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Season 1, Episode 5: Restoring Balance & Vitality with Marissa, Director of the Center for Massage & Natural Health

In this episode of the Wellness in Asheville podcast, host Travis Richardson welcomes Marissa, Director of the Center for Massage & Natural Health in Asheville, NC—a leading school and spa that has been cultivating skilled massage therapists and promoting holistic wellness for over two decades.

We explore how massage therapy goes far beyond relaxation—supporting nervous system regulation, pain relief, emotional well-being, and injury recovery. Marissa shares the Center’s unique approach to bodywork education, community wellness services, and its role in Asheville’s thriving holistic health scene.

This conversation also dives into self-care as a lifelong practice, the science behind touch and healing, and how professional massage training can transform both the practitioner and the recipient. Whether you’re considering massage as a career, looking for ways to manage stress naturally, or seeking the best massage experiences in Asheville, this episode offers expert insights you can apply right away.

Key Takeaways

• Massage as Medicine – How skilled touch supports the body’s innate healing mechanisms.
• Career Path in Bodywork – Why massage therapy is both a healing art and a sustainable profession.
• Mind-Body Connection – How releasing muscle tension can help release stored emotional stress.
• Asheville’s Wellness Landscape – The Center’s role in shaping a community of mindful healers.

Timestamps
00:00 – 03:15 | Introduction & Marissa’s Journey
03:15 – 15:30 | The Healing Power of Massage
15:30 – 27:00 | Education & Professional Training
27:00 – 39:15 | Self-Care for Practitioners & Clients
39:15 – End | Closing Thoughts & Wellness Tips

Episode Links

• Center for Massage & Natural Health
• Center for Massage & Natural Health Student Clinic

The Wellness in Asheville podcast is produced by Be Well Asheville, your local news source covering health + wellness news + events in Asheville. Get the latest at bewellasheville.com or follow @bewellasheville.