How often should I get massages?

That is up to you and your budget! I personally spend close to $10,000 per year on preventative care (massage, chiropractic, a high quality vitamin program, acupuncture, personal counseling, attending self-development programs, etc.). I'm worth taking good care of myself. I have committed to receiving at least 1 massage per week in both 2008 and 2009. I love how much better I feel!

Why do so many people recommend your massages?

I think it's the benefits the people receive (such as getting out of pain, a superb sense of relaxation, an enhanced immune system and a profound connection with their own body). People have traveled from as far as San Clemente for my massages! It's interesting, most of my massages are neuromuscular in nature (my own form of myofascial release and compression). However, there is an energy that emits from my hands. It's a gift and I've known of it for many years. People who see auras have seen it, and I've even seen it myself on occasion. Mostly I feel it as a tingling sensation. The particular gentleman in the picture above has Parkinson's. For whatever reason, when I touch him, his tremors cease. He is not the only Parkinson's client that this has happened to. Other clients have reported that tumors and bone spurs have gone down in size with just one visit.

What are your goals?

My goal is to be recognized as an international healer. I love to travel and I know I have a destiny to help the planet. Step by step I'm doing what it takes to move me on the path of an exceptional and caring healer. I don't know many people who have as extensive hours as I do. Where else can you go at 8 pm or on weekends to get a really good therapeutic massage? I open myself up in service because I love what I do. You know how a really good hug feels? That's what I experience when giving massages, so no wonder I do it 7 days a week!

How did you get into massage?

I've always been extremely kinesthetic. Through a meditation / visualization course at Santa Cruz University, it became very obvious to me that my destiny on this planet was "TO BE A HEALER". In 1976 I started taking classes with Rosalyn Bruyere. As many of you may know, she is a pioneer in the field of psychic and healing research, often working with scientists from UCLA. From there I was guided to a very excellent massage school in Ventura, CA. After moving to San Diego in 1977, I studied at the School of Healing Arts, Mueller College, IPSB, and a variety of advanced workshops with leading professionals.

Any special techniques?

The top picture here shows a Thai technique (Thailand style massage on the table, using my feet to help open up the hip flexors). There are times I use skin rolling (some people love it!), cranial sacral, compression, myofascial release, neuromuscular massage, accupressure, or a combination of all of the above. Each massage is tailor-made for my client. I rarely get "bored" doing a massage because each one is so unique.

 

"Your massages are substantive and thorough, yet gentle. My body feels more aligned. I am definitely delighted to be a regular client!" -- Karen Molenda, MFT

Do you do Rolfing?

In order to say you do Rolfing, you need to have gone to the Rolf Institute, founded by Ida Rolf. I have taken classes in Structural Integration, as well as have received rolfing type treatments. All of the classes I've taken, the many massages I receive, and the thousands of bodies I've worked on, all form a unique "Rachael massage experience" for my clients.

What is the coolest compliment you've ever gotten?

I was recently at an event where I did the walking on of hot coals. In the afternoon of the event, a lady named Cheryl (who had a really bad cold) came up to me. Our seminar was about to start, so I was only able to give her about 5 or 6 minutes of energy healing. She told me the next morning that the work I did on her, albeit short, was more profound for her than the fire walk. I got tearful and very moved after hearing her compliment, since the hot coals is such a powerful experience. What it indicated to me was that it's really time to step up to my greatness and do more healing work. My dedication to my life's purpose moved up a few more notches! I even decided to write a book about Intuitive Healing (which I'll work on after completing the Headache and Migraine Relief DVD).

What about on-going classes for yourself?

I continue with ongoing training. Although only 12 units of continuing education per year is required to maintain my license, I typically partake in at least 100 hours of advanced trainings. And not just massage, but also self-help and motivational courses, affecting mind, body and soul. Courses like "Healing the Wounded Inner Child", which has certainly helped to heal some deep emotional pains, have helped me to be more loving towards myself and more empathic towards my clients.

Do your hands ever get tired?

On occasion, but I'm used to doing long sessions. My endurance stems from using good body dynamics and leverage, as well as having a good foundational nutrition. Plus drinking plenty of water and breathing well helps, too!
 

Your hands remind me of the qualities of a concert pianist. You can teach someone to play the piano, but when you have a master, you not only hear the difference, you feel the difference. Your hands are incredible, Rachael! -- Suzanne Spurgeon, retired

I've heard your clients have given you some clever nicknames. What are they?

Rachael "finds the tight spots" Paddock (my hands know instinctively where to go -- most people have no idea how tense they actually are)

Muscle Psychic (I help heal you on very deep levels)

Magic Hands (skilled, trained hands actually!)

Marathon Masseuse (giving individuals 2 to 4 hour sessions, up to 9 hours a day!)