Inner Sanctum: intuitive massage therapy

Melissa Illingworth has patiently waited to open up the doors to her very own massage studio and is now thrilled that the day has finally arrived. “I’m very excited to be able to do massage the way I want to do it,” said Illingworth. In the last five years, she has enjoyed working at other local day spas but was internally motivated to have her own business in Bonsall.

Illingworth’s prominent specialty is in the area of intuitive massage. This technique is vastly different from a typical relaxation massage. “I try to find sore muscles and/or spots in order to help people relieve stress and tension so healing can happen,” shared Illingworth. Her intuitive hands are highly skilled in seeking out injured areas. She perfected this method over the last few years.

“Over time, I have learned to feel the vibrations of the body in order to tell me which areas are tighter than other areas,” said Illingworth. Following an intuitive massage, her clients feel energized, move around better and are ready to take on the world.

One of Illingworth’s main clients is the San Diego Ikea retail store. “I go down three times a year and massage all 320 employees. It’s a three-week job every time I go down there, and it’s a great thing.” She is delighted when employees tell her how much better they feel even a few days following their massage. “I like the impact I can make in someone’s life.”

Intuitive massage was something that Illingworth learned and developed at Healing Hands in Escondido. This institution is well-known for holistic massage. Illingworth has more than 1,300 hours of training and is also an instructor at local massage schools. “I teach my students how to be flexible and have a flowing massage,” added Illingworth.

She applies her teaching philosophy to her very own business. For Illingworth and her clients, massage is always a journey. “Clients tell me that every time they see me their massage is different.” She explains that a client’s body may undergo changes from the previous visit, so her intuitive massage is able to guide her toward the areas needing healing and regeneration.

Additionally, Illingworth specializes in massages for injuries, including sport massage deep tissue, neuromuscular, lymphatic drainage and myofascial release massages. “I can help to work with healthcare providers for people who have had recent surgeries or are under chiropractic care.” Her mission is to help restore the body through a wellness-oriented, hand-healing pathway.

The other bodywork Illingworth offers is circulatory, hot stone, reiki and energy work, trigger point therapy, aromatherapy massage, tui na and shiatsu massages.

The Inner Sanctum is offering quite a special treat to its new clients: a free 30-minute intuitive massage. “I believe if <a client> experiences a free half-hour of my massage it will be completely different than anything they have ever felt.”

This massage studio is open daily. Inner Sanctum is located at 5519-B Mission Road in Bonsall. Illingworth can be reached by phone at (760) 828-8027.