Healistics

Healistics

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Healistics new home in Polk City offering Massge, Reflexology, Reiki and Readings. Susan Bakken, LMT

09/20/2026

Susan here! Ever been in a project and everything is going right and is on time but you are so ready to have it completed you’re freaking out? Oh just me? 😊

Drywall is well…drying. And all the fun decor and equipment is patiently waiting in my garage. I’ll definitely be opening bookings in October. That my friends is exciting!

So I’ll just be in the back seat asking “are we there yet?” a million times! Stay tuned!

09/15/2026

Susan here!

So what’s the goal of any massage modality? Relaxation and yes that’s a good idea and I hope that is the end result! BUT What if the brain doesn’t stop freakin talking? What if the muscles stay tense? What you don’t feel better? What if you (gasp) can not relax? What if?!

What if the goal is simply showing up for yourself? What if the act of physically being there is enough? What if you understand you haven’t failed if you don’t relax? What if?!

I want you to consider me and my work as a spark. The kindling to your own healing journey fire. There’s not one expectation here. This is your very own experience. Yes I will always make it catered to you on that day, healing and dare I say relaxing. BUT how you show up for yourself is yours and if you made the appointment, trekked out to keep that appointment, walked through the door on your appointment day and time then I’m proud of you. Time, money, worthiness, anxiety and fear all block what our bodies know we need but you did it!

Show up for you and I’ll do the work and together we will burn it down. In a gentle and relaxing way of course…

09/12/2026

Susan here! Ohhhh yes the shed remodel is cruising along. Don’t you worry I’ll let you know when appointments will open. 🫶

Mostly things will be the same with just a few tweaks. I’m switching to warm damp towels instead of the traditional foot bath. You will just hop right on the table! But no worries your feet will be warm and clean ready for reflexology. It’s just a logistical thing and easier without a sink. The accounting department said no to a full bathroom addition (rude!) Bonus it gives you more time on the table during the 75 minute session. The stand alone Salt Stone Massage is no longer but the stones are always available anytime! If I feel heat is needed or you want a full hot stone massage just ask! 30 minute sessions will not be offered this go around but if time or cost is a barrier to receiving care I can accommodate. I’m easy to talk to just ask!

My schedule will have around 10-15 slots weekly with one floating Sunday that will likely change each month. As always my schedule stays busy and you’re not alone needing care! Don’t we all need it! Me too!

I think this set up will give me longevity and I’ll be in that small, cozy space, designed for healing that I have always dreamed of. I’m ready to get cozy!

I like to keep you updated on the fun stuff, logistics and information because that helps you feel knowledgeable and confident to make self care a priority. I hope you keep knowing I care about you!

09/03/2026

As I’m getting the new space appointment ready let’s talk about what it will be like!

I’m converting one of our existing sheds to my fully finished shop. She’ll be heated and cooled for year around services. There will be space for the massage table (let’s pay homage to the reflexology chair) so all our favorite modalities can be available. Massage and Reiki the beloved cornerstone Foot Reflexology and the super popular Hand Foot Ear and Head Reflexology (it’s a good one).

Appointment days will be Tuesday Wednesday Thursday weekly with one full Sunday a month. I’ll offer some evening slots so you have time to drive out. If you haven’t been out I’m in rural Polk City around a half hour from Des Moines or Ankeny with all paved roads and beautiful scenic roads crossing Saylorville Lake, Big Creek or Des Moines River.

The RV is still around but she’s my craft room now! A winter water pipe break took her ability for appointments out. But now parking and walking are all closer. The walk through the wildflowers was always lovely and they are still in view from the windows! Instead of being nestled down in the timber we will be up hill and shaded under the old ash trees. Every spot is magical here!

There will be an outside portable restroom available because it can be a long drive and let’s get real it’s sometimes needed.

I think you’re really going to love the updated space and environment. We are cruising along with updates and I’ll announce soon when appointments will be available to book. I can’t even say how happy I am and how good my injury healed. Whew!

I know life and times are sometimes difficult and we all go through stuff. But hopefully I can provide a few relaxing moments for you in a safe, welcoming, unique come as you are space.

08/26/2026

Healistics’ future home.

This shed is getting a makeover into a healing space as we speak. This new sanctuary on our acreage gives us a few things lacking in the RV space and in town office. Things like YEAR ROUND appointments (can I get a whoohooo?), ample space for my massage table, easy access for parking, no stairs, beautiful views, tree canopy and peaceful surroundings. If you were a RV client, this is even better!

Please stay tuned because the best is yet to come for Healistics. Here’s to another 11 years of realistic, holistic, healing! Can I get a whoohooo?

08/22/2026

Hiiiiii! Susan here! I’m getting alot of sweet messages, cards and love seeing how I’m doing? After a long recovery my back (tailbone) is so much better. It was a long painful road and can we all say FINALLY together?

My little broken heart after so much loss with my Dad and soul pets, is beginning to heal and I am feeling like magical myself again. As much as possible ya know what I mean?

What have I been doing? Some needed house improvements and the above healing and recovery also thinking a lot about you my friends and how you are doing? I hope you have found a healing space and are taking care of yourself! I really cared a lot about that. Still do…

As far as the future….I have changed some Healistics verbiage from permanently closed to temporarily closed. And I am working on something. I needed these months to heal my injury and reset my focus, grieve and that’s what I did. As much as I’d like to be a super human, I am just a human. (Darn) I don’t have all the details yet but I want to be transparent with you, I will be back healing in some capacity in the near future.

As always, we want you to know you are loved. Thank you for loving us right back! The support and concern during closing was tangible and I couldn’t wait another day to tell you that. Talk soon!

02/27/2026

Susan here! The end of the path is getting very close. I’m sad to say even the little bit of working is challenging my back. So the decision to close appointments is made. I won’t be opening any more time slots in April.

Please read: I am aware a few clients had gift cards gifted to them in December. If you have a scheduled appointment with a gift card from December it will be used at your appointment. If you have purchased a gift card for someone and they do not have an appointment scheduled, I can possibly work to get them in or issue a refund to you. I have already issued some refunds to those I know I can’t get in.

Note: Chandler will have some limited availability in April. I will honor my gift card if you see him please communicate that prior to scheduling. (We are separate businesses just fyi)

This is the tricky and guilt filled time of closing a business. I am trying my best to accommodate and satisfy everyone’s needs. It is getting accelerated by circumstances out of my control. Please let’s communicate and end on a sweet and high vibrational note! My email is [email protected] if you need clarification or help.

02/20/2026

Please read…

Hi again winter! Susan here. By now you are aware we are closing late spring. I have filled my February and March schedules. Now I know some clients did not get in to my limited time slots.

Let me explain-while I was off work I fell and injured myself. This fall caused a tons of damage to my sacrum and glute. I’m still recovering. I am not at 100%. I am in pain.

I am asking for grace and understanding as I may have to cancel. I may not be able to do more than I’m doing. That means you could not see me before Healistics closes. I am just as vulnerable to injury and life circumstances as the next person. I have been blessed to have worked over a decade without issue but your girl isn’t getting any younger and the fall was gnarly!

I am not sure about April schedule for me as of today. But I will do my best to accommodate those with recent gift cards or cancellations. But working more isn’t going to help me recover. We can work with Chandler as well before he closes and will figure that out.

I appreciate the kind words and the understanding. I know it’s hard when something you need, want, love and support ends. It’s hard to know you’ll have to find another safe place. It’s hard for me too.

As always you are loved…

02/02/2026

Hi everyone,

Susan and Chandler are reaching out with an important Healistics update. After 11 wonderful years in practice—filled with thousands of appointments, meaningful connections, and so many hours of care—we will be closing Healistics.

This is a decision we came to together, though for different personal reasons. Susan has been managing ongoing back pain for several years, and it’s time for her to step back and focus on rest and healing. Chandler has also taken on additional responsibilities at his full-time job, and the increased time and attention it requires has made it clear that this is the right next step.

Our lease in Windsor Heights will end on June 1, and our schedules will remain open through that time.

While we know this news may feel difficult, please know how deeply grateful we are for the trust you’ve placed in us over the years. We also want you to feel supported moving forward—there are many talented holistic and wellness practitioners in our community, and we truly hope you continue to find the care that feels right for you.

We’re happy to talk more at your upcoming appointments, and we’ll do our very best to get everyone scheduled in before June.

Thank you again for your continued support, kindness, and loyalty. We are so grateful for you. You are loved and perfect just the way you are -always remember that.

With appreciation,
Susan & Chandler

02/01/2026

Hello clients! Please be on the look out for an important announcement in your email from us! ✨✨✨

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