, I’m trying to spend more time with my family, especially since the passing of my brother. I just thought, ‘It’s a sign from the universe that I need to come home.’ So, here I am, hoping for the best.”
Suttles isn’t just hoping for the best, though. He’s offering one of the best massage services in the area. He has been practicing massage therapy for nearly a decade, since completing his training at the Lexington Healing Arts Academy in 2016.
While he said a lot of his business is built around relaxation massage, his education and accreditation also allow him to do various therapeutic massages – including doctor prescribed massages, which qualify for tax exemption with that prescription.
“I offer massage therapy mostly for relaxation, but I also treat patients that have various ailments,” he said.
“Some people have prescriptions from their doctors,” he continued, explaining that he can follow whatever therapeutic routine is defined by the physician. “But I practice massage therapy and reflexology; which is essentially acupressure.”
The full list of services includes relaxation, deep tissue, workout recovery, and hot stone massages, chair massages, and lymphatic feathering, among others.
He also makes some jewelry, mostly as a hobby, as well as offering supplies for those interested in herbs and homeopathy. These include mortars and pestles, and glass distillation units, flasks, funnels, droppers, and more along with a wide selection of dried herbs suitable for everything from potpourri to home remedies, tinctures, and salves.
“I cater to the hobby herbalist, and the folks practicing the traditions of our Appalachian ancestors,” Suttles noted.
He also offers essential oils, bees wax, and a variety of other self-care and meditation items, such as singing bowls, chimes, incense, yoga mats, crystals and gemstones, stability balls, and more. They also offer gift certificates and reloadable gift cards.
Those interested in booking appointments may do so online, at www.healerstouchmassage.com or by finding the business on Facebook. You may also call or text at (606)315-1106. Suttles asks patients to try to book appointments at least 24 hours in advance, if possible.
The business is located at 209 Robert and Mary Street, in Grayson, and is open from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.
Contact the writer at editor@cartercountytimes.com
