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It is with deep regret that CenterPoint is no longer enrolling new students or offering Continuing Education courses. It has been a privilege to educate our students for over 30 years in the healing arts of Massage and Shiatsu therapy. Our amazing and well-trained graduates are our legacy. We are proud of their success. Continue to learn, grow, and share your gift of touch in this world in great need. Blessings to all! CenterPoint appreciates all of the clients that have participated in CenterPoint's Student Clinic over the many years.
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CenterPoint's unique Minnesota therapeutic massage vision of education in therapeutic bodywork unites the best from Asian massage styles with Western massage therapy. CenterPoint is dedicated to preserving and integrating the philosophies, principles and practices of these diverse massage therapies.
CenterPoint's founders have been actively involved in bodywork education since the 1980's. CenterPoint was formed in 2001 when Northern Lights School of Massage Therapy (NLSMT) joined with the Minnesota Center for Shiatsu Study (MCSS since 1992) to form CenterPoint Massage & Shiatsu Therapy School & Clinic.
Cari Johnson Pelava is Co-Director of CenterPoint Massage & Shiatsu Therapy School, and serves as Program Director of the Shiatsu Therapy and Eastern sciences departments. Cari founded the Minnesota Center for Shiatsu Study, which merged with Northern Lights School of Massage Therapy in 2001 to form CenterPoint.
Graduates of CenterPoint training programs are eligible to become nationally board certified. Students benefit from the foundation, experience and professionalism offered in CenterPoint's curriculum. We offer a core curriculum whose quality, breadth and diversity is unparalleled by any other East/West bodywork educational program available today.
Reviews (9)
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Deer Caught In Headlights
May 24, 2021
I received a 2 hour shiatsu massage today coming in with rotator cuff disease. I left with a new issue - numbness/tingling due to strong pressure placed in the neck/shoulder/chest area on the front that caused numbing/tingling in my ulnar nerve. 9 hours later I still can't fully feel my pinky/index finger and areas related to that nerve. They should know not to put excessive force where nerves connect.

I'm very disappointed and scared. I never had issues with this area before and have had chronic shoulder issues for a year and a half. If you have injuries I would go elsewhere to somewhere like Jada studios (and/or a skilled physical therapist as you can afford) which is where I may be heading. All the relief I received from the massage is negated by the extra anxiety from this new body discomfort.

I know it wasn't intentional and i'm sure I could've tried to communicate more also. Also come in early to fill out the paperwork. I didn't and just went off a conversation and filled everything out after (probably not a great order to communicate when the information is helpful for them even though we talked for 15-20 minutes prior still). Everything moves so fast and they didn't check about that area before applying pressure.

I hope this is resolved soon like they say and I still shouldn't have to come out of my massage with a nerve issue and more anxiety. Edit: two days later and now I have an appointment with a hand to shoulder doctor in the morning. It's effected my sleep and the last few days. Wish I would've spoken up about pressure and asked for a gentle massage.

Not a smart idea at a training school to do shiatsu based on my experience. I was struggling to open jars and do much and I'm a student that need to do a lot of typing at the end of the semester.
Serene Adair
Feb 27, 2021
Leaving this review due to the lack of professionalism in handling a customer concern. In 2014 I went to get a massage and they had booked it wrong then acted like it as my fault. When I complained on their Facebook page I was banned for 10 years. Who does that? I was also blocked from commenting on the Fb page. Whatever happened to the customer is always right?
Selia Hamrick
Mar 31, 2020
Worst experience ever! Go elsewhere or even groupon. I went to support my cousin, which was a horrible. Got there 20mins early. Front desk forgot to sign me in. Because of that I was only able to get a 30min massage. The short massage was awesome, but because they totally messed up, they wont do anything or give me a refund for there huge mistake. The same thing also happened to my mom when she went a couple weeks ago. Very unprofessional and the front desk manager Julie doesn't care and won't call me to get my side.
Hannah Strahota
Dec 31, 2019
After touring as a potential students, my mind was 100% made up. I enrolled immediately. I started classes 2 mo. later! This was life-changing in all of the best possible ways! 1 year later I graduated, I opened up my own practice and am thoroughly enjoying my new career path. I loved every one of my teachers, staff members and mentors at school. They truly care about you as a student and as an individual person and truly want you to do well, grow and succeed in whatever your goals entail. I will forever, hands down recommend Centerpoint to anyone that has any interest in the bodywork field!
Janelle Harmon
Jun 26, 2015
Working with Paul has made my already-great-experience even more wonderful! He's great at his job and the school itself is a wonderful place. Staff and education has all been a wonderful experience thus far
Simon Gibson
May 27, 2015
I came in to the student clinic for my second time last week, and my first ever shiatsu. After a friendly greeting by the very courteous staff, my student massage therapist came to get me right on time. She listened to everything I had to say, and was very inquisitive, doing her best to make sure all of my concerns were addressed, to get me the most benefit from the session.

The session itself was wonderful - relaxing and rejuvenating. They frequently have coupons available too, which makes it wonderfully affordable. You can't get better value! I'm already thinking about booking my next visit.
Katelyn Phillips
Apr 17, 2015
I have been working with Paul over the phone on and off for over a year now. He still remembers my name and everything about me. This school never fails to blow my mind with their dedication to want the best for healing. Thank you staff and team for giving me peace of mind every time we share a conversation! So stoked to join!
Marty Lamar
Apr 14, 2015
Working with Paul and the other fine folks at CenterPoint has been, and continues to be, an excellent experience. My daughter and I came to the table with nothing but questions. Paul Pruitt has done a terrific job of eliminating our confusion and getting us on solid ground as we prepare for my daughter's education at CenterPoint. The CenterPoint Team is excellent!
Jasmine Pike
Mar 09, 2015
This school is great. From the minute I walked in, I felt completely at home. The staff is extremely friendly and helpful, and after being there for only a short couple of days, everyone knows your name! I feel I'm getting a very substantial education for my money, and I couldn't be happier.