East-West Healing Arts Institute – Madison

I don't know what the issue is, but I've called this place at least 10 times over the last few months trying to get an appointment for a student massage. Either no one answers, the voice mailbox is full, or someone tells me to call some other number at some specific time. When I called that secondary number, the lady that answered said I had the wrong number and wanted to know what business gave me her number because she has been getting a lot of those wrong number calls. For anyone that's actually able to get an appointment with this place, can you write a review and tell others how you do it. Like, what's your secret?

Words cannot describe my experience at East-West. I am profoundly blessed to have come across this school. Our teachers were true, top-notch therapists. The compassion and support I was given through my difficulties in school was unbelievable. These people really care and knew what I was going through, because they likely also experienced something similar in school. The mark of a true massage therapy school is difficulty and its ability to bring about immense personal introspection, evaluation and resulting lifestyle change. This school has that in spades. Our instructors always sought the best in their students and respected our individuality. They were always extremely encouraging of our individual mindsets, goals, interests, creativity and encouraged us to create our massage by integrating those aspects of ourselves. We were taught the "healing arts" quite literally; that therapeutic massage is an artistic expression of our love through healing touch. Plus, the curriculum at this school is simply unmatched in the area. No other program is as comprehensive, thorough or honest as East-West. Dr. Zhou has his critics, but his serious drive to help others has always remained evident to me in working with him. He is endearing and playful at the right moments while also very intentional in giving his best work for those who seek it. Level with him and he will level with you.

One of the reasons I love East West is the integrated curriculum. Not only are you learning the well-known Swedish techniques, but the Chinese techniques and philosophies as well—a side of massage that is often ignored in the Western culture. It really widens the students’ horizons and opens their eyes to viewing a client’s situation or condition in different ways. Learning acupressure points from there was one of the most beneficial things I could have ever done. I also love East West because of how it treats its students. It is a much smaller school than normal, but the staff and students are so close-knit because of it, and it’s a wonderful thing. The school actually has a staff who cares, who works with you to your individual needs, who will not hesitate to make sure you succeed, regardless of how life is treating you at the moment. The school system is flexible and the teachers are willing to work with you. You are made sure you are successful and are provided with opportunities of employment before you even graduate. It is an amazing wonderful experience you will not have at any larger or standard school.

I have received massages from Porter every other week for a couple years. He is one of the best massage therapist I have experienced in Madison. He always checks in at the beginning to see if there are any problem areas that need special attention that day. He does good deep work. We chat a bit at the beginning followed mostly by silence and soft music. Porter graduated from the school six years ago so he is part of the staff of professional massage therapist as opposed to the students at the school who give inexpensive massages in the clinic for practice. However, they offer reasonable packages for massages with their professionals

I came to this place with excruciating sciatica pain that flared up from a long driving. My husband carried me to this place, with just 2 sessions of acupuncture followed by a professional massage with Dr. Zhou and his team my pain level went from 10 to 6. I am able to walk slightly limp which is a great recovery from wheee I started. I can’t say enough about this center who gave me back my life, my freedom

I have been going for student massages for years. Almost all of the students have been some of the best massages that I have had. They are well trained to find specific problem areas from the pre massage talk. Considering that the student massages are half the cost of most "professional" massages, and they do a better job, I will continue to be a client for the foreseeable future.

East West changed my life! I completed the massage program here and I feel it is very precious for a growing field in health care. I will use my degree in many different venues in a spa,. animal, and hospice massage! I learned about the value of self-care and serving others with bodywork. The instructors are stellar and very helpful. Thank-you East West!