Our Hudson Healing Arts Origin Story

Since Hudson Healing Arts opened its doors back in 1998, it’s amazing to think of how much has happened in the world. Through all the ups and downs, we’re here to provide a healing sanctuary where you can relax and rebalance your energy on a physical, emotional, and spiritual level.
 
With our 25th anniversary on the horizon next year, we thought it would be fun to take a little trip down memory lane to revisit HHA’s roots and reflect on how we’ve evolved…
 
Back to the Beginning
Founded by two acupuncturists, HHA was focused on Traditional Chinese Medicine practices like acupuncture, herbal medicine, and Qi Gong in the early days. 
 
HHA’s current owner, Beth O’Boyle, actually started out as an acupuncture client back in 1999. At the time, she was dealing with a huge amount of stress in a very different field (sales and retail in the cosmetics and fragrance industry). “I was really on a healing journey to resolve the stress I was dealing with,” she says. “Something in me wanted to explore deeper.”
 
She was also enjoying transformative sessions with a hypnosis counselor in Montvale, and was incredibly drawn to the space he had created — it felt quiet, soft, and welcoming, totally different from a traditional doctor’s office. 
 
“When you stepped in, it just felt like you could actually breathe,” Beth says. “I had a real love for that environment, and it sparked a desire to have a place like that in Hoboken.”
 
As luck would have it, Beth’s acupuncturist asked if she would be interested in renting space at HHA for Reiki and hypnosis counseling. Within six months, both founders had left to pursue other passions, and Beth was offered the opportunity to take over as the owner of HHA.
 
“I had a mental image of a big present being handed to me,” Beth says. “It was time for a change, and I wanted something that would help me feel free to work in the way my soul craved.” 
 
HHA in the Present
According to Beth, the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine are still a vital part of HHA’s foundation. Today, however, there are a number of diverse modalities to help clients find balance: acupuncture, herbal medicine, sound healing, Reiki, Bach Flower Remedies, hypnosis counseling, energy clearing, the Feldenkrais Method, counseling, and guided imagery. 
 
Regardless of the service a client comes in for, HHA’s calm, peaceful environment is something that’s incredibly intentional and designed for optimal healing. It’s also something the practitioners are very protective of, making use of energy work and techniques to clear, harmonize, and rebalance the energy after each client.
 
“In one training course I took, we were asked to create the hospital of the future from the ground up. It really made me think: What would be my vision for a place where you could get back to a harmonious, healthy state while feeling safe, happy, and at ease?” Beth says.
​
That visioning process is evident in HHA’s welcoming, peaceful atmosphere today, with lots of different practices to support all facets of being (emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual).
 
“The energy here is really beautiful, and we’re very protective of it,” Beth says. “It’s a place where you can feel safe and relaxed, where you think, ‘I can be well here.’ I’m thankful everyday that I get to do something I love with people I love and respect.”
 
Safety in the era of COVID
Of course, we can’t reflect on HHA’s journey without mentioning the pandemic. When COVID hit, the need for proactive self-care and immune system support came into clear view more than ever. 
 
Many of our practitioners now offer remote services, and we’ve taken a number of measures to create the safest possible environment for those who prefer in-person sessions. When you come to HHA, often the only other person in our space will be the practitioner. We're located in a quiet building where you generally don't see many people, which cuts down on exposure. Masks are also required for both practitioners and clients.
 
“The best defense against the virus is a strong, healthy immune system,” Beth says. “Our practitioners are brilliant at supporting the immune system and keeping the whole system in harmony. If you’re in good health, the practices we offer can help you stay healthy. If you’re challenged by stress, we can help you get out of your own way and free up your energy to support wellness.”
 
~~~ 
 
Thanks so much for venturing down memory lane with us! It’s been a beautiful journey, and we couldn’t be more grateful for the wonderful community we’ve built over the past nearly 25 years. 
 
If you have any questions or comments, we’d love to hear from you in the comments below. You can also stay connected by following us on Facebook. Wishing you a happy and healthy February!