"I was shocked and very pleased," Chan shared. "Most people go out to win these types of things by sending out emails and campaigning to get people to vote for them. I didn't do that, so it was a nice surprise and an honor."
The Healing Station is a holistic health and beauty spa located at 530 Plaza Drive, Suite 130, next to the Willow Creek Nature Reserve in Folsom. It was built with well-being in mind, using no allergenic or toxic materials--including the paint. No harmful chemicals are used in any of the wide range of treatments on the menu.
Chan feels it is her attention to each individual's needs that sets her apart from other massage therapists in Folsom and El Dorado Hills. "My philosophy is to listen to the client, find out their expectations, and educate them along the way as needed," she explained. "Before we're done with each session, I make sure everything is taken care of and they don't need any additional work. I feel that sets me apart, especially from the big chain spas. They just run the clients in and out, and that's not what we do here."
A massage session at The Healing Station generally takes about 60 minutes, and Chan works with the client to help them make the most of that time. "They might come in complaining of neck and shoulder pain, which is about a 20-25 minute treatment," she said. "I'll explain that we can use the rest of the hour for the rest of their body and ask if that's OK with them. Sometimes during a full-body massage, I'll be working on a spot and discover it's more work than I expected, so I'll give them the choice of leaving out another area to continue working on it or let it go and move on. I always give them the choice."
Barbara Ellis, who has been a client of Chan and The Healing Station for a year and a half, could not be happier that her favorite sanctuary was chosen for this honor. "They truly live up to their name," she remarked. "When you go there, you don't receive just a massage; they work toward healing the body, addressing the underlying issues that are causing the symptoms. Three members of my family are being treated there and love it, and everyone I have referred there feel as comfortable as we do."
The Healing Station also has a philosophy of educating clients. "The number one thing that people are lacking is proper hydration," Chan commented. "They don't drink enough water, and that shows up in a number of health ways. We educate them on that, as well as teach them stretches and exercises they should do at home for their own health."
While some people may view massage as a luxury, to Chan it's a necessity for a balanced, healthy, and successful life. "One of the main causes of disease is stress," she explained. "Massage is a way to relax and de-stress. If you're not well enough to work, you're not producing income. You need to take care of yourself."
Those interested in learning more about Chan and The Healing Station or wishing to make an appointment are encouraged to visit the website at www.thehealingstation.net.
