$35 Massage – No, this isn’t a joke!

Are you tense without a lot of cash around? Then you’re in a remarkably similar situation to my husband and I. I always tell him that tri-weekly spa days are what we should splurge on when we win the lottery. Until then, you (at least the ones without wads of greenbacks lying around) and I can still indulge in what I have dubbed ‘the poor-man’s massage’.

But is it shady, you might ask? Is this one of those sketchy massage parlors with the shades drawn and the blinking red lights outside? No, thank goodness, no!

But how can they afford to offer such cheap massages? The answer, loyal readers, is that the California Healing Arts College is where they train those future massage therapists who go on to work at chic spas.

Don’t worry, they don’t just start practicing on live subjects without any training. All the masseurs and masseuses have already completed extensive coursework and received their certification in massage therapy before they get their hands on customers.

In typical LA fashion, the California Healing Arts College is located in a non-descript strip mall in West LA (see address at bottom). Remember, this is a ‘poor-man’s massage’ so it doesn’t come with all the bells-and-whistles normally found in a day spa. You won’t find gurgling fountains or cucumber-infused water here, and there are no jacuzzis or saunas to lounge around in after your treatment.

Nevertheless, I always manage to come out relaxed. Despite being plain, the rooms are neat and clean, the therapists are polite, and the soft music in the background is at least non-grating.

As for specifics, the therapists will ask you if there’s any part of your body that you’d like targeted before starting. Post-massage, you'll be asked to complete a quick survey to provide feedback to the therapist. Massages last an hour, but if you’re really stressed-out, you could probably schedule back-to-back massages if you don’t mind getting odd looks. And, I’ve left out a key tidbit: no tipping allowed - it's prohibited!

Disclaimer: I’m in no way affiliated with this place. I drove by the sign one day, decided to try it out, and have come back 3 times since, all of which were pleasant experiences. I’d love to hear how your massage goes – whether heavenly or otherwise.

California Healing Arts College
12217 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 206
West Los Angeles, CA 90025
310.826.7622