I have been seeing Neale for about a decade as he has moved through three different locations, so this review is long overdue. He has been a touchstone for my healing journey, and I've been seeing him weekly for years. I am not a person who normally feels comfortable with people touching my body, but Neale is not a typical massage therapist. He asks insightful questions and really listens to the answers I give, providing space so he can learn more about what is going on in my life that will inform his care. He has a very, very wide array of modalities in his toolbox and he is constantly learning more. Just a few of the modalities are sound healing, reiki, massage healing, massage, chakra readings, aromatherapy, reflexology, lymphatic drainage, craniosacral therapy, deep tissue massage, myofascial release, and accupressure. He blends these seamlessly in sessions. He also attends trainings on a regular basis, expanding his repitoire, and keeping his skills very sharp. Neale is a trained musician, and as sound healing is my favorite modality and something that is not commonly found, he's truly been a blessing. He's very knowledgeable about many related methods of self-care one can practice outside of his sessions, and shares this information generously, taking the time to send resources via text. This includes (but is not limited to) suggested products to ground, poses to release tension, and general information. He goes above and beyond during session and even between sessions. I recommend him without any reservations. What are you waiting for? Book an appointment with Neale today! read more

I was going through a very vulnerable and stressful time in my life and also having issues with pain when I met Neale. I had used massage, PT, rolfing, and Chiro historically. Nothing equaled that first visit with Neale. He was a Godsend. He immediately made me feel safe. He knows how to adjust intensity and use various strokes to maximize the effectiveness of his work. I am a healthcare provider and dont want just soft talking and empathetic tones. I want it all. Neale is impressive in his knowledge of anatomy, physiology, functional medicine and wholistic care. He uses a wide-range of modalities balanced by my needs, comfort and feedback He has an incredible demeanor and is quite intuitive. He is engaged and always gives 100%. As a woman, I feel totally comfortable with him. My brother, a committed runner, also had visits with him. He reported that Neale made him comfortable though he never had a male massage therapist before. MY brother agreed with me that Neale gave the lifetime best massage He is part of the care team that I have used to avoid back surgery for multiple herniated discs. He has improved the quality of my life physically and emotionally. I cannot recommend Neale enough. Dont go anywhere else. read more

Neale is an absolute GEM. I am so thankful to have stumbled upon him in 2020 or early 2021. I discovered him for his Chakra offering, and it completely blew my mind. I have now gone to him consistently since (sometimes monthly)! His massages are also sincerely the best Ive ever had in my life and have completely transformed my back (which has been abnormally tight my whole entire life). But more than just his services, Neale is an absolutely wonderful human. I always learn so much from him every-time I go in. He puts so much thought and care into his sessions and he pours into his clients. Our conversations are so fun and thought provoking. I always leave lighter and more myself than when I walked in. Thank you Neale! read more

What a truly transcendent and healing environment Neale has cultivated in his studio. I was nervous at my first appointment as I had never had bodywork before, but I was put at ease and comfort with Neale instantly. What a truly beautiful soul he has and he puts such caring intention into every step of his healing modality. I truly can't recommend him enough, for both his talent and expertise, as well as his spirit that he shares so openly. You will love every minute you spend with this gifted healer. read more

Went to Neale today as my life and emotions were completely out of control due to life circumstances that were also out of my control. I was looking for anything to rebalance. So thankful I gave this a try. I left feeling lighter and focused. I plan to do more work with him to create a new path for over all wellness and I'm so looking forward to the rest of this journey. read more

I first went to Neale for a massage but soon learned that the experience is so much more. I leave every session feeling lighter and more relaxed; Neale always takes care of me in the best way possible. He listens to what I need that day and incorporates those needs into every session. Since going to Neale, my lifestyle has improved immensely. I'm less anxious, more in-tune with the world around me, and my body just feels better. I highly recommend going to Neale if you're looking for an escape from the craziness of the world around you; you need this WAY more than you think! He's one-of-a-kind, professional, intuitive, and skilled at what he does. I buy the package deal and am blown away with every session. Go here if you want your life changed (or are just looking for an amazing massage)!!! read more

I really can't recommend Neale's work enough. I've been seeing him periodically for almost a year and it's the best investment I've made in a long time. The holistic and collaborative approach to each session ensures that regardless of where I'm at physically (post surgery) or mentally (post finals week), I'm going to leave feeling better. Neale was my first experience with sound therapy, cupping, and lymphatic drainage therapy and it's amazing. 12/10. read more

I came to this business for massage, cupping, and body work and was graciously taken care of by Neale. he was extremely professional, knowledgeable, and made me feel very comfortable. He listened to what I had to say and let me explain what was going on and was able to figure out what best course of treatment would work for me and I walked out of there feeling very relaxed and a lot of my upper back pain that I had been dealing with had been relieved. I think the thing that I love most about my session was that you can tell that Neale puts his heart and soul into what he does therefore the session that you receive is a reflection that. if you've been wanting to try cupping, get a massage, or need body work make an appointment with him and see for yourself. read more

I have been working with Neale for the past 6 months for weekly deep tissue massages as part of my athletic recovery regimen and he is simply a master of his craft. From the very first massage, it's apparent that he doesn't simply going through a routine, but is incredibly perceptive to the individual clients' body and will customize to suit. I have noticed increased performance, significant reduction in recovery time, as well as improved overall well-being thanks to Neale. I couldn't recommend him enough! read more

Magical... is a good way to describe it. Neale is a gifted and intuitive healer that takes many different arts and modalities and combines them into a magical experience. He is so knowledgeable and genuine, and always takes the time to get to know you and your needs for every session. The world of holistic wellness is so vast and can be daunting when looking for services (especially in Chicago) but I can promise you, Neale is the real deal. Totally recommend!! read more

Standing outside this place and it is not open, even though the posted hours say it should be open. I suppose the lesson is call first. read more

Urban Escape Healing - Reiki Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I'm not a spiritual person but I do believe there are many ways people can be healed and possibly heal themselves. I have fibromyalgia and at this point I'm looking into ALL sorts of healing modalities that can help me with the symptoms of this syndrome. When I walked in I instantly felt a bit calmer due to the scents present in Urban Escape Healing. It didn't give me a headache like so many synthetic smells our noses are typically assaulted with. I had a reiki session wth Yvonne and it was awesome. I felt so relaxed and at one point I thought I had fallen asleep but Yvonne said I didn't. A lot of the feedback I received from Yvonne was just spot on and I hadn't told her much about myself except for I have fibromyalgia and that I was experiencing pain. I'm still experiencing pain. After I walked out the studio I felt kind of overwhelmed with the city BUT I felt like I could handle it. I zened out a bit on the train with people talking loudly around me, a baby crying, and the general rumble of a moving CTA train, something I had never been able to do before reiki. Even now as I type this review my pain goes in and out, and I'm okay with that. If you're in need of healing and open to non-Western ways of being healed, definitely check out Urban Escape Healing. read more

You're reading a review of Urban Escape, so I can skip the cliche questions about a reiki treatment, did I smell like patchouli afterwards, etc. What I can say is, with an open mind, a reiki treatment with Neil helped me relax within a few minutes, and I still feel the effects. I am a positive person, I sing and dance in the shower (alright, no judgement here!) but it's March, it's cold, and I had slipped into self care mode for the weekend. I got a massage elsewhere, spent time with friends, and booked an Akashic reading and reiki treatment on Sunday. My reiki experience left me more relaxed than my massage. And no, I didn't fall in the shower and hit my head. :-) If you're curious, looking for some help, or just want to try something different, I highly recommend Urban Escape Healing! read more

This place is amazing as soon as you walk in you could feel the peaceful& positive vibes. Neale is amazing he made me feel so loved and welcomed. I highly welcomed UHE to whom is interested in healing naturally. Also can't wait to try their yoga class. read more

I have seen Neale for massage, reiki, New Paradigm, and chakra cleansing. He has also used his sound bowls in some of my treatments which were amazing. I would recommend him for any services and I plan on making my appointments with him a regular occurrence. I am in the health care field and have been trying to keep up with my self-care in order to avoid burnout. Neale always makes me feel seen, heard, and relaxed. Each session is tailored to how I am feeling physically and energetically that day. He takes his time and I never feel rushed - an hour massage feels much longer. His prices are reasonable and scheduling is very easy; he offers weekend and evening appointments as well as daytime. read more

I have been seeing Neale for quite awhile now for massage therapy and reiki. He is precise with working out any troublesome areas that are constricted or painful and this skillful and integrative approach has helped immensely with regulating postural distortions and flexibility. Unlike some bodywork practitioners, Neale also takes the time to assess and check in with my preferences for pressure and what to focus upon, while adding his own invaluable impressions and expertise to clarify how the session might be optimized. I always feel clear of any negative energetic debris afterwards and feel amazing and refreshed. read more

I wasn't so sure about Reiki but a friend recommended that I try a couple regular sessions for some shoulder pain I have had for a year now so after trying everything else, I certainly had nothing to loose. The reiki session was very relaxing and professional. I feel at peace and could almost fall asleep. I have had 3 sessions now and the pain in my shoulder is almost completely gone! I can't believe nothing else has helped and then I desperately turned to Reiki and I almost feel as good as new. HIGHLY RECOMMEND. Even if you're uncertain, it's worth it. I just made an appointment for a Chakra Cleanse and I am so ready to take on this new chapter of my life *healed*. read more

I received the Deep Tissue Massage from Neale. He is incredible. From the atmosphere Neale creates with the space, to the physical healing he facilitates, my experience was fantastic. My job causes me to have to sit long periods of time, whether in the office or driving. Neale found my problem spots and some I didn't know were a problem! I left rejuvenated, mind, body, and spirit. read more

Neale has a very intuitive touch, and put a lot of attention on my problem spots without me telling him where they were. The night I had a 90 minute session, I slept like a baby. I didn't realize that my body needed it so much. Before my session, I was somewhat grumpy and exhausted from the work day. Right after the massage, I felt so happy and nurtured, and my body was relaxed and lightened. The feeling has carried with me through out the week. So worth it!!! I would love to come back as much I can. Highly recommend! 5 stars!!! read more

Love supporting small businesses in the chicago area- especially if you are a spiritual goddess needing a bit of guidance to fix that crown chakra you have everything it takes to heal yourself- People like Neale Baldyga just help point you in the right direction. I loved my experience with Neale and would highly recommend to any curious soul in wholistic healing. This was my first experience with reiki and energy work and had such a noticeable impact on my healing process for sciatic nerve pain. Neale incorporates so many different avenues to healing from essential oils to sound healing to stretches. He has such a calming spirit and makes every walk of life around him feel comfortable and calm. I was always interested in wholistic health, but like many nervous to make the first jump and investment in it. Neal made navigating and understanding wholistic health so simple and helped me network with other workshops and events. I highly recommend his sound healing, reiki, and cupping therapy!! Not to mention his great music choice during sessions . I bought a 5 package deal after my first session. This investment in my health was beyond worth it! read more

I have been seeing Neale for the past couple months and he is truly an incredible healer. I have received reiki and massage services and I really love how Neale incorporates sound, acupressure, and aromatherapy into the sessions. I appreciate that he spends time before the session to talk about how I'm doing so he can create a plan based on my needs for that day/week. I leave his sessions feeling so grounded and I feel like he sees the "real" me. I highly recommend Neale, especially if you have been struggling with life's stressors. read more

If I had more than two thumbs, they'd be up. Every single time I go in for a session with Neale, it's not just a bodywork session--it's an immersive experience. He manages to combine his impressive experience of massage, essential oils, energy work, and Traditional Chinese Medicine (among other healing modalities) to create an incredibly specific and customized experience to target my unique body of challenges. Some bodyworkers have a generic approach, using a one-size-fits-all approach on their clients. Neale is not one of them. He has (time and time again) taken the time to listen to me. He takes my input seriously and creates a game plan for the session with me, right then and there. The fact that he cares about my (and his other clients') well-being is evident in how he gives us tools for self-care. On numerous occasions, he has shown me stretches to target the areas we had worked on in a session that day. He has shown me stretches for the neck, upper back, arms, hip flexors, and more. I'm a repeat customer, and I'm definitely going back for more. Worth every cent I've paid for my sessions (and more, actually). Best bodywork I've gotten in Chicago--or anywhere! read more

I have been going through a rough time and i came to see neale, & i will say that everything was spot on. i really like how he first asks you questions about yourself wants to see what's going on etc and really cares about your concerns and making everything better for you. i will definitely be recommending him to my friends and coming back as well! you can't beat the price and the energy that he gives to you and helping you out. he is amazing. thank you neale read more

Neale is an extremely gifted practitioner and a terrific communicator. Highly recommend his reiki services and hope to return for a massage in the near future. read more

I have been seening Neale over the span of a few years for reiki and massage. He reads my chakras and everything he tells me is always in line with what's going on without me saying a word. He gives the best massage in town. He customizes it for what I need that day and has an intuitive touch that knows what I need better than I do! I always leave feeling calm and relaxed and energized at the same time. Neale has such a wonderful energy and you know he really listens and comes up with that day's plan for you to really help you. It's not a routine massage by any means. He is always teaching me about new things and is a wonderful resource for essential oils. I always feel welcome and comfortable when I have a session with Neale. He is the best! read more

I found Urban Escape Healing through Chicagohealers.com, and I'm really glad I did. Neale is a very skilled and intuitive healer. He's incredibly kind, respectful, professional and made me feel at ease right away. His space is very comforting as well - like a quiet little oasis in the middle of wicker park. The music, essential oils & crystals Neale uses during his sessions are extremely soothing. I left my reiki session feeling so much better and I'm looking forward to more. I highly recommend Urban Escape Healing to everyone I know. read more

Neale is the bomb! He masterfully balances making his clients comfortable and at ease, while also offering direction and insight. Additionally, when it comes to investing in his own learning about his healing modalities, he is thorough and deeply committed. I really trust his knowledge and experience. Neale practices what he preaches and embodies what he offers others. Finally, Neale has such a broad range of gifts from music and sound healing, to event and event space organization and management, to massage, to reiki, to essential oil consultation and healing, to meditation, and the list goes on and on. if you're looking for someone you can really trust to make you feel safe, comfortable, supported, and gently challenged to grow to your highest potential, Neale is your guy! read more

Neil is amazing! I have been going to him since a few days after he opened his place and I am so thankful the universe has brought me his way! Not only has he always been there for me whether it be via phone, text or scheduling me last minute to come in. Whenever I do get a reiki session with him, I def. notice the difference up to several days after the session. He has healed me of pain physically and emotionally in my body. After the session he always brings a yummy fresh pressed juiced with some essential oils in it. Oh and his place.. Amazing!! It's one of my fav places in Chicago so peaceful. I've known him since this place started, and my has it come along way. So peaceful! If you're looking for someone to help you on your journey, Neil's the guy :) read more

Urban Escape Healing is such a peaceful and wonderful space. I went for a massage by Janie and it was an all around relaxing experience. The essential oils she blended and the soothing music set the stage for what was to be a blissful hour. The massage itself only got better - from really listening to what I wanted to working out my knots, Janie's hands were like magic. I can't wait to go back and see what else they have to offer! read more

Had an amazing and beautiful experience at Urban Escape for my Reiki II attunement . Very Very welcoming space and staff with a great community feel! read more

The community Neale has developed is amazing and diverse, and offers both healing and educational opportunities. Whether you're new to mind/body experiences or a veteran of the healing arts, you will be welcomed warmly and exposed to wonderful experiences at Urban Escape. Open your mind and prepare to move into a healthier way of thinking and being. read more

I have suffered from migraines for years and scheduled a massage with Neale. He was WONDERFUL! He took the time to listen, gave an amazing massage, and relieved a lot of my shoulder tension. After, I asked if there was anything else I could do to help ease my muscle tension and he showed me several great stretches. I highly recommend and will definitely be scheduling another massage! read more

A great place, wonderful people, very knowledgeable and professional. They offer healings and classes. The place is very clean, well-kept, very spiritually charged. They offer yoga and Reiki classes, and much more. read more

I randomly picked Neale from the internet and sometimes random finds are like gems you find in a treasure chest! I knew I needed energy work and deep tissue combined but I was not sure what choices were available to me prior to meeting with Neale this past Thursday. I was blown away with how kind and thoughtful he is and he spent a good amount of time asking me how my body felt and what I was seeking. He told me he had skills in deep tissue body work and psoas training and since I have been suffering from chronic pain in my lower back and right hip Neale combined energy work, trigger point massage, cupping and aromatherapy oils into our time together simply because he wanted to see me pain free and relaxed. I will definitely want to do this treatment again soon and when I left the studio I felt like I was walking on pillows and light and airy again. My face was even glowing much lighter and I felt serene. You will not be disappointed in entrusting your body with Neale! read more

I was a skeptic. I don't believe in much, let alone chi. That being said, this was an amazing experience! I felt so much better than I did before the session and Neale was able to pin point issues I've been having with various parts of my body. I don't know much, whether I feel better as a sort of placebo affect or if just sitting still for a second is what helped but I can't wait to do it again! read more

Sweet! My first Yelp review! And it couldn't have been for any better place. This place is amazing, the vibe is great and you truly get the sense that this is a space of healing. I took a Reiki class here and have had a couple of bodywork sessions. Both were great experiences. If you are serious about spirituality and alternative healing/medicine, this should be the first place you go to. read more

A friend and I did 30 minute Reiki treatments today -- neither of us had done Reiki before, and we both absolutely loved it. We both felt completely relaxed, grounded, and calm. The after effects are like a massage but longer lasting. My friend had Neale and I had Janie -- we are definitely planning to go back! read more

i was brought to an urban escape by a friend. i hadn't had much experience in alternative healing, but everyone was extremely open and welcoming. People were friendly and answered all my questions. They hold monthly healing collectives where you pay a small amount at the door (i think it was $10) and you can sample a wide variety of different services. i had a great time, and have been back a couple of times since then. read more

While I lived in Chicago, Urban Escape was my #1 favorite place for yoga, breathwork, and other ceremonies/events. It truly is an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, a refuge for anyone looking to treat themselves to some healing. You will instantly feel welcomed here, with crystals decorating every nook and crannie of the space. The staff there are all top-notch space-holders (looking at you, Jenelle!) and more than happy to meet your needs for yoga, massage, meditation, breathwork, akashic records readings, reiki, and many other healing modalities. The community vibe here is apparent, and after a couple visits you're guaranteed to have made some new friends. Parking is available on the street directly in front of the space. read more

I've had the pleasure now of having a few massages from Neale and each one has been extremely relaxing. I carry a lot of tension in my body, and because of this, whenever a friend or family would try to rub my shoulders I'd be in so much pain. I had basically told myself that maybe massages weren't for me. I was wrong- Neale is amazing at knowing how much pressure your body can take and how much it needs to start to loosen or relieve the tension. I also very much enjoy that Neale takes the time to ask questions to find out what type of massage and where I need work done. I also very much enjoy the intension that Neale always sets before each massage. Neale is an amazing bodyworker and the use of essential oils in his massages elevate the experience that much more! I would definitely recommend Neale if you are looking to get a custom and intentional massage and/or any other form of healing work that he offers. read more