I've driven and walked past this building multiple times and didn't pay much attention to what was…read moreinside. So glad to have discovered this place! Received a massage (not your typical one!) as one of my birthday gifts from my boyfriend. Emmanuel was the instructor (owner of the institute)for the class teaching my boyfriend a crash course on massage therapy (2 hours long!) on me! The class was very intimate. There was only one other couple in the room and Emmanuel and his client for instructional purposes. The place is very clean, calm, and soothing. Emmanuel is attentive, patient, and knowledgeable (I believe he mentioned he's been doing this for 30+ years). He made the class very comfortable and engaging. I am so happy with my experience! It was a very unique idea and was fun and relaxing at the same time.

After visiting The New School for Massage Bodywork and Healing I'm certainly going to have trouble…read moreshelling out $90 for a massage at any fancy spa, although if anyone would like to treat me to a massage at Kiva I'll hardly object. Looks like many yelpers have covered this already, but here's the deal with this place... $33 for an hour long massage. They give you a student and you can't specify which massage therapist you want (including male vs female). My massage therapist was a perky little thing named Rachel. She'll soon be graduating from the school and she definitely knows her stuff. Rachel was very professional and applied just the right amount of pressure. I'm extremely tight so sometimes massages can be painful for me, but Rachel is pretty small so she could do jumping jacks on my back and it probably wouldn't hurt. It's amazing how relaxed I felt after an hour with Rachel. And the price gets better than $33 because if you come back within 30 days it's $28. 30 days? They can count on me to come back within a week! Is this the best massage I've ever had? Nope, but definitely the best massage for the price!

I went here for a student massage and it was excellent. My therapist was Sam and she had magic…read morehands. Positive: $35 for 50 minute massage. you cant beat the price for the quality. Check-in is very professional and you are brought back promptly. you are given a posture and range of motion assessment before your massage. A supervisor comes around to address any concerns and treatment plan. Negative (for some): you are in a room with other people. you are behind a private curtained area but you can hear others. So if you are a person who needs absolute quiet to relax, i wouldn't recommend it.

I called Soma Institute to enroll in their massage therapy program, ready to pay the full tuition…read more The first thing they told me is that they only accept U.S. citizens or Green Card holders, which is not clearly stated on their website or in their official admission requirements. Honestly, I had a much more friendly and welcoming experience when I contacted The New School for Massage Therapy and Estelle Medical Academy, where the staff was helpful and professional. A school that calls itself a "national leader" should be more transparent and approachable.

This was a really fun kind of day date activity. The room has about 8-10 couples in it. Men remove…read moretheir shirts and shoes. Ladies remove shoes and shirts. I wore a bathing suit top in an effort to maintain a little modesty. Erika starts off by demonstrating techniques on a volunteer couple, while the remainder of the students stand around and watch her. Then they go off to practice on their partner. It's a little silly, slightly uncomfortable, but fun and not inappropriate or anything like that. We volunteered to be the demonstration couple; which I highly recommend since you get the "pro" working on you as part of the demo. No offense to my husband, but the time Erika spent on me far surpassed his efforts. Although, he gets an A for trying. We did learn a lot of dos and donts. Unfortunately, we haven't really practiced since. It was a fun experience all in all, something different, pushed us a little out of our comfort zone. We were able to relax and laugh a little. The environment was very peaceful and zen like and Erika was a great teacher. I would definitely recommend it for other couples!

My husband and I had a great time at the Back, Scalp and Feet massage class taught by Katrina…read moreyesterday! She gave really good instructions and kept the mood light, comfortable and entertaining in what I was first nervous would be a potentially awkward 2 hours in a room full of other half-naked couples. It was something different to do, the time flew by and we came away finally knowing how to do some proper massage techniques! We're seriously considering signing up for the second course. Tip: make sure you read the instructions on the website telling you how to get into the building because if you're late, no dice. The website also tells you what to wear to the class but there are changing rooms available so you don't have to wear bathing suits and pajama bottoms out in public to get there.

I recently used my ClassPass credits to avail a full body 50 mins massage and it was a good…read moreexperience. Natalia was my masseuse and she did a great job! I asked her to skip my left foot as I am still recovering from a foot fracture, she was very kind with the requirements.

The massage was average. I was expecting it to be better for sure. But very average for the price…read more I kept asking for more pressure but honestly was just kind of ready for it to be over because it just wasn't getting the job done. It wasn't the worst, but most certainly wasn't the best!

Stuck in job that had become very toxic , I knew I had to make a change, but what do I do that will…read moremake me happy, help others and is AI proof? While meditating MASSAGE came to me like a bolt of lightning, I didn't pause I ran with it. Searching a school that I could do at my own pace (I had to stay at my current job until completed) AND affordable I found SOHMAR. I met with Mike and instantly knew this was my place. BEST DECISION I MADE. From the first class to the last it was like being part of a family. We learned from each other, exchanged techniques and ideas (I miss that part a lot). As for the instructors, Mike (the owner) and Steve (a former student of SOHMAR). I can't express enough how valuable the knowledge and techniques they've passed on to us are. I graduated last August and passed MBLEX in September. I am currently employed and working on starting my own practice. My current clients constantly comment on my skills. I have Mike, Steve and my classmates to thank for that and am forever grateful. I was given the tools I need and more importantly the confidence to succeed. Even after graduation I keep in touch with some of my, now colleagues, and know I can always call on Steve or Mike for advice. I also got my reflexology certification through SOHMAR. They truly want us to succeed. If you are looking for a school look no further. THANK YOU MIKE, STEVE AND EVERYONE I ATTENDED WITH. Sincerely Amy M

As a former student, I do not recommend this school. Please do not get fooled by the cheep price…read moreand the flexible schedule. There's hardly any hands on. They went to 1 hour phone class three times a week. I have made a complaint to the BBB and the Illinois Board of Higher Education. You are better off looking for a school that has teachers that want to teach. You owe it to yourself to find a school that will not violate the the enrollment agreement of 600 credit hours in aprox 44 weeks. Also, I'm saving you from a business stand point, SOHMAR withheld money. I paid $7500 up front. I attended 5 weeks of classes, some of which were over the phone, and I only received $4900.

I teach Thai massage and related bodywork and went to take a class with a teacher at Chuck's…read moreschool. While I was there I was rather nervous at first as Thai massage can be nearly religious and having never met Chuck, I admit my initial apprehension. Over time I relaxed, Chuck even noted my seeming tension after some discussion of Thai massage politics in the US and we settled into a nice conversation about how we both just don't really care to get overly involved in the politics but want to focus on good bodywork and education. The classes I took at the facility were wonderful and it being spring in Chicago the weather was great. The room had ample breeze with windows open, high wooden ceilings and the decor was relaxed but professional. I'd go study here again in a heartbeat. Thanks for making my short stay so nice Chuck. Appreciate you and your work in the heartland.

A few weeks back I had the pleasure of taking a basic Clinical Thai Bodywork course with Chuck and…read moreJennifer. The course was excellent, and really whet my appetite for what is possible through the blending of Thai Bodywork and Clinical Massage Techniques. However, what really blew my mind was how I felt after receiving 60 seconds of bodywork from Chuck (I was being used as a demo). He was demonstrating a spray and stretch technique on my right neck and shoulder. This area of my body had bothered me for as long as I can remember...flared up into headaches on a frequent basis (daily at it's worse, every other week at its best). It also would bother me to the point that I'd toss and turn frequently at night, which made it hard to get a good nights sleep. I am a massage therapist, and have sought out lots of help for myself. I have done much self-massage and seen many other practitioners. But I can honestly say that nothing has been as effective as that 60 seconds from Chuck. I emerged on the other side of it with the muscle feeling softer and more pliable, multiple trigger points released, increased range of motion, improved posture, the list goes on and on. In the days after, not only did I not have any headaches, but there was no sign of a headache brewing. There was no tension!! I could sleep through the night! Really can't recommend Chuck and this type of work enough! I look forward to going back for a full session!!

New Age Spa challenged me, but it also helped me grow tremendously. The teachers were…read moreknowledgeable, supportive, and genuinely invested in my success. They taught me so much and helped me grow my love for this career. I gained valuable hands-on experience, and built my confidence. I'm truly grateful for everything I learned and excited for what's next! It's definitely hard work but this school prepares you!!!

as a former student, I recommend NASI to all. wherher your looking for education, CEU hours or to…read morereceive treatments to well educated students, new age spa has it all for you. I am beyond grateful to be taken under the wings of such amazing and brilliant educators. my knowledge goes beyond the standards and I'm thrilled to be taking care of my clients confidently. if your unsure you want to take this path, i highly recommend taking a tour to learn more and see just how amazing this opportunity is.

Every time I come in I am greeted by friendly front desk staff and the acupuncture student is…read morealways friendly and makes my visit comfortably. Scheduling is always easy and fast to get an appointment.

awesome experienced really has helped me with my authorize and meeting joints. Thank you guys.read more

Emily did a good job.. but I did pay for an hour service and extra for my neck .. we started at…read morell:45 she finished at 12:35 .. as I was waiting for my daughter she had like 25 mins longer for the same treatment ..maybe the staff should keep an eye on the girls ... as she ran out it get lunch with other girls !

Came here for a facial with jenni. The price was super affordable at $36 for an enzyme treatment…read more It was super relaxing as I got a décolleté and scalp massage while we waited for the product to soak in. Jenni was very informative and professional. I highly recommend!

Had a session a few months after a hip replacement. Arlette stretched my leg back way past my…read morenormal range of motion. I started to have pain walking back to my car, and I could not walk the next day. Had an MRI which revealed numerous fractures to the sacrum. This was even after I asked her to be careful with that leg. When I called to complain, wasn't even given a refund for the session, or even an apology. Still recovering 3 months later with the help of caregivers. Would certainly not recommend this place.

There a number of therapists and the front desk is happy to help you select someone to try if you…read moreare a new client. Lovely atmosphere. They also have student clinics, which offer inexpensive sessions for those open to receiving massage in a quiet, open room.