What Makes a Massage Holistic?

Mar 30

If you’ve spent time searching for a spa or browsing self-care treatments lately, you’ve probably seen the word "holistic" everywhere.
It’s on every website, in every spa brochure, and sprinkled through wellness blogs like it’s the next big thing. But have you ever stopped to wonder what a holistic massage actually is — and whether it’s any different from a regular massage?

Let’s be honest. Wellness terms get trendy fast. And while that can be wonderful, it can also make it hard to know what’s real and what’s marketing. So today, I want to help you understand exactly what makes a massage holistic — and why it matters to your health, your nervous system, and how you feel when you walk out of the spa.

Because at The Priestess Spa, we don’t just use the word "holistic" because it sounds good. We practice it in everything we do.

So what Does Holistic Massage Really Mean?

A holistic massage is not a technique.
It’s not a specific style of massage like deep tissue or Swedish.
It’s an approach.

It’s the difference between seeing you as a collection of symptoms — sore shoulders, tight hips, a stiff neck — or seeing you as a whole person with physical, emotional, energetic, and spiritual layers that are all communicating with each other.

When you book a holistic massage in with a true holistic massage therapist, you're not just booking an appointment for muscle relief.
You're choosing a healing experience that honors your entire system — your body, your mind, your heart, and your energy field.

Holistic wellness is about addressing the root cause, not just the surface-level discomfort. It’s about listening to the signals your body is sending and understanding how your stress levels, emotions, lifestyle, and even your past experiences are woven into the tension you’re carrying.

Holistic massage

Seeing you as a whole person with physical, emotional, energetic, and spiritual layers that are all communicating with each other

Why Holistic Wellness Is Growing

Since 2020, something has shifted.
More people have realized how unsustainable it is to live in constant stress, disconnected from their bodies, waiting for a pill to fix their pain. The modern medical system is powerful in emergencies, but when it comes to daily well-being, it often overlooks the mind-body connection.

That’s why alternative medicine and integrative health practices are gaining so much traction. Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, herbal therapies, energy healing — these traditions have always known that healing is not one-dimensional. Here at The Priestess Spa, we’ve woven these ancient principles into every spa treatment we offer, because you deserve more than a one-size-fits-all approach.

Holistic massage isn’t a trend here.
It’s how we help you heal, detox, and reconnect with yourself.

What Actually Happens in a Holistic Massage?

If you’re wondering how a holistic massage is different from a typical massage, let me paint you a picture.

When you arrive at The Priestess Spa, you won’t just be handed a clipboard and rushed onto a massage table. We’ll sit down together. I want to know how you’re feeling — physically, emotionally, energetically. I’ll listen to what’s going on in your life, because stress, grief, burnout, even boundary issues, all show up in your body. And I believe your massage should reflect that.

Once we begin, your session may include:
- Ayurvedic techniques that stimulate marma points (similar to acupressure) to support the flow of prana, your life force energy.
- Energy healing modalities like Reiki or Polarity Therapy to clear blocks in your chakra system and restore energetic balance.
- Shirodhara treatment — a signature Ayurvedic therapy where warm herbal oil is gently poured over your forehead to calm your nervous system and bring deep mental clarity.
- Detox rituals that support lymphatic flow and help your body release what it no longer needs.
Every session is intuitive, crafted specifically for you. Whether you're looking for tension relief, emotional release, or a full reset, you’ll experience something that goes far beyond muscle manipulation.

The Nervous System Connection

One of the most important pieces of holistic massage is how it impacts your nervous system. Most people who walk through the doors of a spa are living in a near-constant state of fight or flight. You’re carrying the weight of your responsibilities, overstimulation, decision fatigue, and possibly years of stored stress in your tissues.

Massage therapy is one of the few practices that can directly communicate with your autonomic nervous system — the part of your body responsible for rest, digestion, and healing. A skilled, intuitive massage therapist will know how to create a sensory experience that invites your body to shift into rest and restore mode.

When you receive a holistic massage at The Priestess Spa, you're not just leaving with looser muscles. You're leaving with a calmer mind, a regulated nervous system, and a body that finally feels safe enough to let go.

How Holistic Massage Supports Long-Term Wellness

Here’s what many people don’t realize: the goal of a truly holistic approach is not just to make you feel better for an hour. It’s to help you reclaim your wellness and stay well.

That’s why every treatment I offer is part of a bigger picture. Whether you're visiting for an Ayurvedic spa treatment in Portsmouth NH, a detox ritual, or an energy healing session, you're taking an active role in your own healing.

Over time, consistent holistic massage can help you:

Release chronic tension patterns
Improve sleep
Reduce anxiety and overwhelm
Increase your energy flow
Support your body’s natural detox process
Reconnect with your intuition and inner calm

And that’s the difference. At The Priestess Spa, you’re not just receiving a service. You’re building a relationship with your body, your energy, and yourself.

What to Look for in a Holistic Massage Therapist

One thing I want you to know: not every massage labeled "holistic" actually is. This term is everywhere right now, and many spas use it without really understanding what it means.
So how do you know if you’re getting the real thing? Ask questions.

Find out if your massage therapist is trained in energy work, Ayurveda, or other healing modalities. A true holistic practitioner has spent years learning how to support your entire being — not just your muscles.

At The Priestess Spa, every treatment I offer is grounded in this kind of integrative knowledge. I combine the science of massage therapy with the wisdom of holistic healing traditions. You deserve nothing less.

Embracing a New You

Dry January is more than just a break from alcohol. It’s an opportunity to reconnect with your body, mind, and spirit. By incorporating Ayurvedic wisdom and holistic practices, you can navigate this transition with ease and grace. The Priestess Spa is here to support you every step of the way, offering treatments, herbs, and guidance tailored to your unique journey.

Take this time to go within, reflect, and heal.
As you let go of what no longer serves you, you make room for growth, joy, and vitality.
One day at a time, you’re becoming the best version of yourself.

Yes. Holistic massage is gentle and adaptable, making it suitable for most people. If you have specific health conditions, we’ll always discuss them beforehand to ensure the treatment supports your wellness.
Holistic massage may include techniques from Swedish or deep tissue, but it goes beyond the physical. It integrates energy healing, Ayurvedic practices, and a focus on your entire well-being.
Shirodhara is one of the most deeply relaxing treatments you can experience. It helps quiet mental chatter, reduce stress, and support nervous system health. It pairs beautifully with holistic massage to deepen the benefits.
Yes. In addition to holistic massage, The Priestess Spa offers energy healing, Ayurvedic detox rituals, and spa treatments designed to restore balance on every level.

Discover a True Holistic massage

The Priestess Spa is not your typical spa experience. Tucked away in the heart of Portsmouth NH, this boutique wellness space was created as a sanctuary for those who want something deeper than a standard spa treatment. Founded by Alicia Le Van, The Priestess Spa is built on the belief that true healing happens when you care for your whole self — body, mind, and spirit.

Every treatment here is thoughtfully crafted to restore balance, clear energetic blocks, and help you reconnect with yourself. From Shirodhara treatments in Portsmouth NH to Ayurvedic body therapies, energy healing, facials, and detox rituals, every service is rooted in the wisdom of holistic wellness.

Clients travel from all over the Seacoast area and Southern New Hampshire seeking the spa’s signature blend of ancient healing traditions and modern therapeutic techniques. Whether you’re looking for a nurturing Ayurvedic spa near Portsmouth,NH experience, an intuitive massage session, or a personalized wellness plan, The Priestess Spa is here to support you on your self-care journey.