Rest • Restore • Renew

 

At Bodhi Work, we believe healing begins with the nervous system. Every session we offer is intentionally designed to help your body soften, your mind settle, and your whole system shift into a state where true restoration becomes possible. Our work bridges Eastern wisdom and Western therapeutic science, offering massage therapy that supports the body and the mind — because wellness is never just physical.

Our Story — Rooted in Purpose, Guided by Practice

Bodhi Work was founded in December 2020 by Licensed Massage Therapist Samantha Oetting (SNO). What began as a one-room, solo practice has grown into a trusted therapeutic studio in downtown Ann Arbor — known for its restorative focus, nervous-system–informed bodywork, and commitment to high-quality care.

Samantha’s path began with Traditional Thai Massage, the modality that shaped her understanding of how movement, breath, and mindful touch can regulate the nervous system and change the way we live in our bodies. She later expanded her expertise into Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD), fascia-based work, and Western clinical techniques, forming the integrated approach you experience at Bodhi Work today.

As demand grew, so did the vision: A sanctuary where clients receive skilled therapeutic care, and where Licensed Massage Therapists can build sustainable, fulfilling careers in a supportive environment.

Our Mission — Blending Eastern & Western Healing

Our mission is twofold:

For Our Clients: To provide deeply restorative massage therapy that supports nervous system regulation, muscular recovery, lymphatic flow, and whole-body balance. Every session is grounded in both Eastern healing traditions (Thai massage, energy line theory, breath-led movement) and Western therapeutic principles (anatomy, fascia science, clinical reasoning).

You don’t just leave feeling better — you leave feeling reset.

For Our Therapists: To create a career environment where Licensed Massage Therapists are fairly compensated, respected, and supported in their ongoing growth. When therapists are able to rest, restore, and renew, they’re able to offer their best work to you.

Why Bodhi Work? A Different Kind of Ann Arbor Massage Studio

We’re not a spa.
We’re not a chain.
We are a nervous-system–centered therapeutic studio with high professional standards and a calming, grounded environment.

Clients choose Bodhi Work because:

  • Every LMT is trained in both Eastern + Western modalities

  • The studio is intentionally quiet, warm, and energetically soft

  • We emphasize slow, intentional, restorative work, not rushed sessions

  • Our therapists are continuously trained in Thai Massage, lymphatic therapy, fascia release, prenatal work, and trauma-aware techniques

  • We honor consistent, fair wages for LMTs — supporting a sustainable practice and low staff turnover

  • Our policies protect the time and livelihood of therapists, ensuring your session receives their full presence

Choosing Bodhi Work means choosing a space where your body and your nervous system finally exhale.

Grounded Policies, Ethical Care

As a small business, our booking fees and policies ensure that our Licensed Massage Therapists are compensated for their time, skill, and dedicated presence. Therapists are only paid when they provide a service — and our policies protect their ability to maintain a stable, livable income.

We appreciate every client who honors this system. Together, you make it possible for Bodhi Work to remain a restorative home for healing.

Our Commitment to Community & Connection

Your trust fuels our growth. As Bodhi Work continues to evolve, our goal remains unwavering:
to help our Ann Arbor community feel more rested, more restored, more renewed — one session at a time.

We honor the deep connection between body, mind, and spirit, drawing on timeless practices and modern therapeutic understanding. Whether you’re here for pain relief, stress reduction, mobility work, or nervous-system reset, you’re in expert hands.