Healing Hands Student Massage Clinic is open to the Public by appointment only, 6 days a week, Mondays through Saturdays. Click here to purchase your coupon and make an appointment online! Anyone over the age of 18 may purchase a coupon to receive two, 1-hour massages for $45.
As I approach the top of the stairway at the entrance of Healing Hands School of Holistic Health (Healing Hands), I announce, “Hello, my name’s Andrea, I’m here for a Massage in the Student Clinic. The pretty young woman I’m looking at smiles, walks towards me and extends her hand warmly, “Hello I’m Heidi, I’ll be your Massage Therapist today”, she said.
After shaking hands, she invites me to sit down, reaches for a clipboard with a two-sided form, and politely asks for me to complete the front side. The form asks for my name and any health conditions I have that may be contraindicated for therapeutic massage. Once completed, she leads me into one of two private Massage Therapy treatment rooms, closes the door and a brief discussion ensues. “Where are you holding tension in your body… are there specific areas of your body you would like me to focus on today….”, Heidi asked. I relayed my problem areas as she listened carefully, then she excused herself so I could undress and get on the massage table.
Moments later, I hear a tap at the door and Heidi’s soft voice asking if I’m ready. I reply yes, she enters the room and the lights are dimmed as soft Spa music begins playing. Heidi arranges and smoothes the sheet and blankets covering me, then starts palpating my shoulders, neck, back, thighs, etc. I feel her applying soft compressions and stretches across my entire back to loosen things up before taking aim at my right shoulder.
I can feel Heidi’s pressure adjusting intuitively as it encounters taught muscles, allowing my body a chance to respond to her touch rather than repel it. I can tell she already has a good understanding of Anatomy as evidenced by her ability to follow a line of tension and feel her way around my body. Her pace is slow and steady as she methodically moves down my neck and back applying the perfect pressure and following through to the end of each muscle or muscle group.
About 20 minutes into the massage now, I find my need to chat diminishing as my mind starts to unwind in response to Heidi’s therapeutic touch. She’s moved on to my legs, and I’m feeling muscle tightness I didn’t know I had. As I focus on her touch, I become increasingly conscious of all bodily sensations. The softness of her palms, the release of tension from a specific muscle, the urge to take deep breaths and long exhalations in concert with Heidi’s muscle work…releasing layers and layers of tension, and lulling me into a deep sense of relaxation.
I’m 40 minutes into the massage now and drifting into that ‘in-between awake and sleep’ state…feeling more relaxed than I have in weeks. Her steady, rhythmic strokes are releasing tension in my arms and shoulders now…. and I’m feeling a sense of gratitude for her kindness and expertise. Just when I think it can’t get any better, I feel her soothing the tight muscles in my neck and then those that run across my head. Wow, I’m always amazed by how much tension my head can hold!
Ultimately, that dreaded soft touch on the shoulders came… and Heidi leaned over and in a gentle Spa voice informed me …”Well Andrea, thank you for receiving for me today. I hope I have restored some rejuvenation to your body. Here is a cup of water before you get up. Thanks for the valuable feedback. I’ll step out of the room to allow you some privacy while you get dressed and meet you back outside”, she then turned and quietly left the room.
I lay there dazed, feeling all the benefits of relaxation and the release of positive neuro-chemicals in my brain and body. As I rise from the table I’m feeling completely relaxed, my body feeling lighter, pain-free, nurtured, grateful and happy! Heidi greets me as I leave the Massage Room, graciously accepts my deluge of verbal appreciation, then directs me to the desk where the clipboard and questionnaire await. I record my positive feedback on Heidi’s technical and interactive skills and hand Heidi a $20 tip, to underscore my appreciation.
Healing Hands has been serving residents throughout Southern California for over 25 years. Boasting more than 80 Massage and Holistic Health courses plus two Certification Programs, Healing Hands is considered a trail-blazer for Holistic Health education in Southern California. To learn more about Healing Hands Student Clinic, classes, or Programs available at Healing Hands, please visit us on-line at www.HealingHandsSchool.com or call us at (949) 305-2722 in Laguna Hills, or (760) 746-9364 in Escondido, or (858) 505-1100 in San Diego.