Body Wisdom Massage School’s Blog

From an early age, I was very fortunate to have a grandfather who was a natural healer with herbs and plants. He would take me out on walks and teach me what the different plants were used for, then I would see him gather them up and make tonics out of the different plants and herbs that he collected. He sparked my interest in natural healing from a very early age. I witnessed how the salves that he made would also help when he massage them into his areas of pain and used them on my grandmother‘s joints to help her.


I knew my path was destined to help people heal naturally after college. I was living in the Monterey area and met someone in the massage therapy field. At that time California was not a licensed state and most therapist were either mentored by someone or there were a few small schools you could attend. I worked in her shop first as an attendant and Receptionist, but she knew my passion was to become a therapist. So she slowly started helping me and teaching me. I saw firsthand the results that people received through bodywork and knew this was what I wanted to pursue. At that time is when I first realized that Massage was an art and a way of life, not just a career.


I knew I needed to formalize my education and when we were transferred to Iowa that is when I was so fortunate to find Body Wisdom. I still remember touring the facility and a spark deep within was lit and I knew this was the home for my education.


When my clients ask me how I have sustained such a long career and why my techniques are different from others they have had, that is when I reflect upon my story of my education at Body Wisdom. My journey at Body Wisdom was an incredible gift. Not only from the instructors who I treasure to this day and are in touch with most of them. The hands-on teaching and passion from each and every one of them is embedded in me to this day. It is so different to have an instructor who loves what they do and is passionate about what they teach. I believe this made all the difference. I was prepared in my career, not only from each and every modality, but the base of knowledge from all the required education was also fabulous. I could go on and on about each and every one of my instructors and what they imparted in me. Something that you do not get from a school that teaches from a curriculum and not from the heart. I would advise any one who is considering a career as a massage therapist to come and witness the difference that Body Wisdom provides. They instill that it is not just a career, It is a way of life.
My education at Body Wisdom definitely prepared me for the world of Massage outside of school. From doing clinical work, to the outside events that we did. But more than that, I felt a solid learning that made me feel confident in what I was doing.


Each of us as therapist has a path that we choose, some of us prefer clinical or sports massage, some love spa work, I believe my path gave me the freedom with my education to incorporate many of the things that I learned. My massage is never the same even on someone that I have worked on many times. I believe my training from my amazing instructors instilled in me the confidence to use those skills.

Each and every client that I see even if I have seen them several times is someone special on my table. The first thing I always do is allow time for them to tell me how they are feeling both physically and emotionally. I use active listening, which I feel is one of the most important skills. They may have had a completely stressful week opposed to the last week that you worked on them. I also make them feel that they have my full and undivided attention. You can assess many things from the moment the client is walking to your room. Once they are on my table I always encourage them that this is their time and to take this time to let everything go and relax. I always go over the body completely before I even begin. I have had several clients jokingly telling me that I have seeing eye hands. As I make my assessment, I immediately know what tools I may need and always have them ready at my disposal.

I believe my longevity in the Massage field is due to my education, being taught the proper body mechanics, being instructed to always take care of myself, both physically and mentally. I have been very fortunate to work with some amazing people in my career, I have practiced in five different states and worked under acupuncturist, chiropractors, naturopaths, and integrative doctors along with physical therapist. I gained invaluable knowledge from each and everyone of them. My husband jokingly says that every time we are transferred, I would have no problem finding work. And I have to say that the opportunities always appeared, and I knew immediately if I was supposed to be there. This is key to finding a fulfilling workplace that is right for you. If you do not feel that you are making a difference and people are not rebooking examine it. Sometimes you need to examine yourself and see if your heart is where it should be.


In the beginning of my career, I worked for some beautiful Spas where I learned that this was not where I needed to be because I wanted to see my clients on a regular basis and help them through their healing journey. This is why I then started working for those that were in that field. I love seeing a client‘s progress, and working under a wellness based practice I was able to witness this and it was extremely fulfilling. I have also volunteered my time on different occasions, including hospice work, which is a whole different modality in itself. I find it extremely rewarding to help that person in their transition, when sometimes no one else wants to touch them.


I am currently in the Sedona Arizona area where I have had the opportunity to become a snowbird therapist. In the warm months here I travel to the high Sierra’s in California where we have a mountain retreat that overlooks 5 acres of beautiful forest, because both of these areas have a seasonal clientele it works out perfectly.

In a few weeks, I will be turning 63 and as I continue my journey with massage therapy, it will always ebb and flow.

I believe the best advice I could give any Therapist is to not only receive a wonderful education, but to always continue learning, I could write a book on how exciting it is to be in this career and everything that I have learned and will continue to learn. My heart becomes full every time I add something that adds new fulfillment to my career. I am very happy that our country seems to be headed towards a healthier way of life, and I have seen the change in the last five years. Massage for me will always be a way of life and a career that has been lead from the heart.

Thank you so much for sharing your 18-year massage journey with us Sandy!

The Body Wisdom Team