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A new blog about massage, relaxation and life

March, 2025

North Carolina State Massage Championship, March 2025


This month I traveled to Charlotte, North Carolina to take part in their state massage championship representing Massage by Talia Kae. It was incredible to be surrounded by other massage professionals and to be exposed to new and exciting treatment methods in practice. 

I studied massage at Body, Mind & Spirit Massage School in Toms River, NJ years ago, back in 2005. At that time we were exposed to a few modalities in the industry but nothing could have possibly prepared me for what I saw this weekend! There were therapists practicing Swedish, Ashiatsu, Thai, Tok Sen, Cranio Sacral, Didgeridoo, Cupping, Hot Stones, just to name a few. 

My background as a massage therapist had almost exclusively found me working at a chain spa for about 15 years. I didn't have a lot of private massage experience. In working for the chain, I was very limited in the services I was able to provide to my clientele. Swedish massage, Deep Tissue, Hot Stone...that was the general range of it all. I don't have hate for massage chains, don't misunderstand. I think they provide a valuable service to their clients, exposing more people to massage than ever before. However, in private practice, you're afforded the opportunity to seek training in modalities that prepare you to exceed the expectations of your clientele. Since going into private practice in 2023, I've begun to explore the world of massage therapy and to discover exciting new techniques. Since transitioning into solo practice I've studied cupping, gua sha and Cranio Sacral massage. After this weekend, I am so inspired to continue my exploration of the powerful world of massage therapy and bodywork. 

I'm still offering Cranio Sacral massage labs for $0 while training in the new modality. Call, text or go online to schedule your service. https://www.massagebytaliakae.com/menu-of-services , 732-825-6142.

*Photo Credits: @MasemotoPhoto & @CaputredbyJenC

January, 2025

TMJ Syndrome

How incorporating TMJ Massage into your massage routine 

can transform your well-being 

Are you experiencing persistent jaw pain, headaches or that frustrating clicking sound when you chew? 

You are not alone! Millions of us suffer from TMJ, Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome, a condition affecting the muscles surrounding your jaw joint. The good news? Relief can come just moments after receiving massage.


TMJ syndrome occurs when the muscles connecting your lower jaw to your skull become tense and tight. This tightness can lead to a cascade of uncomfortable symptoms, including:

That nagging ache that just won't quit.

Frequent headaches, often tension-related.

That unsettling sound that accompanies jaw movement.

Difficulty opening your mouth wide.

Pain extending beyond just your jaw.

Unexpected ear pain linked to jaw tension.

But what if I told you there's a gentle, effective way to address these symptoms? Incorporating TMJ massage techniques into your regular massage to directly address the specific muscles responsible for the pain; the masseter, temporalis, and medial pterygoid – using techniques designed to release tension and restore balance.

What to Expect During TMJ Work

I use a combination of gentle yet effective techniques, including:

Focusing on the tender points and knots in your jaw muscles.

Releasing those stubborn knots that contribute to pain and stiffness.

Improving your jaw's range of motion and flexibility.


The Benefits Speak for Themselves

Regular TMJ massage work can significantly improve your quality of life by:

Finding relief from that persistent discomfort.

Opening your mouth wider and chewing more comfortably.

Relieving the stress held within your jaw and facial muscles.

Experiencing a sense of calm and well-being.


What Can You Do to Prevent TMJ Pain?*

**Receive Regular Massage!**


**Minimize Stress**

Incorporate meditation techniques to help relax and ease tension in your jaw. Engaging in yoga can also alleviate muscle strain, while gardening serves as a wonderful way to soothe your mind and help your facial muscles unwind.


**Strengthen Your Jaw**

Performing jaw exercises can enhance joint mobility and relieve discomfort. There are three categories of exercises that can be combined for optimal relief:


**Be Aware of Unhealthy Habits**

Certain habits may contribute to TMD pain. Common behaviors to watch for include:


**Steer Clear of Certain Activities and Foods**


Schedule a massage today and take the first step towards a healthier, happier you!


**Note: This information is for general knowledge and does not constitute medical advice.  Always consult with a healthcare professional or qualified massage therapist to determine the best course of treatment for your specific needs.**

*Information: https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/health-and-wellness/2020/september/tmj-pain-relief-8-best-practices-to-help-manage-tmj

November, 2024

Shop Talk with 

Massage by Talia Kae



I’ve been a massage therapist for nearly two decades but I’ve been a blog writer for about five minutes. My only blog experience was for a New Jersey diner tour girlfriends and I created years back. It was fun, really…exploring NJ eating at hole-in-the-wall diners (some largely questionable) and neighborhood favorites alike. 


The intention of this blog is a bit of a hard turn from the diner tour. I hope to share information with readers about massage styles, techniques, benefits and research being conducted in the industry to improve treatment standards and provide outstanding care to clients. My wish is that you, the reader, find yourself coming back here to answer questions you may have about massage and which modalities will suit your needs best. Perhaps to get relaxation music recommendations or stretching and strengthening protocols.


I welcome any suggestions for topics that you are interested in reading about regarding massage.


Mostly, I wish you all health, happiness and relaxation!


Yours in good health,


Talia K Zirin, LMT

November 20, 2024


My journey Into Massage Therapy


As a teen, I first discovered massage through a friend’s mom. She was the first massage therapist I’d ever met and really the first time I was made aware of the industry. Neji was an incredible massage therapist. For years after, I compared all of the massages I’d received against the standard she’d set. 


In 2004 I made the decision to enroll in massage school. It felt like all roads kept leading me back to this career and I finally listened. I studied massage at Body, Mind & Spirit, a now defunct massage school in Toms River, New Jersey. My educators were incredibly knowledgeable in their fields and equipped those of us in the course with an excellent foundation to build our careers on. I graduated in 2005 and set off to work at a new spa that was just opening in the area…Hand and Stone. In the first years of my career I was fortunate enough to see a business being built from the ground up. John Marco, the founder of the now very successful franchise, was on to something! I was able to gain immeasurable experience by “putting hands” on a lot of clients, very quickly. Had I immediately gone into business for myself I never would have had that same level of experience as quickly. I highly recommend that new massage school graduates consider beginning their careers in a chain spa. The experience is priceless. It sets you up to strengthen your skills as a therapist and as a communicator with clients. 


A few years after starting my massage journey I moved out of state. I was unable to practice massage during that time as I was not licensed in this new state. When I moved back to New Jersey I ran into an old associate from the Toms River spa. She had been the first franchisee and opened the Spring Lake location, and eventually opened a second location in Brick. She suggested that I come back to the franchise and work for her. And so, I did. I worked at the Spring Lake Hand and Stone from 2013 to 2023. The experience I was able to gain during that decade set the foundation for the business I now run.


The idea I’ve held onto since 2005 was finally happening. I opened Massage by Talia Kae, LLC in Neptune City in August 2023. I’m incredibly thankful for the clients that have either followed or found me and continue to return. Though I learned a lot during my time at a chain spa, working for myself has taught me so much more. My relationship with my practice continues to adapt and improve because of the freedom I am afforded in the modalities that I can offer to my clientele. In the chain spa business you have a set list of services that you can’t stray from. In my practice I can offer any modality that lies within the scope of my practice. It gives me so much more opportunity to learn and grow with continuing education classes and interactions with other therapists in the field. 


The change from working for someone to working for myself has revitalized my love of massage therapy. I look forward to going to my space, connecting with my clients and working with them towards their goals. I enjoy hearing a bit about their lives and families. It’s a strong connection that forms when you energetically interact with another person, particularly with repeat visits.


What’s coming up for Massage by Talia Kae? 


In January 2025 I’m heading to study Cranial Sacral massage at the Upledger Institute. In March I’ll be heading to North Carolina for the North Carolina State Massage Championship and perhaps Las Vegas over the summer for the National Massage Championship. 


Yes, there is a massage championship…it’s a thing…Take a peek at the national championship’s website: https://nationalmassagechampionship.com/


Our gift card sale is on now through December 24th!

The next gift card sale won’t occur until July so get your bundles now!