How long have you been a massage practitioner? What made you decide to enter the profession?
Although I've been earning my living as a massage therapist for 20 years, I've actually been practicing for over 30 years. My introduction to the healing aspect of touch took place when I was only nine years old. My father had been seriously injured in an industrial accident and was receiving home care that included massage. I was curious, watched closely, and filled in one day when the therapist couldn't come. Also, my parents were members of the Association for Research and Enlightenment and guided me towards non-mainstream healing modalities. Healing circles and exercises for developing one's intuitive and psychic abilities were everyday occurrences in our home. My attraction to massage seemed perfectly natural. Then one day, I received a massage, just simple forearm work, and something really clicked for me. Until then, I hadn't realized that it was possible to alter a person's physical health and life experience by human touch. I guess it's safe to say that I was hooked from that moment!

What are your credentials, and how did you earn them?
I graduated from the Energenesis Institute in Ojai, California, where I studied Body-oriented Psychotherapy and several other disciplines: Reichian work, Gestalt, Alexander Technique, Aikido, Rebirthing, and NeuroLinguistic Programming. At the Los Angeles Chiropractic College, I completed an intensive study of anatomy that included cadaver work. Through these studies, I've earned certifications in Conscious Connected Breathing, HypnoBirthing, and Yoga. Also, I've traveled a great deal, and by virtue of receiving massage everywhere I've gone, I've studied all over the world: the Philippines, Thailand, India, Central America, Europe, and Eastern Europe. I lived briefly in Manila and studied within the Psychic Surgeon community there. Probably the richest source of learning for me has been other experienced practitioners. By the time I was 18 or 19, I had developed my innate talents sufficiently that other therapists wanted to trade with me, and I learned an enormous amount from them.

What advice would you give to someone who is considering becoming a bodywork practitioner? To someone who is contemplating specializing in heeling?
Get massaged! Having a massage is one of the best ways to improve your mastery of the craft. By receiving, you learn what works for you and, by extension, what works for others. Bodywork practitioners should be able to deduct the cost of any massage services they receive. The cost should be considered a continuing education expense for massage therapists! Also, remember that massage is a service industry, the giving of oneself for the betterment of others. Do it because you love doing it, not to get rich. If you don't have a passion for the work, your performance will reflect this, and you will have trouble building a strong client base. In addition, no matter how much your services are in demand, I recommend that you not overbook. I usually limit myself to three sessions a day. Then each massage has maximum effect, and I don't stress myself. Finally, it's important to find your true talent, and then hone that talent. For me, it was heeling. If you want to specialize in heeling, make certain you develop your sensitivity to this newfound strength. You must tread with caution and great care on another person's body. In addition, using your peds puts your feet in a new light, and they should receive special attention.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your work?
Connecting to my higher power and having that power work through me to create a one-of-a-kind benefit for my client. I enjoy helping another person achieve profound change or find relief from discomfort or pain. For me, there is tremendous reward in this therapeutic service.

Is heeling massage more beneficial for the recipient than the conventional hands-on variety?
I believe heeling is more beneficial because the therapist is able to access and apply a greater degree of strength with the feet than is possible with the hands. Also, the heeler is able to perform twice as long without becoming exhausted and weakened. Heeling is actually less work for the therapist. So what might be a 60-minute conventional massage becomes a 90-minute heeling massage. Not only is the massage longer, but also it is more effective. Clients love getting more—depth, time, attention, pleasure, results. All for the same cost.

What sets you apart from other therapists?
Knowing that I have the ability to make another person feel good or, at least, better with only my touch and my heart is a very powerful reason for living. I believe that human touch can heal or help scores of ailments. This belief and the attitude it fosters are my defining characteristics as a massage therapist. Also, I know exactly how it feels to receive a massage. I'm on a constant search for the perfect massage, and this search has probably added more to my skills than anything else. In essence, when I work on another person, it's almost as though I am giving myself a massage.