Heart-Centered Healing Modalities
About Me
VHB Mission Statement
I am here to facilitate healing experiences and help people feel empowered to take charge of their own wellbeing. I believe that our inherent human potential far exceeds the modern standard of 'normal health'. Every person has the capacity to experience real happiness, health, and inner peace when the body, mind, and spirit are working in harmony. By addressing your whole being with a variety of modalities, I hope to be a supportive step on your path.
Benj Spound
Founder of VHB, NCBTMB Approved Provider
My experience in healing arts began while traveling in Asia, studying Buddhist psychology and eastern philosophy, and practicing meditation. In 2016, I arrived home from a 3 month solo trip, knowing I wanted a tangible way to share this ancient wisdom through bodywork...I just needed the right modality.
In a moment of total synchronicity, I discovered Hawaiian Lomilomi Massage, and was instantly drawn to it because of its heart-centered approach and its capacity to go beyond standard massage, accessing the psychological and spiritual realms as well as the physical. Over the next few years, I dove in studying several lineages of Lomi with a handful of excellent teachers.
In healing sessions, I often incorporate meditation and breathwork with bodywork to facilitate transformational experiences for each person.
I founded VHB in 2016 and have had the pleasure of sharing Lomi all over Vermont and on some international yoga retreats. Since 2017, I have hosted and/or taught 15+ Lomilomi and Body Tune Up trainings. In 2023, I became certified as an Approved Provider through the NCBTMB so i could offer CE credits for my trainings. I absolutely love sharing these amazing modalities and ancient wisdom with as many people as possible to increase the wellness of our community!
Testimonials
Bodywork
Hands down the best massage I’ve ever received. Incorporating breath work was so meditative and effective. It allowed me to totally relax and breathe into the tension spots which then lead to that much more of a release. Such a calming & safe space for healing🙏 Thanks Benj!
-Sami H
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Very appreciative of VT Holistic Bodywork. Benj creates a safe space and provides great support. My first exposure to breathwork was profound and the guidance, energy and body work helped me move inwards while also releasing physical tension in a safe space.
This experience led me to a healing session with Benj. It's difficult to describe with words, but it was a session that fully encompassed the physical with emotional and spiritual connection. I was able to physically release, with greater realization, of what I needed to release mentally/emotionally. I feel lighter than I have in years and have noticed the benefits on my mental health and thinking patterns. The spiritual connection is beautiful and I feel so fortunate to have found this practice in VT. I highly recommend working with VT Holistic Bodywork!
-Donna G
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I've had the honor of getting multiple massages by Vermont Holistic Bodywork and plan to get more in the future!
The first massage I received from Benj was absolutely lovely! He provided direct attention to stuck energy and tension within my shoulders. It was such a grounding experience, even amidst a yoga festival.
The most recent experience I had was a tandem massage. Benj and Ashley were thoughtful, communicative through movement and brought relief to much of my body that has been under immense stress. I left feeling lighter and more open (especially in my back and neck!).
I highly recommend this experience to anyone looking to have a restart, refresh and/or overall uplifting experience. I get multiple massages a year and nothing beats the care and quality of Vermont Holistic Bodywork.
-Kate R
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Benj is an exceptionally talented massage therapist and kind human being. He is intuitive, highly technical and a true healer beyond massage. Benj is the opposite of a "paint by numbers" therapist who just follows a standard protocol.
My family spent 6 months living in the Upper Valley (our Covid adventure) which was awesome, but I brought all the stress of having recently launched my New York City based business with me, not to mention all the remote learning ridiculousness! My weekly massages from Benj kept me grounded and more relaxed so I could enjoy our time - he is truly exceptional.
-Laurie T
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Benj is an excellent Massage Therapist. His Lomi-Lomi style and technique is unique and has a flow of it's own.
After a long work week, I know it's time to treat my self with a Healing Session with Benj. He is extremely knowledgeable, I appreciated that he applied "firm/deep pressure" in my massage session and reminded me to let my body relax. To allow all my worries of the day, melt away.
Benj is so professional! I felt extremely safe in my massage session and I would highly recommend paying him a visit.
Your health & well-being is so worth it!
-Katie V
Trainings
I had the privilege of learning from and receiving massages from Benji, and I can't recommend him enough. His knowledge of lomi lomi is truly impressive, and his down-to-earth and friendly demeanor instantly makes you feel at ease. Benji's passion for his craft is palpable, and he has a unique skill in creating a space of tranquility and comfort during his sessions. His massages are nothing short of amazing, and his ability to hold space is unparalleled. If you're looking for a skilled and compassionate lomi lomi teacher and massage therapist, Benji is the best choice!
-Stacy J
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I feel beyond grateful for this experience. It came at the exact right time for me. It challenged me and deepened my spiritual practice and massage practice and left me feeling whole and good in my body, mind, and spirit again. It invigorated and inspired ,e as a bodyworker and I cannot wait to integrate all I have learned in my practice and keep learning and growing as a bodyworker and student of life.
Gratitude for you, your humility, grace, and love you pour into your teaching and bodywork.
-Becca P
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Wow! Coming from a non-bodyworker background, I came away from this training with the ability to conduct a 2.5 hour full body Lomilomi session!
-Matt K
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This was sucha life-changing and important experience for me. Benj and Ashley created a safe space for me and were so helpful and knowledgable. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
-Dea V
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The training, course material and having Patti as our teacher was truly a magical experience that I will always remember and treasure. I feel like a completely new person. Healed and transformed. There's no where else I want to be, I love you all so much!
I absolutely loved coming together with positive like-minded individuals. I enjoyed learning new massage techniques, being in a peaceful environment, and getting back into my spirituality and into the Hawaiian culture and language. Mahalo Nui Loa for providing this amazing course in such a beautiful and magical place!
-Katie V