Body Wisdom Massage School’s Blog

BWS: Christein, could you share your journey of losing your eyesight and how it led you to discover massage therapy?

Chris: I began to lose my eyesight by the age of 28; doctors told me that my sight would be entirely gone by the age of 30. There was no sickness or anything that my loss of sight could be related to; to this day, there is no explanation for the loss of my sight. By the age of 45, my sight was gone entirely.  10 years ago, my mother was diagnosed with dementia; she passed away in December 2022. During that time, I would rub her hands and feet, and she seemed to have found pleasure in rubbing her hands and feet. So, after my mother passed, I wanted to do something that brought joy to others as it did to her. This led me to the world of massage. Touch is a powerful part of my life, and I would like to share that with others.  

BWS: What was it about massaging your mother’s hands and feet that inspired you to pursue massage as a career after she passed?

Chris: My mother found pleasure and peace in massages, which made me realize that not everyone is blessed to have that type of support when sick. I want to make a difference in the lives of others with massage, whether through sickness, death, or just mental or physical well-being.

BWS: You’ve mentioned that Thai on the Mat and Rocking to Relax are some of your favorite classes. What drew you to these particular techniques, and were other courses that stood out?

Chris: I chose Thai on the Mat because of the method. You work on one’s body, where you can work profoundly but not hard to get the results that you are looking for. I chose Rocking to Relax because it teaches me how the body should move, how the body moves where restrictions are, and the method of relaxing one’s tissue. I have taken every class at Body Wisdom, and I have taken LOTS of classes. Let me know that this is precisely where I should be. I have never had anything in my life that has come to me so quickly, and not only does it bring joy to others, but it has also brought me fulfillment.

BWS: You started with Ear and Hand Reflexology—what was that experience like, and how has it shaped your approach to massage?

Chris: The Ear and Hand Reflexology experience was like a door opened to a new world. It made me only want to learn more about the world of massage. It’s like going down a rabbit hole. When I think I have reached the bottom, I know there’s more to explore. One thing about massage is that there is no end to the knowledge you have access to in the massage world; it’s physical, mental, and spiritual.

BWS: Massage is such a hands-on practice. How have you adapted the techniques you’ve learned to work with your unique needs as a visually impaired therapist?

Chris: My family and friends have helped me tremendously in this area by allowing me to practice and apply the different techniques I have learned on them. This has allowed me to take the methods I’ve learned and make them my own. I realize that the more I work on individuals, the more natural the techniques become.

BWS: How do you make each technique your own in class? Are there any specific adjustments you’ve made that enhance the practice for your clients?

Chris: One of my instructors gave me the best advice. She told me to trust my instincts and that every technique is not for everybody. Clients are different, so listen to their words and pay attention to their bodies.

BWS: You’re passionate about volunteering at hospice and nursing homes. Can you tell us what drives you to offer massage in these settings and what impact you’ve seen it have on people?

Chris: Dealing with my mother and her dementia is what drove me to this area. It made me think about elderly people in nursing homes who don’t have a support system and who never receive a healing/comforting touch. When it comes to hospice, I want to offer a gift of touch and comfort to those going through their final transitioning period. This gift can be provided through massage.  

BWS: What are your plans for your massage practice after you graduate? Will you focus on specific populations, like hospice care, or do you have other areas of interest?

Chris: After graduation, I plan on starting my own business out of my home with family and friends. I also plan on volunteering at nursing homes and hospices once a month. I plan to work for an entire year and then enter the Mastery Program that Body Wisdom offers.

BWS: You’ve expressed interest in taking Body Wisdom’s Mastery Program. What excites you about continuing your education, and how do you hope it will shape your future practice?

Chris: Continuing my education will open more doors for me in the world of massage. It will give me the tools to teach me more techniques and methods that I can share with my clients and others.   

BWS: You’ve faced unique challenges in the Sound Healing course due to your blindness. How have you adapted, and what has your learning process been like in that class?

Chris: Sound Therapy was a unique experience; I struggled to hear/ feel all the vibrations from the singing bowls at once. I learned that in this class, I had to focus more on the movement than the sound to understand what was happening in the class. This was very challenging; even though I am used to movement and sound simultaneously, I found it overwhelming. The class became more manageable when I found a way to focus more on the vibration vs. the sound. One thing the class taught me was that everything around me is in a state of vibration, which made me more aware.

BWS: What advice would you give to others facing challenges similar to yours, whether in massage therapy or life in general?

Chris: There is no such thing as “CAN’T.” Put your mind to it and do it. You’re always going to have hills you must climb. No matter what you’re going through, always remember to treat others with courtesy and integrity. Always use perseverance and self-control, and have and maintain an indomitable spirit. Always remember there is a solution to every problem.

BWS: How has your personal journey of loss, care, and adaptation shaped your approach to massage therapy and your future as a practitioner?

Chris: I don’t look at this as a loss, but I look at things as a gift. One of the most significant gifts I’ve received from massage therapy is that I have gained a family. A family full of wonder, knowledge, compassion, tears, wisdom, and love. This is my Body Wisdom Family, people who have shared their lives with me and let me be a part of their world. As a massage therapist, I want to take everything I’ve learned and share it with others.  I want to thank my entire Body Wisdom community and my family; everyone has adjusted to help educate me in massage. I plan on using everything I have learned and applying it to my future as a practitioner.

Wishing Everyone the VERY best in their practice,

Chris