
Healing Hands Massage
Expert Therapeutic Bodywork in Santa Cruz

About
Rachael Harper, RN, CMT
Licensed Massage Therapist
With more than 25 years of medical nursing experience, I bring a deep understanding of the human body—and the human experience—into every massage session. My career began in nursing, where I spent 15 years in Labor and Delivery. It was there that I learned the art of truly listening: listening not only to patients’ voices, but to the subtle language of their bodies, emotions, and energy during some of the most vulnerable and powerful moments of their lives.
For the past eight years, I have also worked in the operating room, gaining a rare, firsthand perspective of the body from the inside out. Observing anatomy in such a direct and detailed way has shaped the way I approach massage therapy. When I lay hands on someone, I can visualize structures, understand the pathways of tension, and sense patterns that often go unnoticed. That experience allows me to work with a deep level of intention, precision, and respect for what the body holds.
I am also in the process of becoming Esalen Massage Certified, which will add an even deeper dimension to my work. This certification focuses on the spiritual and energetic aspects of the human body, allowing me to connect the emotional, spiritual, and physical layers more seamlessly during each session. Integrating this training with my medical background enhances the depth of connection I bring to my practice and strengthens the healing potential of my work.
As a massage therapist, I combine medical knowledge, intuitive listening, and compassionate care to create a space where clients can release tension, reconnect with themselves, and feel supported in their healing. My goal is to honor the whole person—body, mind, and spirit—and to help each client feel seen, understood, and deeply cared for through my Healing Hands Massage.
Book an Appointment
831-334-6644




