The power of touch: Northwest Noetic teachers art and science of massage

Massage boosts the immune system, increases circulation, reduces insomnia, and can totally relax the body. Despite all of the benefits, many hesitate at taking a whole hour for themselves and paying at least $60 per session. Northwest Noetic School of Massage & Education Center in Spokane may make that decision easier, with massages available for only $30. Trained Northwest Noetic students perform 55-minute massages, and people line up every week to get them. The Student Massage Clinic is open to the public by appointments Tuesday through Friday and Saturday mornings. Gift certificates are also available. The massage school, one of the first of its kind in Spokane, offers a 13.5-month instruction program, longer than most schools which usually require less than a year. Owner and Licensed Massage Therapist Nancy Lee said it was important to offer something unique to students and the public. “I want students to graduate feeling as confident as they can,” she said. “Having a longer program provides student advanced courses with time to integrate their hands-on training.” Along with the extra classroom time, students get invaluable experience by working in the student clinic providing massages to the public. Lee has seen the power of massage, and believes the health benefits of touch extend beyond relieving aches and pains. Current research suggests massage can help manage anxiety and depression, ease pain, improve sleep, boost immune systems, alleviate PMS, raise alertness, and curb headaches. She once had a client who was scheduled for surgery for a bowel obstruction. Lee gave her a 30-minute abdominal massage, which eliminated the problem and caused the surgery to be cancelled. Overall, Lee doesn’t see massage as something that competes with the medical profession, but rather an important partner with other health providers and resources. “It’s important to acknowledge all health approaches – Western and Eastern medicine. I see myself as a facilitator of health,” she said. “Sometimes our body and lymphatic system needs help moving toward health.” This philosophy extends to a natural retail store at the school which offers unique health products and environmental gifts. A best selling item is Solmate Socks. The multicolored socks for all ages are made from recycled cotton, and boast the slogan, “Life’s too short for matching socks.” Lee wears hers almost daily. “Not only are they extremely comfortable but they’re very fun too,” she said. You can buy a pair of adult-sized long songs, a set of three socks for children, or a set of five for babies – all for $14.50 per set. The store also sells locally made Zipsacks, which are re-usable alternatives for a grocery, travel, or beach tote. Zipsacks zip down into a tidy wallet-shaped pouch, easy for tucking into a pocket or purse. The parent company, Wrapsacks, also offers similar-style wine bags and recyclable cards containing removable paper inside that the recipient can replace if they someday re-gift it. Other items include massage creams, lotions and other products for pain relief, including sinus masks, an anti-migraine caps, and Thumbby soft massage cones. Everything you’ll find in the Northwest Noetic Massage store is designed to be keep the body and the earth healthy.