Shirodhara is a traditional Ayurvedic treatment in which a continuous, gentle stream of warm herbal oil is poured over the center of the forehead, or “third eye,” for an extended period of time—typically 20 to 30 minutes. Though it may sound simple, the effects are profound. Shirodhara is traditionally used to calm the mind, balance the doshas (especially Vata), improve sleep, reduce anxiety, and support the nervous system.
But what does this ancient treatment have to do with pain science?

The Neuroscience of CalmModern pain science tells us that pain is not just physical. It's a whole-person experience influenced by the nervous system, emotions, past trauma, and even subconscious thought patterns. When the brain perceives threat—whether physical or emotional—it may respond by generating pain, even in the absence of ongoing injury.
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Here we honor both the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda and the evidence-based clarity of modern pain science. One of the most powerful examples of this intersection is our offering of Shirodhara, a deeply calming Ayurvedic therapy known for its ability to reset the nervous system and relieve chronic stress-related conditions—including certain forms of pain.

While Shirodhara has long been used in Ayurveda to balance the mind and soothe the spirit, today we also understand its neurological and biochemical impact. By calming the central nervous system and gently overriding the body’s pain-alarm system, Shirodhara becomes more than a relaxation ritual—it becomes a tool for neurological healing. We combine Shirodhara with modern intake assessments, trauma-informed care, and individualized oil blends to create a Shirodhara experience that’s both deeply traditional and highly therapeutic.

Is Shirodhara Right for You?
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If you’re struggling with:

• Stress-related headaches
• Sleep disturbances
• Nervous system overwhelm
• Chronic tension or fatigue
• Fibromyalgia or other central sensitization conditions

…Shirodhara may offer profound relief—not just symptomatically, but by shifting your body into a deeper state of balance and resilience.

Other Random notes: 
I also teach this technique in my Ayurvedic Bodyworker workshop. If you're an LMT and would like more info, please visit the website for more details.

We love the work of Lorimer Moseley to help us stay informed. 

Discover the potential of Shirodhara at The Heeling Hut Barefoot Massage. Let healing oils and modern insights guide your nervous system back to peace—and your body back to ease.

After weeks, months, or even years of living with pain, it’s easy to lose trust in your body. Movements that used to feel natural might now feel scary, stiff, or unpredictable. You might catch yourself bracing before bending over, avoiding stairs, or freezing up when pain flares.

We get it. Many of our clients walk through the door not just with physical pain—but with fear, frustration, and a sense of being “stuck.”

The good news? That fear is learned, which means it can also be unlearned.
One of the most powerful ways to do that is through safe, supported movement—combined with the right kind of touch and nervous system care.

Why We Stop Trusting Our Bodies
​Pain is not a direct measure of injury—it’s a protective response shaped by context, memory, and perception (Moseley & Butler, 2017). When your brain senses a potential threat, it turns on pain to get your attention and keep you safe.
But if pain sticks around, your system can become overprotective. This is known as central sensitization, where the nervous system amplifies pain signals even after the tissues have healed (Woolf, 2011). You move less. You tense more. You begin to fear your own body.

​This creates a loop:
Pain → Fear → Tension → Less Movement → More Sensitization → More Pain
Your body isn’t failing—it’s overprotecting. And that can change.

 How Barefoot Massage Helps You Reconnect
At The Heeling Hut Barefoot Massage, we use barefoot massage to gently invite your body back into a state of ease. This isn't about “fixing” anything—it’s about retraining your brain and body to feel safe.
💆‍♀️ Broad, Soothing Pressure = Nervous System Calm Deep, slow pressure activates the parasympathetic nervous system (the “rest and digest” branch), shifting you out of survival mode (Field, 2010). It tells your brain: “You’re okay. It’s safe to relax.”
🌀 Passive Movement Without FearFear of movement—also known as kinesiophobia—can prolong and intensify chronic pain (Vlaeyen & Linton, 2000). Our work gently reintroduces safe movement through passive joint mobilization and rocking techniques, reducing fear and increasing trust.
🧠 Positive Input = New PathwaysEach pain-free experience lays the groundwork for neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to rewire based on new, safe input (Doidge, 2007). It’s not magic. It’s modern neuroscience.

What Rebuilding Trust Looks Like in Real Life

• You breathe more freely
• You get off the table feeling grounded, not guarded
• You start moving because you want to, not because you have to
• You feel less afraid of your own body
• You realize: your body isn’t broken—it’s adaptable

Tips to Rebuild Trust Outside the Treatment Room
Here are a few science-backed ways to help your nervous system stay calm and connected between sessions:

• 💨 Breathe before you move – Deep breathing modulates your vagus nerve, which lowers stress and inflammation (Porges, 2011)
• 🚶‍♂️ Pick enjoyable movements – Movement you love boosts dopamine and reduces fear signals (Clark & Trevethan, 2015)
• ✋ Use gentle touch – Self-massage and mindful contact activate sensory receptors that promote calming brain activity (Olausson et al., 2002)
• 🧘 Stay curious, not cautious – “Graded exposure” to feared movements can help reverse chronic pain patterns (Moseley, 2004)
• 📖 Learn how pain works – Understanding pain changes pain. Education alone has been shown to reduce symptoms in many chronic pain cases (Moseley, 2002)

You Deserve to Feel Safe in Your Body Again
You’re not fragile. You’re adaptable. And pain—especially persistent pain—doesn’t mean you’re broken. You can rebuild trust. You can relearn ease. And you don’t have to do it alone.
​
At The Heeling Hut Barefoot Massage, we offer grounded, science-informed barefoot massage to help your nervous system settle, reset, and remember what safe movement feels like.

We’ll meet you where you are—no pressure, (Except while UNDERFOOT,)  just support.

​

References

• Moseley, L., & Butler, D. (2017). Explain Pain Supercharged. NOI Group.
• Doidge, N. (2007). The Brain That Changes Itself. Penguin.
• Woolf, C. J. (2011). Central sensitization: Implications for the diagnosis and treatment of pain. Pain, 152(3).
• Field, T. (2010). Touch for socioemotional and physical well-being: A review. Developmental Review.
• Vlaeyen, J. W. S., & Linton, S. J. (2000). Fear-avoidance and its consequences in chronic musculoskeletal pain. Pain, 85(3).
• Porges, S. W. (2011). The Polyvagal Theory. Norton.
• Olausson, H. et al. (2002). Unmyelinated tactile afferents signal touch and project to the insular cortex. Nature Neuroscience.
• Moseley, L. (2002). Combined physiotherapy and education is efficacious for chronic low back pain. Australian Journal of Physiotherapy.
• Clark, J., & Trevethan, R. (2015). Reconsidering fear avoidance in chronic pain: A call for revising pain management strategies.

If you’ve ever wondered why some massages just feel better and last longer than others, the answer might lie in pain science — a fascinating field that’s changing how therapists in Plano, TX approach HEELing (and healing) touch.

What Is Pain Science and Why Should Plano Residents Care?
Pain science studies how your brain and nervous system perceive pain. It turns out, pain isn’t always about actual damage to muscles or tissues. Sometimes your nervous system gets “stuck” in a pattern of tension and sensitivity, sending pain signals even after an injury has healed.

This means that effective pain relief isn’t just about working on muscles — it’s about calming the nervous system and helping your body relearn how to relax.
​
How We Use Pain Science at The Heeling Hut Barefoot Massage.
At The Heeling Hut, our therapists use barefoot massage techniques inspired by FasciAshi that apply broad, slow pressure using their feet. Supported by overhead bars, this method feels deep but gentle — perfect for easing tight fascia (the connective tissue around muscles) and calming your nervous system.

Why is this important?
Because pain science tells us that slow, consistent pressure helps “reset” your nervous system, reducing the protective muscle guarding that keeps you feeling stiff or sore.
Fascia:

​The Unsung Hero in Pain and Movement
Fascia is a key player in how your body moves and feels. When it gets tight or restricted, it can cause pain and limit mobility. Our fascia-focused barefoot massage targets these areas gently, helping you regain ease of movement and comfort.

What Can Plano Locals Expect From Regular Sessions?
Everyone’s different, but many of our clients notice that regular barefoot massage sessions help their bodies “rewire” how they handle pain, making relief last longer and movement easier. Consistency is key!

Specialized Training for Massage Therapists Right Here in Plano.
If you’re a Licensed Massage Therapist in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, we also offer specialized barefoot massage training. This includes lessons on pain science, fascia work, and safe foot techniques, helping you enhance your own practice and offer clients cutting-edge, science-backed care.

Ready to Experience a Pain Science-Informed Massage in Plano?
​Book your next session with us today or reach out to learn more about our barefoot massage training. Text us at 214-267-9541 or visit The Heeling Hut Barefoot Massage to schedule.

​If someone asked you to try a deep tissue massage in which the licensed massage therapist uses their feet instead of their hands to give you deep, consistent pressure throughout the Massage, would you do it? 

Simply put, No.
Sometimes, barefoot Massage is called body walking in layperson's terms. People will describe it as someone walking on your back. This is an oversimplification of this technique and can give an unclear idea of what barefoot Massage actually is, making people who are new to it hesitant. They might question, "Is barefoot massage safe?"
The good news is that barefoot Massage is safe under certain circumstances. Your licensed massage therapist must be licensed by the state (or hold whatever the equivelent of licensure is for that particular state) and have additional training in. barefoot massage to make it safe. Your LMT is trained to do a complete intake to ensure it's safe for you. If your therapist doesn't have forms for you to fill out and doesn't ask you any medical questions, this is a red flag, and it's time to consider finding a new massage therapist who will take the time to get to know you and customize a safe session.

​It might not seem that massagers would need an in-depth education. It's just rubbing, right? Well, not exactly. Licensed massage Therapists spend many hours studying and training in the art and science of massage therapy. We study sciences such as anatomy and physiology, pathology, and kinesiology and learn what we call endangerment sites. Barefoot Massage is an advanced technique, so your massage therapist should attend at least 24 hours of training in this style before offering it as a service to clients. Even more training is needed any where from 40-80 hours of training or more if they commit to the technique and become specialists. Coupled with that training, your intake forms, health history, and opening communication throughout your session, you can be assured that your Massage is safe. All of these elements together create the most effective and safest session. 

I use a pressure scale with my clients at The Heeling Hut Barefoot Massage. I found this to be a very effective communication tool. When using the scale, 1 being no pressure and 10 being excruciating, we keep it at no more than a 7. Of course, the scale is subjective, and we explain it more deeply during our intake process. This way, our clients can use introspection to give good feedback. ​We also educate our clients on the adverse effects of massage therapy.

​Did you know that there are times when getting a massage is a bad idea because you can have unintended or unpleasant after-effects? I always talk to my clients about this if I see something in their intake and health history or if we're doing our daily intake just to make sure that they will benefit from barefoot Massage and have the best outcome.

​Ashiatsu is an Eastern massage technique from Japan. Not only is it hard to say for some Texans, but the Westernized Ashiatsu style is much different from the traditional Japanese version. That's why we are dropping the "A Word" and using barefoot Massage to give a more straightforward, less appropriated description of our beloved massage style. The Center for Barefoot Massage is leading the way on this change and that's just another reason I love teaching with them. While some may stick with the original technique and not challenge themselves further, continuous learning and access to new information help me stay informed and interested. That's a huge deal when you've been a massage therapist for half your life...(Side note: I'm writing this during my 41st year of life and 20th year working full-time as an LMT!) For an LMT like me, it's not a selling point to stay with "the original" or old techniques that never change when we know the science of massage therapy and our understanding of the human body constantly changes. I'm always looking for training that is one step ahead of me and will challenge me. 

My most recent Fijian Barefoot Massage class in San Diego, CA.
​Massage Students who are commited to their growth. 

As a barefoot massage specialist, I continuously train in the art and science of barefoot Massage. EVEN as a teacher, every year, I spend a week training in barefoot massage specifically to ensure I'm keeping up with the latest information. The Center for Barefoot Massage is committed to evolving and improving Ashiatsu Barefoot Massage to ensure that it is effective and safe. Additionally, ​At The Heeling Hut Barefoot Massage, I train licensed massage therapists from all over the US, and I even have students come from other countries! As an approved instructor for The Center for Barefoot Massage, my office also serves as a training studio where I hold workshops at least once a month to ensure that my students get as much training as they need to be successful barefoot massage practitioners.

Let's discuss our complimentary (free!) add-on, Cupping Therapy. Cupping is excellent for people who want to level up their deep tissue massage and enjoy the sensation of Cupping; while it can be intense at times, we can customize the suction to your liking.

During Cupping, your massage therapist will choose static, gliding, or dynamic techniques to reach the goals of your session. Discoloration may occur in areas where the cups were placed. Clients typically experience a feeling of relaxation and release of tension in the targeted areas after the service.
​

By Hillary Arrieta, Your Ashiatsu Barefoot Massage Specialist at The Heeling Hut Barefoot Massage.

As I celebrate my 20th year as a massage therapist, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to work with clients in the Dallas, Richardson, and Plano areas of the metroplex. Over these two decades, I have been able to assist my clients in managing the aches and pains that often accompany the stress of modern life. This milestone is a big one! 
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One thing I've noticed over all these years is that many people see massage therapy from a narrower lens than I'd like them to. Massage therapy has many more valuable benefits than relaxation and general stress relief. North Texans love sports. Whether we're rooting for the Dallas Cowboys or heading to the gym to reach our personal best, we love staying active.

Today, I'm talking about the intersection of sports massage and my specialized style of massage, which we call Barefoot Massage. I don't consider myself a "sports massage therapist." Still, I've helped many competitive athletes with barefoot massage and stretch therapy. I love working with clients seeking better movement and injury prevention. 

So, with all that said, is barefoot massage sports massage? Well, Yes, it is! Sports massage has some fundamental theories that can align with the way a barefoot massage therapist applies their technique. 

We can easily integrate stretching theory, too, like passive range of motion, active assisted range of motion, and dynamic stretching. I love to layer dynamic cupping and dynamic stretching to benefit clients looking for greater athletic performance. 

These barefoot massage techniques can help athletes with injury prevention, posture, and alignment needed for proper weightlifting form and ease of movement through their sport or activity. 
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You don't have to be a professional athlete to benefit from the sports massage take on barefoot massage. Sitting for long periods can create back pain from compressing your spine, but our steam-roller-type techniques can decompress you back to feeling like yourself in no time. 

If you've tried traditional deep tissue massage and thought, "Meh, I can do this with a tennis ball or massage gun." Then, I challenge you to make an appointment and give barefoot massage a try. ​

If you’re preparing to become a licensed massage therapist in Texas, one of your biggest steps is passing the Texas Massage Licensing Exam, administered through PSI testing centers. This exam is a required part of getting your Texas massage therapy license, and understanding what’s on the test can make your study time more effective and less stressful.

​Whether you’re comparing it to the MBLEx, deciding which exam better fits your career goals, or just need a clear breakdown of what to expect, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to confidently prepare and pass.

I'm opening up this discussion with a comparison and contrast between the Texas Massage Therapist Exam (administered by PSI on behalf of the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation / TDLR) and the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) administered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB). I break down how they are similar and where they differ, so you can decide which route makes the most sense for you.

What’s Similar — Overlapping Purpose & Content

• Both are entry-level licensing exams for massage therapy: Passing either the Texas Exam or the MBLEx meets the exam requirement for becoming a licensed massage therapist (in Texas or in many states, respectively). 
• Both cover core foundational knowledge: Anatomy/physiology, kinesiology, pathology/contraindications, massage techniques/modality effects, hygiene/safety/precautions, ethics, and professional standards are part of both exams’ scope. 
• Both are multiple-choice, 100-question, computer-based exams. 
• Both are designed to ensure massage therapists' competence and safety before licensure. 

Key Differences — What Makes Them Distinct 

• State Jurisprudence / Laws & Rules are built into the exam. Taking this exam means you do not need to take a separate Texas jurisprudence exam. 
• Does not include Texas-specific laws or rules. If used for Texas licensure, you must also take the separate Texas jurisprudence exam. 
• Cost Much cheaper — around US$60 per attempt. More expensive — roughly US$265 per attempt (recently). 
• Time allotted 150 minutes (2.5 hours) for 100 scored items, plus possible non-scored items. 120 minutes (2 hours) for 100 questions. 
• Recognition / Portability of License: Recognized only for Texas licensure. If you move to another state, you may need to retake that state’s exam. Widely recognized across many states — good if you plan to relocate or practice elsewhere. 
• Structure/Emphasis Differences: Includes Texas-specific laws/rules
• Flexibility / Suitability Based on Goals: A Good choice if you plan to practice only in Texas and want lower cost + less hassle (no extra jurisprudence exam). Better if you want license portability or want to practice outside Texas, because it's more widely accepted.

When One Makes More Sense Than the Other

​Choose Texas Massage Exam if:

• You intend to practice only in Texas.
• You want the most cost-effective, straightforward route.
• You value not having to take a separate law/rules jurisprudence exam.
• You prefer a state exam tailored to Texas law & regulations.

Choose MBLEx if:

• You want flexibility to practice in other states without re-examination.
• You value a nationally recognized credential (broad portability).
• You understand you'll be completing a small extra step (a jurisprudence exam) to meet state licensure requirements.
• You’re building a career that might cross state lines.

Considerations & Trade-offs

• The lower cost of the Texas exam is appealing, but that convenience comes with the difficulty of relocating outside Texas if you move. 
• If you take MBLEx and plan to work in Texas, don’t forget the extra step: passing the separate Texas jurisprudence exam for laws and rules. 
• The Texas Exam heavily emphasizes Swedish massage, which is just one part of the story when it comes to massage therapy as a profession and the work we do. 

The most important part of this blog is, of course, my viewpoint (haha! Just kidding), but as a massage therapist, who also trains other massage therapists, I'll go ahead and weigh in here...

Which is “Better” Depends on your plans.

If you know you’re staying in Texas and just want a smooth, affordable path, the Texas Massage Therapist Exam is hard to beat. However, it lacks a focus on the sciences, which may come in handy later if you decide to pursue a more therapeutic/clinical path, like my barefoot massage classes with the Center for Barefoot Massage.  The state exam is fine for a basic, massage-envy-style understanding of massage therapy. 

If you want flexibility, either to move states later or to maximize your career options, MBLEx is generally worth the extra cost, especially given that the extra jurisprudence exam is a relatively small additional effort for many. It's a NO-FAIL Test. Also, you may be eligible for (or closer to qualifying for) the interstate compact that is in the works. 

The Interstate Massage Compact is a proposed agreement among U.S. state boards that would allow licensed massage therapists to practice across multiple member states under a single multistate license, rather than requiring a separate license in each state. 

Choosing between the Texas Massage Exam and the MBLEx comes down to your long-term plans. If you know you’ll practice only in Texas, the state exam is affordable and straightforward. If you want to work in other states one day, the MBLEx offers portability and wider recognition.

No matter which path you choose, preparing well and understanding each exam’s structure is key to a successful start in your massage therapy career.

If you're looking to become a licensed massage therapist in Texas, you need to understand how the newest state exam works, the version administered by PSI for the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). TDLR adopted this additional test in early 2024 so that massage therapy students could have options when testing out to become LMTs in the State.

​In this post, I break down every crucial detail: eligibility, what’s on the exam, how to register, and tips for success. In another post, I'll explore the reasons a student may choose this exam over the MBLEx exam, another choice when getting a massage license in Texas. 

Who Needs to Take the Exam & Eligibility

• To become licensed in Texas, you must complete at least 500 hours of approved massage therapy education/training. 
• Once your school reports your completion to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (via the “PALMS” system), TDLR will notify PSI that you’re eligible. You’ll then get an email from PSI with instructions on how to register and pay for the exam. 
• As of early 2024, there’s a state-specific “Texas Massage Therapy Exam” (administered through PSI) that serves as the default licensing exam in Texas. 
• Alternatively, you can choose to take the more widely recognized Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx). If you go that route, you’ll also need to pass a separate, no-fail test called the Texas “jurisprudence” exam covering Texas-specific laws and rules. 

In short: complete 500 hours → school reports you → TDLR approves → PSI notifies you → schedule the exam.

What the Texas Massage Exam Covers:

Format & Content Breakdown: The Texas Massage Therapy Exam covers a comprehensive but BASIC set of topics relevant to massage practice in the state. According to a breakdown from a study guide source, the exam structure looks like this: 

Subject Area
Approx. % of Exam (or relative weight) Massage Techniques & Modalities (e.g., Swedish massage theory, soft-tissue manipulation, draping, consultation)~ 40% 
Anatomy~ 11% 
Kinesiology (movement mechanics)~ 11% 
Pathology & Contraindications~ 9% 
Health, Hygiene & Universal Precautions~ 7% 
Physiology~ 6% 
Hydrotherapy~ 4% 
Texas Laws & Rules (state regulations, scope of practice, responsibilities)~ 7% 
Ethics / Professional Standards~ 5%

Exam logistics 

• Total questions: 100 scored items, plus non-scored “pilot” items (some versions) 
• Time allowed: 150 minutes (2.5 hours) for scored items; plus ~15 minutes for non-scored items if present. 
• Passing score: 70% 
• Exam fee: $60 per attempt. 
• Languages: English and Spanish. 

Because the test includes Texas-specific laws and rules, candidates who pass this state exam do not need to separately sit for the Texas jurisprudence exam. 

Why the Texas Exam + What Happens if You Choose MBLEx

• The alternative (MBLEx) is still valid — and widely used — but if you pick MBLEx, you must also take the Texas jurisprudence exam covering state laws/rules. This is a no-fail test of about 20 questions. A massage therapy jurisprudence test checks your knowledge of state laws, ethics, and professional rules. It ensures you understand the scope of practice, client rights, and legal requirements for licensing and renewal. It’s mandatory and covers state-specific regulations not included in the MBLEx.
• MBLEx is a national exam (governed by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards — FSMTB), so if you eventually want to practice in another state (outside Texas), it may give you more flexibility. 

However, the Texas Exam consolidates everything (techniques, anatomy, pathology, and state laws) into a single exam for Texas licensure, which many candidates find more straightforward.

How to Register & What to Expect on Exam Day

1. After meeting eligibility, you’ll get an email from PSI with instructions. 
2. Schedule by phone or online, depending on how PSI does it in your area. 
3. Testing mode: The exam is computer-based, at approved PSI centers across Texas. 
4. Identification & check-in: Be prepared to show a valid photo ID, check in as directed by PSI. 
5. During the exam: 100 scored multiple-choice questions; some may be unscored “trial” questions (depending on version). 150 minutes total. 
6. After passing: If you pass, you can complete your license application with TDLR (which also involves fingerprinting and sometimes a criminal-history review).  

Study & Preparation Here’s how to prioritize study:

• Massage techniques, soft-tissue manipulation & modalities: this is the largest portion (~40%) — know Swedish massage, client preparation, draping, contraindications, and different types of strokes (gliding, kneading, percussion, etc.). 
• Anatomy & Kinesiology: know muscular, skeletal, and movement mechanics — where muscles attach, how joints move, how muscles contract, etc. 
• Pathology / Contraindications / Client Safety: Recognize when massage is inappropriate (e.g., certain injuries, illnesses, or conditions), understand precautions, hygiene, and universal precautions. 
• Physiology & Hydrotherapy: Understand how massage affects bodily systems, the benefits of hydrotherapy, and when to apply specific modalities. 
• Texas-specific laws, rules, ethics, professional standards: Know what state law requires of a licensed therapist — scope of practice, recordkeeping, ethics, etc. This is especially important since it’s built into the exam. 

Pro study tips:

• Use practice questions and mock exams—sites offering Texas State Massage Therapist practice exams (multiple-choice flashcards, simulated exams) can be very helpful. 
• Review soft-tissue manipulation terminology (e.g., gliding, percussion, petrissage, friction, etc.) — these often show up in technique questions. 
• Don’t cram last minute — break down study sessions into manageable blocks (e.g., anatomy one day, laws/ethics another), and review consistently.

Why This Exam Matters & What It Means for You. The Texas Massage Therapy Exam represents a significant shift in how massage licensure has operated in Texas. Instead of relying solely on the national MBLEx (plus a separate jurisprudence test), Texas now offers a statewide exam that bundles all required knowledge, anatomy, techniques, ethics, and laws. 

That means: if you pass this exam and meet the 500-hour education requirement, you’re not just evaluated on general massage knowledge, but it also lightly touches on Texas-specific legal and professional standards.

For many aspiring therapists, this is a more straightforward, less expensive, and more direct path to licensing if they plan to work in Texas long-term.

For people who might move out of state or want wider flexibility, taking MBLEx instead remains a viable (and sometimes preferable) option. More on this in another blog post. 

Quick Citations, Resources, & Links

• TDLR’s official exam page: “Massage Therapy Examination Requirements” — details eligibility, exam registration, and links to candidate bulletins. Texas Licensing and Regulation+1
• Notice about the new Texas Massage Exam being the default (and MBLEx as an alternative) — useful for anyone starting now. ABMP
• Practical guide to how to become licensed in Texas (500-hour requirement, education breakdown) — includes curriculum topics and steps for licensing. The Lauterstein-Conway Massage School+1
• Sample content-area breakdown for the Texas Exam (techniques, anatomy, hygiene, laws, etc.) — great basis for study. Massage Exam Academy

Final Thoughts: If you’ve completed — or are about to complete — your 500-hour massage therapy education in Texas, the Texas Massage Therapy Exam is a potential milestone on your licensing journey. Focus your study on massage techniques, anatomy/kinesiology, client safety (pathology/contraindications), and state laws/ethics — that’s what this exam emphasizes.

Red light therapy, a highly effective form of phototherapy, utilizes red LED lights to address a range of conditions, from skin disorders to pain and inflammation. Its numerous benefits, including enhanced skin health, reduced inflammation, pain relief, improved joint health, and better sleep quality, are backed by scientific research. This therapy, by stimulating cellular energy production, fosters healing and regeneration in the body, offering a proven path to improved health and relaxation.


The Heeling Hut offers light therapy that includes Far Infrared light. Have you read our take on the benefits of Infrared Sauna benefits? Using our infrared sauna is a great way to complement the benefits of red light and massage. The warmth from the light is known to increase clients' relaxation benefits, which they're already receiving from their massage and cupping sessions.


If you want to learn more about how red light therapy benefits you, ask Hillary at The Heeling Hut Barefoot Massage in Plano, Texas. She can guide you on including it in your massage to get the most out of it.

It's fascinating how much more there is to an infrared sauna than just sweating. While sweating is the primary goal of any sauna session, an infrared sauna offers many health benefits beyond that. These small cedar boxes can work wonders for your health, with new benefits always being discovered. Some of the most notable benefits of modern FIR saunas include pain relief, lowered blood pressure, improved skin health, and overall well-being. If you want to take your health to the next level, incorporating an infrared sauna into your wellness routine is worth considering. At The Heeling Hut, we offer exclusive free access to our sauna for clients who book 90 minutes or more of extended services. We recommend using the sauna for up to 20 minutes after your massage session and wearing workout attire for your sweat session.

Specific health benefits of using an infrared sauna.

Healthy Blood pressure benefits
Rest assured, scientific studies from the University of British Columbia in 2009 have shown that far-infrared saunas (FIRS) have moderate evidence supporting their efficacy in normalizing blood pressure and treating congestive heart failure. You can trust in the proven benefits of this therapy. 

Enhanced Athletic Performance
Immerse yourself in the world of enhanced athletic performance with Far Infra Red Sauna bathing. It's not just a recovery tool, it's a literal game-changer. A study has shown that it's not only beneficial for the neuromuscular system to recover from max endurance performance, but it can also transform your athletic abilities.

Helpful in treating autoimmune conditions
Sauna is a valuable clinical tool for various chronic health issue such as cardiovascular diseases, autoimmune disorders, and toxicant-induced illnesses. Studies show that sauna use can improve cardiovascular health by reducing inflammation, improving blood pressure, and increasing circulation. Additionally, sauna therapy is beneficial when treating pain from inflammator autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.

If you're looking for sauna sessions in Plano, Texas we've got you covered. Regular Sauna use alleviates mild depression, improves sleep, and brings one to a state of relaxation, much like a massage. This is why we love offering this complementary therapy to our clients. It's easy to pop into a sauna right after your massage - many people start with 10 minutes, working up to 20 minutes at a time. ​