National Holistic Institute

After doing an amazing massage education in The Netherlands I wanted to do more in massage. I found NHI on internet along with some other schools. After some investigation it turned out that NHI was really professional and of great quality. It was more than worth the extra money! Because I was already trained as a massage therapist I was afraid that I would learn a lot of things that I already knew but the curriculum is so diverse and their knowledge goes so deep that I learnt tons of new things. It made me a thousand times better massage therapist. They also spend lots of time on teaching you the right body mechanics so that when you give a massage you don't wear yourself out. This is what makes you able to be a massage therapist for more than just a couple of years before your body doesn't let you anymore. And honestly I never found a school where they know how to teach you that. Almost all of my classmates have found a job within a month or so after graduating, and for me I just got hired at Steiner. A company that owns the spa's on board all the major cruise lines. Its an amazing job and very adventurous. One of the reasons they hired me were the good body mechanics, they had not seen that in any other applicants. And they loved the techniques that I learnt at NHI. Pros: The teachers and the curriculum Cons: eeehmmm? more

I was a student at the NHI through 2009 and had the most amazing experience. The training was excellent...the teachers really know their stuff and it's not just learning how to massage but very in depth anatomy, physiology and pathology studies as well as how to be the best massage therapist inside and out! As I am not from the US and was so far from home, it was important that school felt warm and homely and the NHI did just that... Since graduating I have been offered several really great jobs and I am now working at Burke Williams which I love, all thanks to the top education I received at the NHI! What really made a difference was the student clinics where we get to experience real life clients and working environment to prepare us for the real world and the general public get great massages for $20! As a graduate now living on the West Side I am only sad that I don't have a student clinic nearer me as I would go once a week for sure! Thanks NHI for setting me up with my new career and helping me grow as a person...2009 was an amazing year! Pros: Top quality education & teachers, amazing student clinic! Cons: Need a student clinic nearer to me now! more

Today, my graduation from NHI is a meaningful day, because I was able to start and complete my studies as a massage therapist during a very hard time in my life.\r \r However, they say there is no ocean without waves and there is definitely no life that is without hardships. Just as a ship must face the crashing waves as she heads out to sea, we as individuals must overcome the trials of our lives to persevere.\r \r For me, that perseverance meant becoming a student at NHI and meeting all of you. I am eternally thankful to my fellow graduating classmates, the NHI staff and my mentor Craig for encouraging me and giving me hope.\r \r As we part ways to seek out new careers and bright futures, I sincerely than you and wish you all the best. Thank you!! Pros: Life changing! Cons: I had to graduate. :-( more

Hi, I'm Joe Bob Smith, manager for the National Holistic Institute Encino campus. Thank you to all those who left positive reviews of our teaching clinic. Our students and staff appreciate it. For 30 years, NHI has successfully trained 1000's of professional massage therapists. But, we do not rest on our past reputation. We understand that educational quality varies greatly. Thus, we continually push ahead as leaders in our field. That's what makes our graduates thrive better and longer in the massage therapy profession than those from most other schools. We look forward to seeing you at our school soon! Pros: All the benefits of a large vocational institution with the personal touch of small massage school. Cons: The world needs more massages! more

Best Massage Value indeed! At the National Holistic Institute in Encino, Ca. You can get a great fifty minute massage for $35. It is a student clinic so you don't get the spa accessories but who cares. I go for the massage not the fancy ecoutrement. Everything else is as just as good as the high class spas because these students are being trained for places like Burke Williams. You get the comfortable massage table, clean white sheets, peaceful music, dimmed lighting, warmed oil or lotion, and a student who is very well skilled in the art of swedish or shiatsu massage therapy. I feel like I found a gold mine. Now I can afford to be pampered once every month instead of once a year. more

I love this place! The students are incredibly proffesional and they work really hard to do a good job. And it seems like every month they have some kind of a special. I can't believe I'm only going to pay $10 for my next appointment! more

These people ROCK! Students love what they are doing and it shows!! I would check it out as soon as possible! more

The students are so friendly and eager to please. This is the best massage you can get for a great price. Convinient location, validated parking, lovely space. For $35 one can recieve either Swedish or Shiatsu massage in a lovely ""student clinic"" setting. The students work hard to practice their skills and book repeat clients. If you are on a budget (or not) give this school a chance to impress you! Pros: Great massge at a great price! more

Students do a great job! They know different modalilties and willadjust to client's needs. Their manner is professional and curtained cubicles give privacy. What a great bargain for an excellent massage! more

This is definitely the best value massage in the entire state! I was reading about the school before I booked the massage and their training seemed highly reputatable and extensive (nhi.edu). I decided to give it a whirl - and for $35 bucks - why not? \r \r Working with their schedule was not too hard even though there are limited bookings...It was a good sign to me, however, since a busy business means good business usually. I got into an evening slot for after work. \r \r When I arrived I was greeted with respect and given papers to fill out. It is not a spa-like environment, mind you, but the place was all zen looking and such. \r \r I was greeted then by a clean and professional looking individual. He explained to me that they were doing Swedish and explained what I needed to do. \r \r Separated by curtains, I was led into a personal space with a table and chairs. It looked very neat.\r \r When I usually go to spas, I get really nervous before the service starts because I am hoping and praying that I didn't pay $105 for a crappy therapist. \r \r I felt great beforehand because I only paid what would have been just a good tip at a spa. I wasn't nervous at all. As soon as he started the massage, I felt 10 times better. He was a lot better than a few massage I had gotten before at these chain spas. \r \r I instantly felt guilty because I felt I SHOULD have paid more money. \r \r But before I could even think any more...I fell asleep. \r \r He woke me up and softly let me know it was over and to get dressed. \r \r I did while he ran to get me some water. He spent about 5 minutes educating me on my body and what he found...which was thoughtful since I felt asleep and could not be aware of the sore spots I had.\r \r All in all...I left feeling fantastic. I am definitely coming back over and over again. \r \r HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! Pros: Great massage for a great value Cons: Can't choose therapist to work on you. more

I always heard a massage a week keeps you at your peak! But I couldn't ever afford more than 1 every 2-3 months. Until now! I remember passing this massage school on Ventura Blvd. in Encino (next to the McDonald's) for years. I used to call asking if they had a student clinic that offered cheap massages, but they didn't. Then a few months ago, I drove by and saw a sign advertising student massages for $35! I was glad they finally listened to me and opened up a clinic. :-) Great massages for a really low price! I've even cashed in on some of their specials to make it cheaper -- wow! They've got a funky schedule so it's best to go to their website and book the appointment. Sure some students are better than others, but I've never had one I wouldn't have again. And in addition to the regular Swedish massage, they do Shiatsu as well. I never wanted to pay for Shiatsu because I didn't know what it was. Then I got it at NHI and became an instant fan. That's enough for now -- I've got to go book an appointment for this weekend! Pros: Best massage value in Los Angeles! Cons: Only part-time schedule - best to book on their website. more

Ok so this place is a great find. I sit at a desk all day and my neck and back suffer. Professional Massage has been a huge help, but I could not afford to go as often as I would like. I use to go to a spa, but after visiting their student clinic I am hooked! The students are knowledgeable, professional, and supper nice. They charge 35 dollars for 50 min (which is less then half of what my therapist at the spa charged) and honestly I have not noticed a difference in the quality of the technique. I try to make it in every week, I really look forward to it. Pros: affordable and high quality service Cons: I got nothing more

This was a great experience, so I had to write a review here. I was driving by this place on Ventura, and saw a sign for a $35 massage. I thought it had to be a mistake-- who gives massages at that rate? So I here and looked it up and sure enough, it was right. Plus I got a $5 off coupon off this site! So I went to the website where I picked from the available appointment times, and when I got there I got a rediculously great massage from someone who was a student and waiting to graduate from the NHI school. I've been back twice now. The first and third time I got shiatsu (cuz you don't choose which style) and the second time it was Swedish (I prefer shiatsu!) It's such a great deal, I actually go over the hill for it. Pros: amazing massage, so inexpensive Cons: it isn't next door to my house more