Therapeutic massage in Lansing, with more than 40 years of experience

Donald is a massage therapist who happens to be blind. He works intuitively and carefully, using just enough pressure to release tension and create real change, without the session becoming painful.

Online booking is the easiest way to schedule. 1001 Maplehill Ave, Lansing, MI 48910. Get directions

Donald Bowman, a man with gray hair and a full white beard, gently working on a client's hand and wrist.

My approach

I provide effective therapeutic massage by working on your body tissue in an intuitive, empathetic, sensitive way. The focus that has created the most success for my clients is remembering that there is a fine line between pleasure and pain, and that threshold is different for every person.

When I address a particular area, I use just enough pressure to create change in the tissue: releasing tension and increasing circulation, which brings fresh nutrients and oxygen to the area. Deep work is not and should not be painful. If it hurts, the tissue tends to resist and change does not happen. Working right up to the edge creates change, promotes healing, and makes for a therapeutic, relaxing session.

Services and rates

Deep tissue massage

90 minutes, $75

Relieves tension in the deeper layers of tissue. Very effective for chronic stress areas caused by misalignment, repetitive motion, and old injuries. Open communication during the session keeps you comfortable. Some soreness afterward is common, so drink plenty of water.

Myofascial massage

60 minutes, $55

Treats injuries and discomfort, reducing pain and increasing range of motion. It focuses on the fascia, the membrane that surrounds every muscle, where imbalances can seriously limit your movement and comfort.

Reiki

45 minutes, $40

A Japanese form of energy work that cleanses and balances the body's energy system through a gentle laying on of hands. Benefits range from releasing everyday mental and emotional stress to easing chronic pain.

Book an appointment online

Your first visit

Please book 90 minutes for your first session. There is no form to print or fill out ahead of time.

We start by sitting down together for a short interview before the massage. I'll ask about your health, any injuries or problem areas, and what you'd like to get out of the session. I keep those notes on file, so on future visits we can pick up right where we left off.

Portrait of Donald Bowman smiling, with gray hair, a white beard, and a dark green polo shirt.

About Don

Donald R. Bowman is a massage therapist licensed by the State of Michigan (LARA), with more than 40 years of training and experience. For over three decades he has run a private therapeutic massage practice in Lansing, keeping a steady load of around 800 sessions a year.

Education and training
  • 1973: 240-hour program in Swedish massage and hydrotherapy, Michigan School for the Blind
  • 1988 to 1994: Lansing Community College coursework in massage therapy, polarity therapy, anatomy and physiology, Touch for Health, biofeedback, public speaking, and empathy listening
  • 2005 to 2008: further LCC coursework in clinical techniques, reflexology, cranial somatic therapy, sports massage, and positional release
  • Two levels of CranioSacral Therapy with the Upledger Institute
  • Two levels of Reiki healing with local Reiki masters
Experience and techniques

Don gained early experience at YMCA health clubs in Lansing and in Elkhart, Indiana. A varied clientele has let him develop and master many techniques, including Swedish, clinical, neuromuscular, and deep tissue massage, positional release, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, polarity therapy, Quantum Touch, muscle release technique, reflexology, esoteric healing, Reiki, and empathy listening.

What clients say

“I have had many massages over the years, at many different places, and I must say this was by far the absolute best! Mr. Bowman takes the time to get to know you and what your needs are. I would recommend him to anyone. And General is the sweetest dog too.”

“Don is by far the best massage therapist ever! I've gone to several in my day, but no one compares to him. Personable and professional! Guaranteed you'll leave stress free!”

“The most gifted and intuitive massage therapist I've ever encountered. After a massage, I feel like I just finished a two-week vacation. His positive energy is as healing and nurturing as his massage.”

Hours and contact

(517) 927-3883

donaldbowman@blindmassage.com

1001 Maplehill Ave
Lansing, MI 48910
Get directions

Book an appointment online

Hours

Office hours
Monday10 am to 10 pm
Tuesday10 am to 10 pm
Wednesday10 am to 10 pm
Thursday10 am to 10 pm
Friday to SundayClosed

Make a payment

Don accepts payment through Square and Venmo: