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Wednesday, July 8, 2009
The healing powers of Linda Craig
Amongst the hustle and bustle of downtown Austin lies Linda Craig’s sanctuary.
Tucked away down a small hallway, I almost missed her room. This hidden gem is a stark contrast from the busy YMCA. The walls are filled with Chinese writing and posters of the human body. There was a sense of harmony and feng shui as I entered.
“The massage table is the only place in people’s lives where they can be at peace,” Craig said. “They don’t have to answer a phone, e-mail or be accessible.”
Craig, 55, has been facilitating this peacefulness with massage therapy, which she has been practicing for more than 30 years in Austin at the Town Lake YMCA.
Craig has massaged people from all walks of life — athletes, children, the elderly, post-operative, terminally ill and cancer patients. Her certifications include traditional Swedish massage, acupressure, reflexology, polarity, lymphatic drainage, myofascial release, medical massage, massage techniques for cancer patients and grief recovery.
She has been practicing at the YMCA since 1979, with a very dedicated following.
“Harmony is important. I’m not the masseuse for everyone, but for some — I’m the only one,” Craig said.
Craig has worked her calming powers on people in the last stages of cancer, up until the very day they pass away. Craig was in the very first massage for cancer patients class at Houston’s world-renowned M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, where she learned to use light touch to ease pain. Her father and three siblings passed away from cancer, which is one reason Craig decided to pursue massage therapy. She wanted to be a part of the healing process.
“I can give them comfort, physically and emotionally,” Craig said. “What I do is a great healing for me; it heals us both. It’s what I’m here for.”
Craig said so many people are stressed out and busy with everyday life, they often don’t allow themselves to stop and work through their emotions.
“If you feel good, you look good. So I try to do my part physically and emotionally,” Craig said, smiling.
Since she has been at the YMCA for more than 30 years, she has seen the facility transform with a new pool and several remodels. But, the essence of the Y is still the same, she said. It reflects her spiritual values, and she loves that there is something for everyone.
“People work there not to make money,” she said, “but because they care. Helping others is the greatest thing we can do.”
Craig offers her therapeutic sessions for $35 for 30 minutes, $65 for 60 minutes, and $95 for 90 minutes. To see her certifications and find out more about Craig, go to www.lindacraigmassage.com.
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