Shaun Henderson-Vigil stands inside his business, Awakened Massage. It’s located at 2317 E. SR 14, Suite 500, Rochester. InkFreeNews photo by Leah Sander.

By Leah Sander
InkFreeNews

ROCHESTER — On Shaun Henderson-Vigil’s business cards for Awakened Massage is a dragonfly.

He noted it’s a symbol of “transformation.”

Henderson-Vigil hopes to transform people’s bodies from “stagnant” ones to “health-conscious” ones through Awakened Massage.

It’s located at 2317 E. SR 14, Suite 500, Rochester.

Henderson-Vigil recently returned to doing massage professionally after around a 30-year hiatus.

“About a year ago, I just felt the urge and the calling to really bring back health to my community, so I really wanted to bring about the healing side of massage therapy,” he said.

He was able to secure the business space from Lilly Pad Boutique owner Keitha Kunkle, with Awakened Massage inside what was formerly part of the Lilly Pad’s retail space.

“She set me up to help me bring back my dream to the community,” said Henderson-Vigil.

His specialty is deep tissue massage.

“A lot of massage therapists just do massage through working the ‘belly’ of the muscle to give just a relaxation,” he explained. “What I do is I work with the attachments of the muscle, so I can actually release the muscle, so it gives long-term benefits … It gets deep into the muscles and provides that start of the healing to their contracted muscles.”

Henderson-Vigil says he tries to direct clients toward getting deep-tissue, but he is open to other methods like Swedish relaxation. He will offer prenatal massages starting next year.

“I’ve also partnered with Renew Health Chiropractic and to work with their patients to give massages first to release the muscles” before chiropractic treatment, said Henderson-Vigil.

Next summer, through a partnership with Lilly Pad, Henderson-Vigil will be able to offer massages outside near the water of Lake Manitou, with an enclosed space being set up.

He mentioned people can simply come by boat then if they wish and get massages.

People are welcome to set up appointments now by calling or texting Henderson-Vigil at (540) 556-8233 or emailing [email protected].

He will be able to take walk-in appointments in the early part of next year. Henderson-Vigil generally schedules appointments 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Saturday, but is “flexible” to work them in at special times if needed.

Henderson-Vigil also offers gift certificates, with people able to purchase them by stopping by the business or at the Lilly Pad Boutique next door or calling the above number.

He reiterated the business is about healing, which ties into the business’ name, noting it’s about “awakening your health” and more.

Another look inside the business. Photo provided by Shaun Henderson-Vigil.