A good parent is in touch with their children. That is literal for Violet Lapid. The Ocean Township resident believed that a massage would benefit her autistic daughter and she was correct.
Massage therapy helps individuals with autism by regulating the nervous system, which reduces stress and anxiety. Tailored touch therapies improve sensory processing, decrease tactile defensiveness, encourage social bonding and enhance sleep quality.
Lapid's then four-year old daughter's life was enhanced by her mother's touch. "Autistic kids see things differently," Lapid explained. "The only way to calm her down was by a massage."
Massage helped change both Lapid and her daughter's lives. Lapid's child, now 19, is a well adjusted young lady. "She's very smart and a very brave girl," Lapid said. "She's now a college freshman."
Lapid is a massage therapist, who owns Purple Stones Spa in Ocean Township and in Toms River, thanks to those sessions with her daughter.
"I love what I do since I make people feel better," Lapid said. "It's like a meditation when I work on people's bodies. I create a customized plan for each client. I do whatever they need and I use aromatherapy."
Massage isn't just for those who experience aches and pain. Lapid believes the lonely can use the human touch as much as someone dealing with a back problem.
"Humans need touch," Lapid said. "There is that connection with massage. There are so many lonely people out there than can use touch."
Lapid lets her clients open up. "If they want to talk, I let them talk," Lapid said. "If they want to cry that's fine too. I will never share what anyone says to me during a session, not even with a family member."
Lapid offers services including Swedish massage, therapeutic massage, deep tissue massage, and sports massage.
Lapid also teaches massage, particularly with parents. "I love to have people learn to give a massage," Lapid said. "It's good to massage your kids. I do workshops where people can learn how to touch their children. It's a great way to stay in touch with your children, even when they get older. There is nothing like a loving massage from a mother."
Lapid speaks from experience. When her daughter returns from college, she gets the hands on treatment from the owner of Purple Stones Spa.
"She still enjoys it," Lapid said.
When Lapid isn't at work the married mother of three children enjoys gardening and design, which takes her back to her office.
I'm a very artistic person," Lapid said. "I design my shops myself. I'm also very handy. I do a lot the work myself including the painting. I do all that I can to make for a good environment for my clients. What I do is an amazing service for an affordable price. All our welcome to experience what I do."
Purple Stones Spas are located at 891 W Park Ave, Ocean Township, NJ,
and 1901 Lakewood Rd, Toms River. For more information, (848) 992-0212,
What I do is an amazing service for an affordable price. All our welcome to experience what I do.