Relaxation takes on new forms at Chien Center. This center for massage in Santa Cruz offers massage and body work sessions that focus on bringing the body into awareness of itself. Instead of focusing on areas of pain or discomfort, these trained healers seek to address the entire body to awaken the inherent healing powers within for a more effective resolution of whatever is present.

At the heart of Qigong and Tai Chi practice is a profound presence in and awareness of the moment. With on-staff healers trained in the principles of Classical Chinese Medicine, Qigong and Tai Chi, they are able to be fully present in each moment spent with every client, fully committed to the healing process.

Santa Cruz Massage

Chien Center is much more than the traditional Santa Cruz massage center. Swedish Massage, Esalen® Massage, Zen Shiatsu, Traditional Thai Massage and Qigong Therapy populate the menu of restorative treatments offered at this healing destination. They also offer on-site chair massage for corporate wellness programs and special events, as well as workshops and individual instruction in Qigong and Meditation.

• Swedish massage focuses on full body treatment to promote relaxation, improve circulation, relieve muscle tension and reduce stress through long, gliding strokes, kneading and friction.
• The Esalen® Massage approach is to bring about deep states of meditative awareness and connectedness to the whole body, utilizing long, slow and continuous full body strokes.
• Zen Shiatsu, which as been described as “meditation in action,” uses mindfully applied pressure and passive stretching to give the body a gentle, nurturing and wholly healing experience.
• Traditional Thai Massage is more rigorous and active than most massage styles. Using rhythmic pressure applied over the entire body along with facilitated stretching, this style loosens and invigorates the receiver.
• Qigong Therapy is a freeform style of bodywork that draws from many healing styles to identify and correct disruptions to the Qi flow in the body.
• Chair massage is a comfortable, gentle way to introduce people to the benefits and healing potential of massage in a 10 to 15 minute period. Chien Center also offers chair massages at corporate facilities, special events and festivals.

The benefits of massage are many, and include loosening the muscles, creating feelings of openness and flexibility, producing a deeply meditative state and profound relaxation. This form of healing is particularly nurturing for its non-clinical approach, addressing the client as a whole person and not just a collection of individual body parts.

Santa Cruz Qigong Workshops

To offer a full spectrum of wellbeing practices to every client, the Chien Center also offers both workshops and individual instruction in Qigong, an ancient movement art. Loosely translated as “energy skill,” Qigong uses sets of meditation, movement and breathing exercises to clear Qi blockages, increase circulation and bring about positive changes to the overall health of the practitioner.

These exercises have been shown to increase stamina, lower blood pressure, improve the functions of the immune system, heighten mood states, improve mental clarity and focus, reduce stress and anxiety, improve balance and increase bone density among many other benefits.

Client Reviews

Through my travels and experience (and love of massage), I have had close to 200 massages, of a variety of types, from all over the world (literally). And I am impressed with Austin Ahern. He has healing hands. I would have to rate him in the TOP 7-8% of the middle to high end/cost spas I have frequented in LA, Las Vegas and New York, and in the top 4-5% of therapists I have seen internationally…I just had a selfish thought (shame on me) - such a rave review may make it harder for me to get an appointment with Austin. I'll take my chances. He is fantastic and should be reviewed accordingly. - Jessica

I received a safe, relaxing and comfortable session with Austin. Really, it was more like a very pleasant, unexpected journey into healing of my tired and sore muscles and tendons…I am still benefiting from the effects of this session. I am so happy that I found the Chien Center and Austin. - Dawni

If you are looking for a highly skilled massage therapist with wonderful energy, you need to look no further than the Chien Center and Austin Ahern! I just got an amazing massage from him, and I will definitely be back for more. - Meghan

I've tried international health spas, hotel spas, schools, and I can say without a doubt my experience with Austin Ahearn was by far the best…As soon as I left his office, I called my friend who had given me the gift certificate and gushed. I highly recommend Austin. - LeeAnn