Texas Healing Arts Institute

I though I reviewed this place already– hmm.
Anyway, I probably should, since it’s pretty great.
The tucked away on Burnet road and pretty easy to miss unless you keep your eyes peeled. It’s an old house converted into a spa, which makes you feel at home immediately. With plenty of trees, pleasant smells and peace and quiet, this is the perfect atmosphere to unwind.
My first experience with THAI was for a pre nantal massage back in 2012. That’s when I fell in love with the place. It’s was a half day thing that I thoroughly enjoyed. But here’s what I really come for– the intern massage.
At 35 $ an hour, this option is quite the money saver. Being a relaxation massage, it’s pretty risk free and worth the time and money invested. A male/​female intern is assigned to you, and the therapist only massages the areas you consent them to touch. Intern massages are conducted in the building adjacent to the main office, and though the designated areas lack that je né sais quoi of the spa, it’s still more than sufficient to relax in.
There’s an option called the sports massage ($ 65) per hour that specializes in sports related soreness or injuries.
Appointments are taken online and on the phone. The staff is always friendly and helpful.
So come on down if you need a deep tissue, facial or just a plain old relaxation massage.

This place in unreal. On my top 5 for «customer wow» experiences in Austin. Came here on a recommendation from my future mother in law as she is a regular with Elizabeth. Unfortunately, I was not able to get in with her therapist due to conflicting schedules, but I had a good feeling about THAI and went with the first available, who happened to be male. Now, I am not sexist nor am I shy, but I have had a negative customer service experience with a different male therapist at another establishment, so I had my fingers crossed that I would be more comfortable in this situation.
A little tucked in off the street, there is ample parking available and good direction as to which building to go through depending on if you are seeing a licensed professional or a student. Upon entering the building meant for licensed massages, you are greeted by the front desk team and seen into the waiting area which is equipped with serene décor and refreshments. You fill out your paperwork and enter a consultation with your therapist who then shows you into the private room so you may undress and position yourself comfortably on the table.
Not only was I comfortable, but he gave me the best massage I have had to this date. Relaxing and calming and yet completely controlled and collected in his ability to find my soreness and correct it. I have been to several different therapists as my schedule is extremely offbeat, and I have never once been disappointed by THAI. I have more recently chosen to do a student massage as one of my friends was attending the institute and although not as private and thorough as the licensed massage, I was amazed at the quality and professionalism involved. Its nice to have the student massages available for the times that I am not able to afford a full massage with the licensed group, it makes the possibilities endless.
Bonus: If you sign up for their offers, I often get emails with amazing specials if you book by a certain time that day.

Little did I know I was to find the Holy Grail… The Heisman… No, The Nobel Peace Prize of massage places when I scheduled my first appointment at Texas Healing Arts.
Texas Healing Arts’s facility is not only home to the best professional massage I’ve ever had, but is also a reputable healing arts school. In the 5 years that I’ve been a teacher, believe me, I’ve become quite the massage connoisseur-I’ve experienced everything from what chains like Massage Envy offer all the way to the skills of a badass Chinese dude on the corner that could strangle Vin Diesel with his magical hands. Trust me, this teacher knows a good massage.
The facilities of T.H.A are instantly relaxing. From the parking lot, I followed the path through a tranquil garden into the reception area. I was not surprised to find the décor throughout to be perfectly complimentary to the new age sounds of Enya and gentle sea breezes.
I found the prices for professional masseuse reasonable, especially for the thoroughness of each session (no, I don’t mean «thorough» as in what you think I mean, pervs). If you can’t afford to get a professional massage, schedule a surprisingly amazing student massage for only $ 35/hour…you’re not even allowed to tip the students as per Texas law. You could buy yourself an overpriced coffee with that savings! I challenge you to find a better deal.
Both masseuses I’ve scheduled with were female, but there seemed to be many male options as well. In the 6 times I’ve received massages, the attention to my personal needs was refreshing and made having to tell my husband how much money I’ve spent so far… easier…
In my experience, the masseuses at places like Massage Envy seem like they’re bored and are certainly not generous with the foot, face, and butt massages like Texas Healing Arts. If you’ve never had a butt massage, you probably need a really good one. Don’t turn your modest nose up, you haters; you too will be converted to yes, even the aforementioned butt massage by the generous souls at Texas Healing Arts.

I’d give negative stars if I could.
I went to Texas Healing Arts for a Pain Relief massage. I’d been a car accident a couple of weeks before, and my regular massage therapist (at another company, thankfully) was on vacation. I was having neck, back, and leg pain, so I made an appointment. Firstly, their website functionality is spotty about making appointments, so I had to call anyway. That alone was fine; sometimes websites suck. I specifically chose Emily as my therapist because her bio on the website indicates that she’s one of the few therapists who even does Pain Relief massage, and that it was her specialty.
The receptionist was very nice when I arrived, and I filled out special forms for the Pain Relief massage. Emily was my massage therapist and she reviewed the fact that I’d been in an accident and was having specific pains. I explained that I was already working with a therapist and that this was a fill-​in appointment.
Then commenced the most painful 90-​minute massage I’ve ever had. I spoke up several times with «OW!» You should understand that I don’t say anything until it’s at a 9 – 10 level of pain (which becomes important in a moment). It did not feel like she let up on the pressure after any of these responses. I was flinching like crazy and actually crying. Not terrible, shuddering, messy crying, mind you, but crying enough that you’d think the only other person in the room might notice and accommodate the fact that something’s seriously wrong.
She asked me to rate my pain level at specific moments. The times she asked usually happened to be a few seconds AFTER pain was a 9+. She told me that her goal was for the pain to be a 7. A SEVEN!!! It’s inexcusable to me that a massage therapist’s stated goal is ANY significant amount of pain.
If a spot was tender, her technique was to press on it harder and inflame the area even more. 90 minutes of extraordinary pain passed as I debated about whether to just tell her to quit and stop the madness. When I flipped onto my back, I had to wipe my eyes because of all the crying, yet she didn’t say anything.
After I dressed, she helpfully informed me that I had pains in different patterns on each side of my body – like I wasn’t just acutely made aware of that.
As I checked out, the receptionist helpfully asked if the therapist had talked to me about returning. I told her no.
I spent the rest of the day lying down and icing my back because I was in so much pain. Over the next few days, I had new pains that I hadn’t even felt before as a result of this torture massage.
After leaving a desperate message for my regular therapist, she got me in and needed two hours to get me even close to where I was before Emily set my healing back a week (or more). Healing is NOT what happens here; avoid it.

I feel like because this is a training school for massage therapists there is a common misconception that it won’t be «as good» as another place. SO FAR FROM THE TRUTH! This place is great. If you get on their mailing list you get the coupons for last minute service bookings etc. Which just happened to me over the weekend. Been breaking out, went in for a facial and a massage due to my lower back pain. I had Judy again (and after my half marathon) – she is awesome and really tunes into knots and sore spots and works on them without being too painful.
PS I have also had student massages (specify when you call) and love the fact you give them feedback, pay a little less and still get a great massage in!
Anyway-​back to the facial, I had Courtney and not only is she really sweet and give you great suggestions on what to use/​techniques to start implementing etc, but she was super gentle. I have had extractions before and my face was left super red and sort of in pain (at a diff place) and not this time-​she was super great-​I recommend this place hands down. Super relaxing and cute old house too, take the time to pay a visit if you can.

Reviewing the massage school at Texas Healing Arts Institute:
As a recent graduate of THAI, I just cannot say enough about how wonderful they are! The student to teacher ratio is refreshingly small (you never feel like just a number), and the instructors are truly gifted educators. The directors of the school both hold PhDs, and they mix their considerable research and education experience with a student-​centered accessibility. Tuition is affordable, and the 500 hour program is only three months! The vibe is relaxed, but never fluffy. I can genuinely say that I miss «school.» I miss the gardens, my classmates, and the supportive instructors that taught us. Despite wanting to just loiter there by the pomegranates every day, I did find a job that a love, with the gracious help of one of the administrators. What a perfect little oasis!

So I have to tell you that I have had over 400 massages in my life, and have had many good ones at massage schools, including this one in the past. My last experience last Saturday was not only the worst massage I have ever had, but hands down the worst consumer experience I have ever had. It started out that I called the School to ask if they could recommend somone who could do very firm pressure. They recommended a student (name withheld as she is a student, and don’t want to throw her under the bus) She was not only not able to provide firm pressure, but if felt lik all she was doing was rubbing lotion on me. No pressure at all. I told her 2/3’s of the way into the massage that I was not happy at all and it was the worst masage that I have ever had. I did tell her that I wanted to be honest and upfront that I was going to complain to management. She told me that they should have guided be to a licensed therapist if I was requesting this, but she also should have not done the massage when I told her that was what I was looking for before the massage.
The worst is yet to come. Imagine going to a place where you’re trying to get stress reliet, paying for a massage that was horrible, and then requesting to talk to the owner. I was cordial enough to meet her ourside the lobby so others could not hear my complaints. She told me she was going to talk to my therapist and get back to me. I never heard back from her, and called back to the front desk late that day to ask why I have not heard back from the owner. That was Saturday, and this is Tuesday. I still have received NO CALL from the Owner at all. I had told her that this was not my first time coming here, and this was the first complaint I have made. I told her that I expected a refund or credit at her massage school for another massage with a licensed therapist. THE VERY FACT THAT THE OWNER OF THIS ETABLISHMENT FELT NO NEED TO MAKE THIS SITUATION RIGHT, AND EVEN WORSE NOT CALL ME BACK AFTER I WAS NICE ENOUGH TO HANDLE THE SITUATION OUTSIDE OF CUSTOMERS EARS AND SIGHT… UNACCEPTABLE!!!
DO NOT PATRONIZE THE ESTABLISHMENT. MOST MASSAGE OWNERS ARE BIG IN KARMA… I HOPE THIS LADY REAPS WHAT SHE SOWS, BECAUSE SHE IS A TOTAL WASTE OF OXYGEN!

Been coming here for massages since 2010 and have never had a bad experience. If you get a student massage ($ 35/​hr) you will be in a large room separated by curtains, so if you want complete privacy, go for the professional massage. I once heard a guy next to me answering his cell during his massage! Not THAI’s fault, just a completely inconsiderate customer. Other than that, I’ve always left feeling relaxed and refreshed. :)

Amber Minton is the best facialist I have ever had! She is so very talented. She creates a super relaxing atmosphere, and is extremely knowledgeable about skin biology. I would recommend her to anyone. Amber has her customer service skills perfected. She uses the best product line, and is very thorough by making sure what medications you are taking to how much water you are drinking to make sure your facial is customized to fit your needs.
Again I highly recommend you visit her for any of your facial needs!!!

I have been going to THAI for years and have had one wonderful experience after another. This place is very comfortable — a nice middle ground between swanky spa and casual homey atmosphere. Every massage I have had (intern or professional) has been just what I needed at the moment. I have gone for relaxation and for pain management. Do you hurt? Put down the ibuprofen and call THAI.
I just had my first facial with Amber and I’ll definitely be back for my next one. I have had some very disappointing facials elsewhere. No more hunting! THAI is a sure bet.

I started getting massages from Kathy early in my pregnancy and she has truly made a world of difference in how I have felt throughout! She is a healer!
My Mom has also received massages from several of the staff and loves everyone there. They have a knack for finding very talented people who also have wonderful massage-​table-​side manners. It’s really the best massage studio I have ever visited.

This place is a hidden gem! I love this place so much I have referred family and friends. Wendi is an AMAZING massage therapist. This woman knows her stuff. She is well versed in anatomy, postural alignment, and trigger point release. I highly recommend her particularly for neuromuscular and pain relief massage. I have tried several massage therapists (in Austin, the east coast, and Chicago) and she ranks up their with my top two.

Best Prenatal Massage EVER. Hands down! You can’t beat a great massage at a great price. You really can’t beat it when you are 9 months pregnant, swollen from head to toe and just longing for the slightest bit of relaxation. Well, I found it at the hands of Andrew. Go check them out! It helps them get credit hours and you get to relax and step away from your busy life for a moment. I’ll be going back and that is a promise!

I just received the most AMAZING massage from Elisa Gonzalez, LMT at Texas Healing Arts Institute (THAI) School of Massage, Day Spa, and wellness clinic. I’ve had literally hundred of massages in my life and I am currently being treated for injuries resulting from a car accident. That being said, she is a massage wizard!
Of course, the spa itself was lovely. They have a five page long menu of services, offering everything from massage, body wraps, reiki, acupuncture, facials, waxing, skin care (using the phenomenal Suki line), and aromatherapy treatments from their own garden. Everyone there was extremely helpful and lovely.
In addition, they offer $ 50 CMT intern therapy during the week for a 90 minute massage! The spa also has evening specials and great package deals. they even fit me in last minute on a Saturday afternoon!
Go there now for a blissful way to spend your day!

I’ve always had great experiences here with the intern massages. The staff is always so nice and I feel totally blissed-​out when I leave. I especially love walking through the little courtyard garden area as I come and go.

Love, love, love. I have been going to Texas Healing Arts for over four years. I live in the neighborhood and I feel so fortunate to be able to stumble out of my AMAZING massage by Kathy and walk home. They now have a sauna that is a personal heaven.

I just finished my third massage withMary H. It was Equally amazing and relaxing each time. The student intern massage was only 35.00 an hour! Can’t beat that!!!

I went in for my first massage today and it was pretty awesome. I was so nervous the night before I couldn’t sleep, I don’t really like people touching me (except for hugs) but my friend and I got a really good deal via groupon! 1 hr for $ 35.
I chose Pam and also requested a complimentary skin care consultation because she is also a licensed esthetician. The receptionist was REALLY nice and told me to expect and joked around with us while we were filling out our forms. Pam was really awesome and spent half an hr telling me about what to expect, her experience and asking me questions about my skin and diet. She offered suggestions right away and was really knowledgeable, and again, made me really feel at ease.
I got the relaxation massage and at the end a little foot massage and my feet wrapped in lemon water soaked towels. soo amazing! Better than a pedicure!
I am totally coming back to Pam for a facial and some time in the dry sauna.

I had my first ever massage here today. The receptionist was super nice as was everyone that walked in while i waited my turn.
I went with the low cost student massage (Virginia T.) for 1 hour ($ 35.00) because i wasn’t sure what to expect.
She was very thorough and knowledgeable. I could have used more pressure which she did offer but i didn’t want to over due it due to Fibromyalgia. The area is sectioned off by black curtains and it is a low lit area. Nice relaxing music as well. I would go back. Now that i know what to expect i would probably do a deeper tissue massage. But if you are looking for a less expensive relaxing massage this would be the place.
I didn’t want to drive myself home .i was so relaxed.

While it’s also possible to get a low-​cost student massage here, I am deeply and passionately in love with their licensed therapists, who are the instructors at the school — I worked with Moses today — and he showed what a really talented and knowledgable therapist can do that your average masseuse or masseur cannot. It’s always helpful when on top of knowing how to give a massage, your therapist also has a couple of master’s degrees in physiology and sports medicine… there is a spot on my leg that has been sore for a month, in spite of taking prescribed anti-​inflammitories, and Moses cleared it up almost completely in a 60-​minute deep-​tissue massage, when I explained what was going on. Amazing!