Our School History
Healing Hands School of Holistic Health began on February 7, 1992 when Neha and Paula Curtiss taught the first day of our first Massage Technician class. At that time we carried Healing Hands School around in a station wagon; the business office was at our kitchen table.
While working as massage therapists, we knew we had something more to offer. Our vision: to teach therapeutic bodywork where the massage student not only learns the techniques but is inspired by the art and craft of the work. We understood that the student must be able to feel the work; we saw then, and now, the need for the beginner to be both the therapist and the client. We looked to our many teachers who had so generously given of themselves; we looked to the traditions of western science and to the disciplines of eastern philosophy in addressing the question: “How can we teach hands-on massage skills while engendering deep respect for the physical body and compassion for each other.” With the faith that given a positive environment most will rise to expectations, we embarked on our dream.
Since that first day of Healing Hands School, over 4,700 students have taken the 100-hour Massage Technician Training. We now know a variable that we had not anticipated: we’ve encountered students who not only rose to given expectations, but completely blew the mold away. We have seen our students/therapists demonstrate such deep compassion, so many times, that our original vision is continually renewed.
Healing Hands School has been blessed beyond the wildest dreams with a steady flow of dedicated healers. Several students continued with the community of Healing Hands by becoming part the staff, others move out into their communities to bring their vision of healing to those in need.
The last 15 years, Healing Hands has seen massage therapy grow from a very exclusive experience, to the most frequently used adjunct therapy in the United States. As our industry continues to expand, we can do well to keep our vision in mind and remember the words of the 12th century Islamic mystic, Rumi, who wrote:
“The more you strive to reach the place of splendor, the more the invisible angels will help you.”