Just Relax

Health Services is every student’s answer to the common cold, and the first stop for a flu shot. But did you know that it can also be the perfect solution to a stressful week or an aching back?

In keeping with the Jesuit principle of caring for the whole person — body, mind, and spirit — Health Services offers three services.

Massage therapy has been offered for three years. Under the direction of Renee Peace, a licensed massage therapist, interested individuals can enjoy a massage for 30 minutes ($25) or an hour ($35).

Students with lingering aches and pains are specifically encouraged to take advantage of massage therapy. Clinical coordinator Debora Cain notes Peace’s commitment to focusing in on students’ problem areas.

“Renee will ask if the student has anything that’s bothering him or her,” she says. “If their back is hurting, or if the student isn’t sleeping well, she’ll use specific techniques to help alleviate their frustrations. She tailors each massage to the individual needs of the student.”

Although students benefit from massage therapy year-round, Cain notes increased interest during the College’s final exam period. “Some people will plan their massages around their exams,” she says.

This year, Health Services has introduced another kind of therapy. Hot stone massage is a deeply soothing and relaxing massage using smooth, heated stones and the therapeutic qualities of essential oils to improve energy flow and the structural alignment of the body. The service is $40 for an hourlong session.

While most colleges limit massage services to once a week, or only provide them during exam time, Holy Cross Health Services provides students with daily access to relaxation services.

Students who have taken advantage of the massages, like Daniel Libatique ’10, a double major in classics and theatre, offer rave reviews.

“I’ve used the massage service about three times now — twice with a normal massage, and once with a hot stone massage,” he says. “I normally request an hourlong massage when I’m at a really high stress point — midterms or tech weeks for shows in the theatre department — in order to relieve the tension in my body. Mrs. Peace always does the trick. I leave Health Services feeling so refreshed and reinvigorated. My friends can attest that I pester them constantly to go try the service.”

Health Services recommends the Mind and Body Connection Room for students interested in a more active approach to relaxation. This area can accommodate up to six people, and can be reserved for up to an hour.

The use of this room is free to students and is equipped with a TV and DVD player, mats, exercise balls, and free weights, and is stocked with both beginner and intermediate yoga, Pilates, and meditation DVDs.

“It is a private, quiet, and peaceful space away from the hustle and bustle; it’s conducive to tuning everyone out,” says Cain. “At the gym this isn’t possible since there are so many people.”

Students interested in scheduling a massage, or reserving the Mind and Body Connection Room, can stop by Health Services or call 508-793-2276.

Cain says the College is committed to educating students on healthy living.

“A lot of students don’t know how to handle their stress well,” she says. “These services provide a healthy way for students to deal with the stresses that everyday college life brings.”

Cara Joyce ’09

Related Information:

Health Services