Today we’d like to introduce you to Barry Goldberg.
Barry, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I recently embarked upon my own self-healing journey after many years spent in retail management and sales positions. My purpose in life and goals hit a plateau, so I decided to pursue a career that not only helps and heals others, but that stimulates and nourishes my own spiritual journey. I chose to attend Pacific College of Oriental Medicine over a traditional Western massage school so that my education would be more well-rounded and holistic. The training and experience I have, not only in massage and bodywork, but also in Eastern modalities, has afforded me a unique opportunity to be able to help my clients and also help myself as I continue to learn and grow. I thoroughly enjoyed and benefited from learning Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as an adjunct to my massage courses because it allows me to see the bigger picture of the person as a whole, achieving balance and improving health, rather than solely focusing on the physical causes of ailments. Now that I have this knowledge, I believe that massage and TCM should be an essential component of health maintenance and primary health care.
Has it been a smooth road?
One of the biggest challenges I’ve had to face is how to set my practice apart from others in the city. I believe that I achieve this by offering a variety of modalities and services. Many people have the misconception that massage alone holds the solution to all of the body’s problems. As a therapist with training in TCM, I can use the five-element theory to treat the client not just the condition.
Another big obstacle is standing out amongst all of the well-known corporate massage business within the industry. I set myself apart by taking the time to learn more about my clients’ physical, mental and spiritual needs, taking the time to really understand what has brought them to me, and the underlying possible causes of the issue, so that I can tailor and shape the session for the best possible outcome.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Eastern Living Massage & Bodywork – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Eastern Living Massage and Bodywork is deeply rooted in TCM theories and techniques.
I work to guide the flow of your life force, or qi, through your energy’s circulatory system, or meridians, in order to achieve true balance. Establishing the free flow of qi by unblocking the stagnation that can occur within the meridians relieves the body of both physical and spiritual ailments. This leads to a happier, healthier you!
Traditional Western-style training, such as Swedish massage, focuses on anatomical or clinical assessment of the physical body. By coupling the Eastern and Western styles into the same therapy session, I am more successful at helping my clients to achieve their desired outcome. I offer the more common styles of Swedish and deep tissue, as well as the more specialized styles of Tui Na, Thai massage, Shiatsu, acupressure. reflexology, and aromatherapy. I do a thorough intake of your concerns and goals at your first session, and at each additional session I continue this dialogue to make updates so we can both see your progress and uncover any new goals you’ve made along the way.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Chicago is a diverse mixture of people and culture. The neighborhoods are all unique, and I’ve had the opportunity to live in many different neighborhoods in the city.
Witnessing the growth and transformation of them over time has been humbling.
Transportation here is easily accessible no matter where you are or need to go. In other places I’ve lived, it has either been almost nonexistent or poorly planned. I love biking. The trails and pathways here are nice and convenient, especially the lake front trail.
Hanging out along the lake is my most cherished past time. The music scene here is absolutely incredible and one of a kind. Such diversity of styles and so many venues in which to enjoy it in, like clubs and festivals, allow for endless entertainment opportunities.
What I least like about Chicago, is the cold weather that lasts for almost half of a year. This is kind of funny because I worked in the ski & snowboard industry for ten years prior to going back to school to become licensed in massage therapy.
Pricing:
- In – home 60 minute Swedish massage $99.00 (Prices vary based on modality and time frame)
- Mention “Chicago Voyage” and receive $20.00 off of your first In-home session
Contact Info:
- Website: www.easternlivingmassage.com
- Phone: (312) 554 – 5504
- Email: Info@easternlivingmassage.com
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/EasternLivingMassage
- Yelp: www.yelp.com/biz/eastern-living-massage-and-bodywork-chicago
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
