About the Instructor

About your Instructor,

Raizelah Bayen,

National Certification Board in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork Approved CEU Provider


With a passion for learning, Raizelah was certified in Integrative Massage in 1991, and never stopped taking classes in the healing arts. She later trained and certified in Eastern Massage and Acupressure, Jin Shin Jyutsu, Chinese and Western Herbology, Aroma Acutpoint Therapy and Yoga instruction.  

Most naturally, Raizelah began to weave together the modalities she studied, in her work, developing a unique style of Integrative Health Care that combines hands-on Meridian Massage and Aroma Acupressure, and home care regimes of essential oils, herbs and yoga poses to address client complaints. Her hands-on work was informed by her own practices in mindfulness and embodiment, the foundational ground for her work and life.

Early in Raizelah’s career, she discovered her love for teaching. She first started teaching massage in 1998, at Twin Lakes School of the Healing Arts in Santa Cruz, and followed that with 15 years as a core instructor at the Sebastopol Massage School. Concurrently, Raizelah developed and trained massage therapists in continuing education in spa settings. Her integrative approach was also the foundation of a series of wellness workshops she has offered over the past 15 years.

In 2020, Raizelah took a professional leap to fulfill her dream of opening a massage school. Open Pathways Institute for Integrative Massage is the fulfillment of this dream. Her passion is to support Massage Therapists who envision expanding into Integrative Health Care, weavers of hands-on healing with herbs and aromatherapy, all informed by the principles of Chinese Medicine, to provide in-depth and holistic care for their clients. Her classes include Eastern massage modalities, Chinese Medicinal Theory and Practices, Aroma Acutouch Therapy, Herbal Formulation and more. 

Here is what people are saying about Raizelah:

"Raizelah's class has enhanced my massage practice and potentially prolonged my career.  The integration of these course materials will benefit my clients. This was one of THE best classes on this topic I have experienced! I would definitely recommend her!"

TeriLyn Carter, OR Licensed Massage Therapist and Reiki Master


" If you are lucky enough to attend one of Raizleah's courses, even as a seasoned therapist, you will gain experience and knowledge that only comes from someone as well-rounded in knowledge and as grounded as Raizelah. I highly recommend Raizelah as an instructor." Laura Palmer, MHA and CMT at Sutter Integrative Health Center


"I have had the pleasure of taking many massage trainings with Raizelah. She is patient and thoughtful in her teaching, imparting her depth and breadth of knowledge in a very accessible way. Her joy and passion for what she does comes through in her teaching. I would highly recommend any massage therapist to give their career the gift of a training with Raizelah."

Heather Bishop, Spa Services Manager at Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary


"Since I have taken classes, Acupressure with Essential Oils, from Raizelah, I have a better understanding of how to help my clients and myself with Chinese Medicine-based treatments. The techniques I have learned and am implementing have been a valuable asset to my practice and my clients. My clients have given rave reviews."

Tamara McGuire, CA Certified Massage Therapist 


"I have learned new skills that I can offer my clients, elevating my practice to new heights, separating my work from everyone else! Raizelah, as a teacher, is lovely, kind, and very knowledgeable! I highly recommend her courses to anyone who is even just remotely interested in this world of Chinese Medicine- do not hesitate! 

Erica Traveras, NY Licensed Massage Therapist


"It is always good to have more “tools in the tool belt” to help our clients, but when the tools are fabulous, that’s even better. The tools that I’ve learned in Raizelah's classes will greatly help me help my clientele."

Jennifer Rouse, TN Licensed Massage Therapist


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