Massage Therapist Lindsy Bottger believes her 10-minute sessions should do more than relax tense muscles. They are designed to bring peace to mind, body and spirit.
“Your whole-body wellness is a mind, body and spirit connection,” said Bottger, who returns to offer massages as part of the Centennial Student Union’s ongoing Finals Week StressBusters.
Bottger will offer free 10-minute massages Monday, Dec. 10, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Tuesday, Dec. 11, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Wednesday, Dec. 12, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in CSU 201. A daily sign-up sheet will be posted outside the room each morning. Massage sign-up will be on a first-come, first-served basis.
A part of CSU Finals Week StressBusters for several semesters, Bottger has made a connection with students, many have become returning Finals Week clients.
“I’ve seen students from their freshman year all the way through the Master’s program,” Bottger said. “Sometimes the sessions turn into a little bit of talk therapy. We work on the body but sometimes what they really need is to separate themselves from everything. A period of silence – just to be present in the room.”
As part of her massage chair sessions, Bottger offers a peaceful ambience with soothing music and dimmed lights.
“I tell them to breathe. I try to meet them where they are – emotionally and spiritually. When your spirit is at peace it affects how your body functions and responds.”
A talented singer and thespian, Bottger is a board-certified massage therapy who received her training at the Bio-Chi Institute in Sioux City, Iowa. Her interest in massage therapy was an extension of her interest in the arts.
“In college, I studied theatre education. Then I went for massage therapy and the healing arts,” she explained. “This, too, is an artform shaped by my energies, my education and my experiences.”
Lenny Koupal, CSU communications coordinator who organizes the CSU’s Finals Week StressBusters, said common interests helped bring Bottger to campus six years ago.
“Linz and I are ol’ theatre buddies. We met through community theatre and have been friends for nearly 20 years,” Koupal said. “When I arrived at the CSU, Linz was a massage therapist in Mankato. We came up with the idea for Finals Week massages. Since then, she has moved near Bonesteel, South Dakota, and now lives in Sioux City. She’s traveled as much as five hours – sometimes in snow – to get here for these sessions. I know she does it partly due to our friendship. More importantly, she does it because of her caring nature.”
That distinctively “Lindsy” connection fuels her passion for helping a growing list of Minnesota State Mankato students through Finals Week.
“I love what I do. I love helping people. I love connecting with people. I love networking,” she said. “I believe the power of touch can bring insight to one person’s day or make them feel valued.”
That touch ranges from relaxing massages to warm hugs.
“I give away hugs. I introduce myself and more generally than not I’m reaching for hugs. I’m a hugger,” she concluded with a laugh.
Finals Week massage therapy sessions are open to the campus community. Due to the popularity of the sessions, participants are asked to sign up for only one session.
The massages are part of the CSU Finals Week StressBusters that includes:
- Monday night’s traditional late night breakfast starting at 10 p.m. on the MavAve;
- Therapy dog sessions Monday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 6:30-8 p.m. in the CSU Lincoln Lounge
- The cello-violin duo, The OK Factor, in the CSU Hearth Lounge on Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m offering free hot chocolate
- Coloring stations by the CSU south entrance and by the Lincoln Lounge.
