Today we’d like to introduce you to Misty Barrios.
Hi Misty , thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started doing this work that I love so deeply 23 years ago. I’m a Board Certified Holistic Health Practitioner, certified in the Gyrotonic Movement Method, and trained as a therapeutic breathwork practitioner. My journey into the healing arts began early—my mother passed away from cancer when I was young, and that experience left a lasting imprint on me. It sparked a lifelong interest in health and a deep desire to help others heal, both physically and emotionally.
I began my practice in 2002 in a tiny single room, offering traditional massage therapy. Over time, my passion and curiosity led me to study more integrative approaches. As my children grew and began their own journeys, I found myself with more space to dive deeper into the work that truly lights me up. I gradually shifted my focus toward the modalities I’m most passionate about—fascia release therapy, energy healing, breathwork, and movement. These approaches allow me to support people in a more holistic way, especially in how we relate to our nervous systems and our overall sense of balance.
In 2012, I opened The Healing Room, which has since grown into a cozy wellness studio. While still intimate in size, it now includes two treatment rooms, halotherapy and sauna rooms, and a dedicated movement space. It really feels like home—a place where people can reconnect with themselves and find nourishment for both the nervous and immune systems. My mission is to guide others toward greater resilience, alignment, and vitality, using a blend of touch, movement, and breath.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
For the most part, it’s been a relatively smooth journey, but like any path worth walking, it’s had its challenges. When I first started, I was a single mom with a toddler, which wasn’t easy—but I was surrounded by incredible friends who supported me. And not long after, I met my amazing husband, who has been a constant source of strength and encouragement. He’s always believed in what I do and has pushed me to continue growing both personally and professionally.
One of the bigger challenges came just before moving into my current location. We discovered a major mold issue in my previous space, which meant I had to find a new home for my practice unexpectedly. It was a stressful time and required a lot of effort—but as is often the case, it turned out to be a gift in disguise. It gave me the opportunity to create a beautiful space of my own vision—one that allowed me to finally incorporate the movement work I had been wanting to bring in.
That shift opened up a whole new path of learning and transformation for me—and ultimately for my clients as well. I truly believe the universe was nudging me toward the next step in my journey, even if it didn’t feel like it at the time.
As you know, we’re big fans of The Healing Room. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
The Healing Room is a wellness space devoted to helping people reconnect with their bodies, breath, and inner calm. It’s a place where healing unfolds gently, intuitively, and holistically. At the heart of the work is a unique integration of bodywork, movement, and breath—blending massage therapy, Gyrotonic movement, therapeutic breathwork, and energy healing to support the nervous system, immune system, and overall well-being.
Beyond nervous system regulation, The Healing Room also serves individuals who are looking to detoxify and build greater resilience—whether they’re recovering from illness, managing chronic stress, or simply seeking to feel stronger and more grounded. Infrared sauna and halotherapy sessions are an essential part of this care, supporting the body in releasing toxins, reducing inflammation, and restoring balance on both a physical and energetic level.
What truly sets The Healing Room apart is its integrative and highly personalized approach. Each session is tailored to the individual, often combining modalities to create a therapeutic experience that honors where someone is in their healing journey. It’s about reconnecting to the body’s innate intelligence and offering practical tools that support healing from the inside out.
The space itself is something I hold with deep pride. It’s cozy, peaceful, and intentionally designed to feel like a sanctuary. With two treatment rooms, a halotherapy and sauna area, and a dedicated movement room, every corner of The Healing Room has been created with love and intention. Clients often share that they feel an immediate sense of calm the moment they walk through the door.
I’m grateful to work alongside a talented and experienced team. We’re a small group—two other highly skilled massage therapists and another movement specialist—each of us with 15 to 25 years of experience in our respective fields. Together, we’ve created a collaborative and nurturing environment where clients feel truly cared for.
Above all, the heart of this work is a belief that healing doesn’t have to be forceful. It can be subtle, layered, and deeply intuitive. Whether someone visits for detox support, breathwork, massage, or gentle movement, the invitation is always the same: to build a more compassionate relationship with their body and nervous system. The Healing Room is about creating space—for release, for reconnection, and for the body to remember how to heal.
What matters most to you?
Aside from my family and my own health—both of which are at the heart of everything I do—what matters most to me is living with purpose, being present for my children, and creating a sense of community and belonging. Losing my mother at a young age shaped so much of who I am. Because of that, being there for my kids, showing up for them in every season of their lives, is something I hold very close. I want to offer them the steady presence I didn’t get to have.
In my work, what matters most is staying true to my purpose—being of service in a way that feels authentic and aligned. It means having the privilege to play even a small role in someone’s healing journey, or simply helping them feel a little more grounded and cared for while they’re with me.
I believe deeply in walking the path I encourage others to walk. That doesn’t mean I always get it right—we’re all human and imperfect—but I try my best to live the life I speak about: one rooted in awareness, compassion, growth, and presence. Continuing to evolve, both personally and professionally, and staying connected to that sense of purpose is what keeps me grounded and inspired.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thehealingroomsandiego.com
- Instagram: @thehealingroomsd
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/healingroomsd
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-healing-room-san-diego?osq=The+Healing+Room
