While Working at Westlake ACE Hardware in Maryville, Ashley Feldhacker felt something was missing from her life.
A trained reflexologist, Feldhacker chose to complete her study to become a massage therapist at Vatterott in St. Joseph. After receiving her credentials in March, she decided to open shop.
The Balance of Mind and Body Massage Studio represents the beginning for Feldhacker’s dream, which always revolved around helping people.
“I always liked helping people, so giving massages is a great outlet for that,” Feldhacker said. “The benefits of massage are plentiful, including improving circulation, temporarily lowering blood pressure, increasing the lymphatic system, helping with internal fluid transfers between muscles, and aiding with relaxation.
“I’m also starting a Touch of Kindness program where, when people wish to tip me, they hang up a note on a corkboard with the amount of their tip on it. That way, if someone comes in and can’t afford a massage, they can take notes off that board to pay for it. I wouldn’t want someone to go without a needed massage because they couldn’t afford it.”
Right now, Feldhacker operates out of the Northwest Chiropractic Clinic, 206 West Second Street. She said that there might be a potential to move out on her own at some point down the road.
“It would be nice to open up a shop where I could collaborate with other local artists,” Feldhacker said. “We could bring in more than just massage; I could have someone doing yoga, someone doing energy work, and some other things so that we’re all balancing each other out.
“Right now, though, I like it here. I work together with the chiropractors here; they give adjustments, then send their clients to me for a massage to capitalize on their work. We treat them all as whole people; no two treatments are the same.”
Being a massage therapist involves listening to the body, Feldhacker said. In that right, she offers more than just massage therapy.
Feldhacker’s services include therapeutic, Swedish, and hot stone massages, Reiki/Chakra balancing, and reflexology. She said she’s also certified in the Spontaneous Muscle Release Technique and plans to incorporate it soon, as well as crystal work.
Outside of the massage studio, Feldhacker enjoys a Tuesday night Bible study and getting involved in her daughters’ activities including Maryville Young Players, the Maryville Sharks swim team, and helping at the school when she can. She is a member of the First United Methodist Church of Maryville and does events with them.
In keeping with the idea of balancing the body’s energies, Feldhacker advises everyone to enjoy each day as it comes.
“It’s important to stay fully present,” Feldhacker said. “You don’t know what tomorrow holds, and yesterday is gone, so you have to live for today.
“Also, don’t dwell in the past, because that’s not a good place to be. Those around you get to have you today; be there for them.”
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