Healing Through Connection
Every once in a while, someone walks into your life—or your Airbnb living room (in our case)—with a calm energy that makes you slow down, breathe, and remember that caring for your body. And while people often search for orthopedic massage Asheville expecting something clinical, what Cody offers is something much deeper. After the right kind of massage, you’ll feel floaty, relaxed, and a little bit “massage drunk,” as Cody likes to put it. It’s a feeling that will carry you through the entire day.
Cody White is the massage therapist behind Intuitive Transformations, and his work goes far beyond relaxation. He specializes in orthopedic-based massage which is a focused, therapeutic approach that’s designed to relieve pain and support recovery; it’s aimed to help people move through their day with more ease and clarity with a strong physical foundation. Cody classifies his style is a decent mixture of clinical precision and an intuitive calm.
… And make no mistake—Cody isn’t just giving back rubs. His work is founded upon orthopedic-based massage. It’s a targeted and therapeutic meant to relieve pain, increase movement, and promote real change. “I’m coming more from a doctor’s office than a spa,” he says. “But most massages end up relaxing anyway.” He says his unique approach made him a favorite among those seeking orthopedic massage in the Asheville area, even when sessions happen miles outside the city. When it’s at Windows Over Waterfalls or Weddings Over Waterfalls, it’s also surrounded by forest, waterfalls, and moss.
From Soccer Fields to Shoulder Rubs
Cody’s career got off and running way before massage school in not so likely way. He just didn’t realize it until much later when the light switch was switched on.
“I had growing pains all the time as a kid—starting at 4 I started playing soccer and my legs and feet would ache after I played,” he says. “My mom would give me massages, and I’d return the favor with shoulder rubs. I liked doing it – we’d trade.”
A little later when he was in middle school, there was even a bigger trigger. His mom, who was athletic, herself, took a bad fall and injured her vertebrate during one of their footraces. Afterwards, he said, “I came home from school, and she’d be lying on the floor in pain. So I’d work on her back and neck to help her feel better.” Her recovery was long.
Then the years passed and Cody earned his degree in psychology, and set out to become a clinical counselor. It didn’t go like he drew it up, though.
Twice, he attended a local arts and music festival called the Connection Campout that was held at Deerfields Retreat. There he found a Thai massage workshop—and while taking it something just clicked. “It actually opened up something inside me I’d totally forgotten,” he says. “Getting my hands on people, helping them—I felt that familiarity.”
Massage school came next.
He’s now been in practice for nine years at the time of this article’s writing.
A Therapist’s Intuition (and a Sports Background to Match)
What gives Cody an edge, we asked him, beyond his training? His answer: his background in organized sports. “I’ve been playing on teams and in leagues since I was four,” he says. “I’ve done tons of stretching and recovery work since I was a little kid. I’ve even had two knee surgeries. Plus, over the years I’ve always helped my teammates loosen up and warm up. The sports end of the therapy is what drives my intuition, and it always gives me motivation to help people.”
But it’s apparent it isn’t just about the ‘physical healing.’ This is something else he believes sets him apart from other massage therapists — he sees bodywork as part of a broader transformation. “The clients I’m most drawn to are trying to grow – in some form or fashion. they want to be stronger, or more flexible, or more grounded. I love working with athletes, sure—but also with people trying to grow in their business, intellect, or maybe even just their relationships. Massage really helps. It lowers cortisol. It improves your posture. It really does free up your energy so you can make just make better decisions. It works.”
Then, add in collaboration. “I like working with people, not just on them. I want people who want to be part of their healing—not just receive it.”
From Spa to Self-Employment
Like so many like him have, Cody started in spas—four of them over an eight year span. Sure, they gave him great experience and a client following, but it also seemed too much like a job. “There’s only so much time to talk to people at a spa,” he explained. “I really wanted to know more about my people and get to know what they’re really dealing with on a much deeper level. Basically, what their path to healing looks like.”
His regulars followed him from spa to spa, and some even asked him to come to their homes, privately. He put two and two together, took the leap, and a year ago he launched Intuitive Transformations. He’s doing it HIS way.
Cody now works out of two brick-and-mortar offices—one in Swannanoa (inside Kelly Family Medicine), and another in Spring Creek which is where we’re located. He also does house calls throughout the Asheville and Madison County areas where he does both in-office and in-home sessions.
“I’ve built this slowly and over years. The same people who’ve stuck with me are the ones who helped me go out on my own.”
A Natural Fit for Windows Over Waterfalls
We here at Windows Over Waterfalls are lucky to be the first Airbnb to promote Cody. (He also works with two other short-term rentals which by no stroke of luck are owned by his longtime clients.)
At our place, his sessions can take place in the living room—especially on rainy days or when the waterfalls are loud with the windows opened wide, and a guest wants deep quiet. But Cody can also set up his table on the patio above the creek and waterfalls, under the transparent patio roof, or even under the wedding tent. “The meditative flow of the river sound helps clients reach deeper relaxation,” he says. “And for me, being close to nature, to the elements—it adds a presence to the session that’s powerful.”
He also loves the shift in vibe that working with travelers (Airbnb’ers) brings. “It keeps me engaged. People come here to step out of their routine, to rest. I get to be part of that.”
His style may not be what people first picture when searching for orthopedic massage in Asheville, but for those willing to trade the clinic for the sound of a rushing creek and some songbirds, it may be exactly the kind of setting that translates into real relief.
The Right Match
Cody’s ideal clients aren’t looking necessarily for perfection—but progress. People in pain. People in some sort of transition. And especially people open to working together. “It’s not just about fixing something,” he says. “It’s about growing. I’m drawn to people who are trying to make something better for themselves. In other words, he says, “I like working with people, not just on people. I want clients who work with me—not just have me work on them.”
Want to work with Cody?
Find him at Intuitive Transformations and let him know you heard about him here. Cody and waterfalls—two great tastes that taste great together. (bonus points if you get the reference)
Ready to book a romantic retreat with your massage?
Check our availability now—because massages are always better here.
