My name is Barbara Hughes. My passion for massage began over 30 years ago in 1992, with my first diploma in Holistic Massage. I studied at the Holistic Healing Centre (now Holistic College Dublin), then in Dame Street, Dublin, one of the foremost training schools in Ireland for massage therapists. I was privileged to work as a therapist in the Centre, gaining valuable experience and on-the-job training from Alison Kavanagh and Aubrey Gowing.
I believe massage to be perhaps the ultimate holistic therapy in promoting well-being in body, mind, and spirit. I see it as a spiritual treatment with the therapist entering a sacred space as we lay hands on the client. This is holy ground, and each person is so much more than the physical being presenting for treatment. I formed this philosophy over the years, especially the 2 years I spent at the Rieti Healing Centre in San Marcos, Guatemala, which offered therapies and natural medicine to people struggling with poverty and the aftermath of a bitter civil war which had left many people traumatised. I was very privileged to learn much informally from the indigenous therapists who had a natural grasp of the power of touch and spiritual healing.
I returned from Guatemala with renewed enthusiasm for my work and subsequently qualified in Aromatherapy and Deep Tissue Massage at the Holistic Healing Centre. I have also studied Indian Head Massage, Cancer Care Massage, ACE Vacuum Therapy Cupping. I also have experience as a massage therapist in four star spas including Delphi Mountain Resort where I was awarded a Best Therapist Award from Irish Tatler Magazine.
I am a Reiki Master and trained several community groups in the art during my sojourn in Guatemala and El Salvador.
All my massage treatments are specifically tailored to each client’s individual needs, combining different techniques and modalities for maximum relief of pain as well as nurturing to mind and spirit.