Heidi Oblinger-Barker
Massage Education
Heidi is a 1998 graduate of the Chicago School of Massage Therapy. Her formal education included extensive hands on training in Swedish massage, trigger point therapy and sports massage. She also completed workshops in reflexology, pregnancy massage and myofascial release.
While a student she worked as an intern at Aids Alternative Health Project providing massage therapy to HIV positive clients. She also worked with other students in providing massage therapy for the Northwestern University football team to prevent sports related injuries.
Yoga Education
Heidi has been a student of yoga since 1997 and has been teaching Iyengar yoga since 2004. She began practicing yoga while a student at C.S.M.T. She quickly found yoga gave her the strength, stamina and focus she needed for a career in massage therapy. Her formal yoga teacher training began in 2002 with Renee DeTar of the Institute of Interdisciplinary Yoga Studies. Her training at I.I.Y.S. included workshops with Judith Hanson Lasater of Berkley, Ca. , Rod Stryker of Los Angeles, Ca. and Aadil Palkhivala of Bellvue,Washington. She has also studied with Mandy Eubanks of Austin, Texas.
Heidi welcomes beginning students and experienced yogis alike.
Client Approach
Heidi is dedicated to providing a safe, nurturing environment that encourages deep relaxation and rejuvenation. She believes this allows the client to turn their attention inward away from the stressors of daily life.
She believes massage therapy and yoga are ideal for those who want to take an active role in their health. Both can be used as part of a pain management plan or as preventive practices.
Self Care:
Heidi is happy to share her knowledge as a yoga instructor with interested massage clients on the benefits of abdominal breathing, mindfulness meditation and stretching.
