Natalie graduated in 2007 from Reed College with a major in psychology. A year later, she rekindled her interest in massage therapy and completed her massage training at East West College. She believes that massage therapy is key to finding balance in the body and, ultimately, in life.

Finding Balance

Experts estimate that upwards of ninety percent of disease is stress related. How does this happen? Humans respond to stress by activating the sympathetic nervous system - the "fight or flight" response. Our heart rate and blood pressure increase. Proper digestion and immune function take a backseat. We can't focus properly. The mind gets overwhelmed. The body can't accomplish what it needs to because it's constantly in combat mode. Unfortunately, this is too often becoming our normal state.

But massage helps to stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system - the "rest and digest" response. The effects of this can be huge and widespread throughout the entire body. Decrease in stress and anxiety. Higher energy. Better sleep. Deeper breathing. Increased digestive functioning. Stronger immune system. Improvement in cardiovascular health.

Healing

Of course, one can't overlook the effects of massage on the muscles and soft tissue it directly manipulates. Massage can help to reduce muscle pain, improve posture and balance, and speed up recovery from injuries by properly managing scar tissue and improving joint range of motion.

Different Populations

Natalie works with younger-than-average clients on a regular basis. As anyone who’s ever had a massage could testify, the benefits of just a simple, caring touch are huge: relaxation, internal balance, a positive self-image, just to name a few. Massage is about more than just fixing problems, and these benefits extend to all ages and circumstances. Some children do need extra care, though, whether they are recovering from a sports injury or managing a lifelong illness. Just like in the adult population, the benefits of massage therapy for the pediatric population are widespread and profound.

Oregon License #17001