Meet Edward of Healing Hands Bodywork

Today we’d like to introduce you to Edward.

Edward, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I was drawn to bodywork through the awareness and realization of a couple of different things about myself, and the convergence of a few factors: an innate interest in the mind body connection, a sincere interest in helping others, a search for something more meaningful as a career, as a means of both artistic expression and the satisfaction of working with my hands, as a means to reduce stress and find balance within my own life.

As a young man, I studied martial arts, Zen Buddhism, and then later in life – massage techniques, bodywork and yoga. After following a traditional career path for nearly 30 years, I began dedicating part of my life to exploring alternatives to the daily grind, connecting with people and helping them reduce stress in their daily lives. I had a passion for massage first as a client, and knew firsthand its benefits.

It was after discovering Lomi Lomi during my travels that I fell under her spell.

From this spark, I became determined to study and learn all I could about massage, and with the support of friends and family I made the decision to stop what I was doing and change careers, discontinuing a successful business career to become a therapist.

I have trained as a Certified Kahuna Bodyworker under Mr. Robert Gantke, one of the pre-eminent practitioners of Kahuna bodywork and Lomi Lomi in the world today. Robert learned Kahuna Bodywork from Margareta Kappl, who learned it from Kahu Abraham Kawai’i.

Kahu Abraham Kawai’i († 2004) was one of the first Kahunas (guardians of knowledge and wisdom), who taught the temple-style Lomi bodywork functions to non-Hawaiians. This profound and original way of Lomi Lomi he called Kahuna Bodywork. Margareta Kappl (Munich) was authorized by him to carry this work. Robert Gantke (Dortmund), in turn, was authorized. And thus, so was I, by Robert.

From Lomi there comes a deep release, which causes an opening on all levels of being. On the basis of the knowledge of the unity of body and mind, this bodywork has developed over centuries in Hawaii. To let Aloha (Universal Love) and Ho’oponopono (reconciliation or balance) to felt by touch – that is Lomi Lomi.

I believe that stress reduction is a key to health and wellness and that regular bodywork and relaxation therapy is a perfect modality for creating balance and generating well-being. Through caring connections with my clients, I create a zone of trust and comfort, which forms the foundation for a profound relaxation experience.

To see how my clients are moved by the experience fills me with joy and leaves me with an inner peace and sense of purpose and meaning. I feel honored that my clients come to me to help them find calm and improve their physical and mental health.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Many journeys are not smooth, and many paths are not straight, but each bump, each hill, and each wind in the path leads to more depth of character. My struggles have been significant but not unique. I face challenges of stereotype, working against bias of age and gender, but I ignore them as if I were blind and carry on as if they don’t exist, because then  in a sense they don’t.

I have passion and dedication for this work. The “way” has only just begun for me. I am in no sense “there”, I am always learning, always growing and look forward to each new day, each new client.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
My practice is  known as Healing Hands Bodywork. I specialize in all forms of relaxation therapy. I do have sub specialties such as pre-natal, hot stone, Thai herbal compress, etc. but my real specialty is Lomi Lomi. It is Hawaiian. I write a lot about Lomi on my site. It’s really a way of life, a philosophy.  It’s not a collection of strokes.

What am I most proud? I am proud of the testimonials that I get, I am proud of the fact that I am making a difference in people’s lives: even if temporary, and even if only one person at a time,

What sets me apart? It’s not skill. although I am skilled, I know there are many out there with more skill. It’s not experience, as I do have some, others in the field have many more years. Maybe it is a unique combination of skill, awareness, intuitiveness, passion, commitment, enjoyment.

I also love to teach. I teach massage workshops to couples, singles. Private and group workshops to teach touch.

Touch is fundamental. We are more connected than ever yet live more isolated from each other than ever. Touch is as essential in sustaining life. And touch also suffers from social taboos and fears in modern life and I would love to see that start to change.

I don’t “do” massage, I don’t give people a massage, I give them an experience; a moment in time where they can simply “be” in the moment.

Or at least, I do my best to.

What were you like growing up?
I took a very unconventional career path. During high school, my sister was diagnosed with cancer, and for a few reasons I didn’t attend college, but despite that I managed to build a very successful and varied business career. And because of that I have never stopped learning. I am a lifelong learner with a great many interests. I learned to fly, I am a coast guard captain, a black belt, a musician. In later years, I also developed an interest in photography and drawing. I don’t spend much if anytime on things like golf or sports. Personality wise, I guess you could say I am an extroverted introvert.

Pricing:

• Swedish / Relaxation Massage (60 Minutes / 90 Minutes) $90 / $120
• Traditional Hawaiian Lomi Lomi Massage (90 Minutes / 105 Minutes w/ritual) $150 / $165
• Pre Natal Massage (60-70 Minutes ) $100
• Warm River Stones (Hot Stone) 60 Minutes $110
• Thai herbal Compress (Steamed Aromatic) 60 Minutes $125
• Sports Recovery / Targeted Therapuetic 60 Minutes $90
• Custom Tailored Bodywork Treatments (60 Minutes / 90 Minutes/ 120 minutes) $90 / $120 /$175

Contact Info:

• Address: 581 Boylston Street, Boston, MA
• Website: www.healinghandsbodywork.com
• Phone: 617.207.6010
• Email: hello@healinghandsbodywork.com

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