Fat Crush: Alyssa Hill of Threshold Healing

What is your work in the world right now?

My work is running a small massage therapy business called Threshold Healing.  This is a business that caters to LGBTQ+ individuals and all-sized bodies (larger bodies) in a trauma informed approach to touch and care.  My team is able to provide a large variety of modalities including massage therapy, acupuncture, somatic trauma work, as well as clothing on modalities such as Thai Massage and Shiatsu.  As well as practices that address specific traumas or pains, such as Perrin technique or Manual Lymph Drainage.

Currently I personally am working on starting to offer virtual somatic healing techniques, and offer in person somatic touch work in Minneapolis and Central Wisconsin.

How did you find your way to this work (or how did it find you)?

I came into working in touch therapies through Acro Yoga and yoga.  As a person who has always lived outside of what is deemed normal society, I came across yoga and Acro Yoga on the flat roof of my St. Louis punk house in 2007.  Upon moving to Minneapolis, in 2009, I started teaching Acro Yoga in my community during this process I started learning Thai Massage and later Therapeutic Massage.  Working with clients who are part of my queer community immediately was very important to me.  As well as providing a safe and comfortable space for clients who feel their bodies are judged for their size.  Threshold Healing became a home for queer practitioners, as employees, to start seeing clients in 2022.  After we were heavily impacted by Covid-19 and the uprising surrounding George Floyd, my community of activists and LGBTQ+ folks have been in great need of bodywork that is trauma informed.  Now with the latest attack on the people of South Minneapolis by our federal government more than every Threshold provides a sweet place of rest and transition for traumatized and overwhelmed bodies.  My bodywork has always been geared towards supporting my community and underserved communities, and it is such a delight to have a team of providers with the same mission.

What do you see happening in the world that you want to support, protect, or grow?

I see so many individuals stepping up in the world right now.  In South Minneapolis I see how the entire community has stood together against I.C.E. as well as against violent policing over the last many years I was part of the city.  I am deeply interested in the support of the communities that are developing around mutual aid in South Minneapolis and the ways we are creating new ways of living.

When things feel heavy, what helps you ground yourself or return to your body?

I am quite fortunate to have many internal and external ways of grounding in my life.  I currently life on a 15 acre old farm and have high access to nature, tress, running water, and life all around me.  I defiantly lean into my natural surroundings for support when life feels heavy or overwhelming.  I also have a strong somatic practice, breath work and deep somatic listening connect me to the truths of life and ground me into a deeper knowing.  I also keep myself supported, as a mother of two young children and a business owner I am a very busy person, I assure that I always get to my IFS and somatic therapy appointments, I get my bodywork and acupuncture appointments as well.  I also take time to ride my bike and play with my children.  I am very fortunate to have abundant access to grounding.

What’s nourishing you lately (inside or out)?

Signing.  Since the attack on Minneapolis by ICE this past winter, resistance singing has swept the midwest and beyond.  I delight in singing with community. I delight in feeling the strength that song has to bring us together and shift the world.  In my small community in central Wisconsin I am part of a group of folks that host a monthly community singing group, it is deeply nourishing to sing in a group and feel the connection together.

What Fat and the Moon potion do you love?

All Cream is changing my life!  My skin and face tend to be very dry and all cream does everything my face needs. 

Also I'm deeply obsessed with the shampoo bar!! Ive not come across a better shampoo bar and its been hard for me to keep it to myself, my family members keep stealing it from me!

Is there anything you’d like to share with our community—something you’re working on, an upcoming release or event, or a way folks can support you?

I am working on opening my new studio in Amherst, WI.  I am offering bodywork and somatic work sessions there. I am also starting to offer virtual somatic sessions, which I am very excited about the opportunity to work with folks virtually.

Also Threshold Healing in  Minneapolis is an amazing place to get bodywork if you live in the area, or are visiting.  If you are LGBTQ+ or a larger sized body person, or if you are a person who feels more comfortable in those spaces Threshold Healing is an incredible little spot in South Minneapolis.  

Who do you have a Fat Crush on?

Owen Marciano, my best friend, and incredible Tarot Reader.  He goes beyond Tarot reading and is a healer. He is pure magic, grounded and also connected to the cosmos.  If anyone is looking for real advice from an incredible deeply tuned in human, Owen is highly skilled and just a delightful gift to this world right now.  https://www.nonnaterra.com

Website: https://www.thresholdhealing.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/threshold_healing_/