Soothing massage, energy channeling and ice-breaking arts and crafts gave stress demons the one, two, punch this evening at the Holistic Health Center’s latest aim at self-illumination at SF State.

The event, “An Evening of Wellness,” focused on energy healing for the mind, body and spirit through hands-on healing techniques. These specialists included a tarot card reader, massage therapist and a chiropractor who used pressure points to balance the aspects of the mind and body, including emotions. According to promotional materials released by the student coordinators, the objective of the evening was to enhance one’s life force.

“This time of year with finals is very stressful,” said Vivian Woodfin, one of the students who coordinated the wellness event. “We just wanted to make this a stress-free, relaxing evening.”

Another unique item afforded to attendees was the art of Reiki. According to students involved in orchestrating the event, Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation. The practice uses light, hands-on touches to the body and its aura. A crystal pendulum is used to determine the condition of the body's chakras – or centers of energy – before and after the session.

The execution of the free event was part of a class project for Holistic Health 382, Holistic Health and Human Nature. According to the course instructor, Kenn Burrows, the class examines issues on what it means to be human in correlation to global perspectives, life changing work and the deep examination of one’s self. While the course work includes standard procedures such as quizzes, conceptual learning and exams, it also gauges personal growth and the development of teamwork that involves the betterment of one’s community.

“Every person in life wants to do something to make a difference,” said Burrows, explaining the relevance of these community projects for his students. “Over time some people do get cynical, but when they do something [to benefit others], they’re excited.”

The students were broken up into groups of approximately five students to coordinate what Burrows has deemed an "action project." The action project accounts for approximately 1/5 of the overall grade. While other groups chose to focus on topics such as news censorship in respects to under reporting by the major news media, Woodfin and her group chose to take a more hands-on approach to their community project.

Leslie Ramirez, who performed the Reiki practices on patrons, also aided in arranging the various practitioners to attend. The event gave patrons the opportunity to participate in a raffle, the proceeds for which went to Ramirez’s spiritual pilgrimage to Egypt. For $13, attendees were able to win a gift certificate for either a tarot or astrology reading — or a bottle of wine.

Ramirez said that she had originally planned to orchestrate a separate event where she could raise money for her voyage using the same practitioners. “That was my original plan, but after I got involved in this I thought it would be better to just do it all at once,” said Ramirez.

Students were also able to raise $45 from a bake sale held at the event. According to Marty Radovich, another student who organized the event, the money will go to the upkeep and maintenance of the Holistic Health Center, a gathering place where the SF State community can seek refuge from the bustle and pressures of city and campus life.

As the evening progressed, attendees waited patiently for their turn to lay upon the massage tables draped with powder white sheets.

Senior psychology student, Stacy Chang said she felt relaxed yet energized after her session with clinical nutritionist, Sarah Slaughter. Chang said that she had been in numerous car accidents, and was surprised how many different pressure points she failed to acknowledge on a daily basis.

“I know this may sound cliché, but after [my session] I feel — truly exhilarated,” she said.