Recently, we sat down with Jess Villareal, a Reiki Level 2 practitioner also licensed in the healing modalities of Zen Shiatsu and Craniosacral Therapy, here at Angelic Roots. Jess shares her journey and her unique perspective on energy work, as well as the path that led her to support others through these modalities.
Tell us a little bit about your journey, what experiences shaped your background, and what sparked your interest in Reiki, Zen Shiatsu massage, and Craniosacral therapy.
My path in this work began during a very challenging period in my life when I was struggling with my mental and emotional wellbeing. As I worked with different therapists and specialists, one of them introduced me to Reiki. That introduction was a turning point for me. I began to explore the difference between spirituality and religion. As I continued to learn about the energetic fields in our body and opened myself to the support of my spirit guides and the Archangels, I began to care for my energetic body. It created a positive shift in my life and over time I felt a strong calling to help others discover the same tools and awareness as I did. The modalities that I practice allow me to share the guidance and techniques I've learned as I continue to deepen into my own journey.
For someone who has never received Zen Shiatsu massage or Craniosacral therapy, what might a typical session with you look like? What can clients expect to feel during or after?
I like to begin each session with a conversation. We review the intake form together, discuss any areas of concern, and address any questions. It is important that my clients feel comfortable and safe in the space we are working in before the bodywork begins.
Zen Shiatsu Massage takes place on a mat on the floor. During the session, I massage the energy pathways of the body to aid in the movement of stagnant energy that may be contributing to imbalances in the body. These issues can manifest as mental, emotional, or physical symptoms. Clients may find themselves drifting away into a deep relaxation or in a meditative state while I work through the body, focusing on the legs, arms, hands, neck, face, back, and hips. Depending where the body is holding energy, some areas may need more attention than others. By the end of the session, my clients usually feel more relaxed and notice a shift of energy in their body.
Craniosacral therapy is performed on a massage table. I use various holds on different parts of the body to aid in the movement of energy. Many of my clients leave a session feeling renewed and lighter. Our bodies tend to hold on to a lot of dense energies that are not ours and bodywork is a great way to help remove what is no longer serving us. Both of these modalities can bring sensations of warmth or cold, heaviness or floating, tingling, and more. These are simply signs that the body is responding and beginning to restore balance.
Who do you feel can benefit most from Zen Shiatsu massage or Craniosacral therapy? Are there particular situations or conditions where these modalities are especially supportive?
Everyone can benefit from energy work. Even when we are not dealing with life's challenges, bodywork can be supportive and restorative. It can also serve as preventative care, helping the body maintain balance before issues arise.
Both Craniosacral and Zen Shiatsu can support a wide range of concerns and often it depends on where someone is at the moment and how their body is responding. For those with an already overstimulated nervous system, Zen Shiatsu may feel like a more active modality. Others, however, may find it is exactly what brings their system back to balance. Generally speaking, Zen Shiatsu is especially supportive for more physical manifestations such as tension or discomfort, while Craniosacral often helps address more internal or nervous system experiences such as stress, overwhelm, or persistent fight-or-flight response. We can observe how the body responds and adjust future sessions to best support their needs.
What guidance would you give someone curious about exploring Reiki, Craniosacral therapy, or Zen Shiatsu for the first time? Can you share a meaningful shift(s) in a client that you witnessed during a session?
I have a number of clients who see me because they feel lost or are searching for answers and trying to understand why things in their lives feel the way they do. By the end of our sessions, many experience a profound shift in both energy and clarity. They begin to recognize they are stepping onto their own healing path, and that being a lightworker is part of their journey. It is truly a joy to witness someone move from a place of confusion to a place of self-understanding and empowerment. I am deeply grateful to be able to support people in that process.
It is important to keep in mind that spiritual awakening and spiritual work is not as glamorous as portrayed on social media. There are moments when spiritual growth feels great and you're jumping hurdles with ease. Other days it is uncomfortable, uncertain, or even difficult. In the end, it is always worth it. Awakening and spiritual growth expands our inner strength and calls on the part of us that is resilient-the warrior, the fighter, the survivor. We all carry that strength within us but sometimes we need a little encouragement and support along the way. I am here to hold space for that transformation.
How do you personally stay grounded and balanced while holding space for others? What are your favorite self-care practices that have become essential parts of your daily routine?
To stay grounded in sessions, I focus on protecting my energy beforehand. I step outside of my own expectations and allow source to guide the session. I take a few moments to breathe and become present, paying attention to what I feel, see, and hear within my client's energy. Keeping my body relaxed and my breath steady helps me remain grounded and receptive.
I've cultivated a simple morning practice that helps set the tone for the rest of the day. Much of it comes from things I've learned from teachers, mentors, and my spirit guides. Before turning on the television or looking at my phone, I take three minutes to focus on gratitude. Then I spend two minutes reflecting on things that bring me joy and help me feel good.
After that I clear and center my energy. I may smudge using sage to cleanse my hands, feet, and body, then clear my energy by pulling energy from Mother Earth and drawing energy down from the cosmos with my breath and hands. When I feel balanced, I close my energetic "egg" from all directions-north, east, south, and west.
I think it's important to acknowledge that I'm human and there are days when I simply can't do it exactly as planned. And that's okay! Sometimes I practice gratitude while driving to work, or I clear my energy through breath and intention instead of sage. Occasionally, I may even do my morning practice later in the afternoon. And if the entire day gets away from me and I don't get to it at all, I forgive myself and begin again the next day.
We’re so grateful to Jess for opening up and sharing her journey with us. Her path is a powerful reflection of how personal healing can evolve into a calling to support others, and how tuning into our energy can create meaningful shifts in our lives. If you feel drawn to her work or are curious to experience these modalities for yourself, we invite you to explore Jess's offerings here at Angelic Roots.
