Taylor Contreras gets his arms worked on by students Denis Kassai, left, and Mimi Jankhaow during a minute session at the National Holistic Institute's student massage clinic. Visitors may get a massage from one or two students simultaneously depending on the day's class size and number of clients. David Marin gets work on his back and legs during a shiatsu massage at the National Holistic Institute's student massage clinic.
Two students were assigned to Marin because there were more students than clients during this class. Brittney Sawyer applies pressure to fellow student David Marin during a shiatsu massage session at the National Holistic Institute's student massage clinic. Pressure points are applied to a client's hand during a shiatsu massage at the National Holistic Institute's student massage clinic. Visitors to the center are given shiatsu or Swedish style massages depending on what is being taught to students that day.
David Marin gets work on his lower back during a shiatsu massage at the National Holistic Institute's student massage clinic. Two students were assigned to Marin's 50 minute session. David Marin has shiatsu massage techniques applied during a minute session at the National Holistic Institute's student massage clinic. Napoleon Lechuga applies pressure to fellow student Paula Papayguan during a shiatsu massage at the National Holistic Institute's student massage clinic.
On the wall is a reference chart for the students. Not only does massage feel good, but medical studies have shown benefits, including relief of stress and pain, a boost in immunity and control of blood pressure. Understandably, there are some trade-offs for the low price. But you are not able to request a male or female therapist, nor can you choose what type of massage you receive.
Students are trained in Swedish massage and shiatsu, a style where you remain clothed and the therapist focuses on stretching and pressure points. Depending on what the students are studying, you will be assigned one or the other massage when you arrive.
