Today we’d like to introduce you to Eeris Kallil, Licensed Massage and Lymphedema therapist.
Eeris, before we jump into specifics about your practice, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story, and maybe some challenges you had to overcome before you established where you are today.
Sure, let me take you as far as my childhood…
When I was a little girl, I couldn’t wait for first grade, so I can be like my older sister and her friends. When the day finally arrived, I was full of excitement and dreams. I was enamored by my teacher and all I wanted was to be a teacher like her. Every morning I got up extra early so I can rush to school and get there before everyone else, just so I could steal a few moments in front of the empty classroom, scribble my newly learned letters and numbers on the blackboard pretending to be a teacher.
As the years went by school proved to be a great challenge for me. I struggled with everything that was not art, or PE or choir. The concept of adding, subtracting and multiplying was an unachievable mystery to me, letters in books kept bouncing in front of my eyes and never formed a coherent memorable sentence, dates, and events in history books were there one moment and evaporated out of my brain a minute later.
So, before I made it to middle school, I abandoned the teacher fantasy. The thought of going to college sounded like a punishment, and I was not willing to endure “ordinary” any longer than necessary. I surrendered to the fact that my higher education will take place in RLU, “Real Life University”, where I was free to experience and explore life at my own pace.
Luckily, I stumbled upon the path of spirituality and healing. Once on that path, doors kept opening for me.
What were some significant milestones in your path?
Ironically, the first significant encounter was when I had to serve my mandatory military service at IDF (Israeli Defense Force). I chose to go through an alternative route which was called “NAHAL” a type of community service. I joined a Kibbutz, a Co-Op community which is very common in Israel, for my service. Most of the people in the community were Gurdjieff followers. Though I did not officially belong to the Gurdjieff movement, I was introduced to the practice of meditation and presence, to living life closer to earth, and to the importance of eating organic food and using natural remedies.
Once my two years of service were up I wanted to explore other paths of mindfulness so I left the Kibbutz and moved to Jerusalem where I met two inspirational people who opened my eyes to the healing world and thanks to them I am who I am today. One was John Deweese, a beloved friend who introduced me to meditation and spirituality and recognized my healing abilities. He then introduced me to Shari Sunshine- my first massage and healing teacher who guided me and planted the first seeds of my healing path.
Both John and Shari encouraged me to continue my studies and suggested I get certified, so in 1986 I moved to the USA and attended the Boulder School of Massage Therapy. I kept meeting remarkable and inspiring teachers and I fell in love with Zen Shiatsu and Body-Mind Centered bodywork.
After my graduation from BSMT in 1988, I started building up my practice. I worked at the chiropractic office of Dr. Pamela Hart and Dr. Craig Reese, who gladly shared their knowledge and expertise with me. Their guidance and trust in me helped me establish my place as a massage therapist.
I soon discovered that wisdom, intuition and sensitivity do not require the knowledge of the exact date of the French revolution or the correct path to an Algebra problem…
And I realized that when I studied what I loved, I was actually a pretty resourceful student and did very well.
We’d love to hear more about your practice.
Through the 30 years in the massage and healing field, my work has morphed and evolved into a unique intuitive style which I call Intu-Atsu-Integrative-Massage. An intuitive body-mind centered work that extracts the wisdom of Zen Shiatsu, Chinese Medicine Theory and the nurturing comfort of a Swedish Massage. After a few years in private practice, I felt that I have found my true calling, and realized that the dream of being a teacher has never left me, and it started to surface again. This time I felt confident to pursue the dream of teaching others what I love doing.
In 1999 I became a faculty member at the Boulder College of Massage Therapy teaching Zen-Shiatsu and Movement. I also developed the Core Alignment Technique, which was inspired by my teacher Shari’s work, with additional flavor of my own including bits from Shiatsu/Thai stretches, and Energy Work.
Then, life happened. In 2000 I was diagnosed with early breast cancer. Unfortunately, my family history was a reality I could not ignore. Both my mother and sister succumbed to the disease at a young age. I chose to do a double mastectomy. After my full recovery, I wanted to help and support others who are going through a health crisis and illness, especially breast cancer patients. I am now specialized in Manual Lymph Drainage and Oncology massage for Breast Cancer Patients; helping women through their treatments and recovery. In 2001 I developed an oncology massage training specifically geared to working with breast cancer patients. My classes are NCBTMB approved.
When you come to receive work from me, my intention is to provide a safe space where you will receive a deep, contemplative therapeutic experience that is effective, deeply nurturing, and rejuvenating on all levels of body-mind-spirit.
A place where I am merely the facilitator and catalyst, for bringing forward your own healing force. I am here to listen, witness, guide and support you through your path. I feel very blessed and thankful to be a Breast-Cancer-Thriver and am committed to working with breast cancer patients, and helping other women and men through their health challenges.
My Credentials:
LMT Licensed Massage Therapist
CLT-UE Certified Lymphedema Therapist, Upper Extremities
NCBTMB Approved Provider
Continuing education classes:
“Massage Therapy and Breast Cancer” (MTaBC) 24 CE Hours
“Core Alignment Technique” (CAT) 16 CE Hours
“Shiatsu Review and Intro to Intu-Atsu” 8-16 CE Hours
Contact Info:
- Address: 3405 Penrose Place Suite 107
- Website: bodyworkwisdom.com & Boulderonlcolgymassage.com
- Phone: 3037758005
- Email: eeriskallil@gmail.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bodyworkwisdom.eeriskallil
Image Credit:
Sarai Nissan
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