Integrative medicine practitioners offer personal journey programs to community members with a goal towards health and healing. Therapeutic and "spa" massage are available to help in healing areas of physical discomfort and/or to relaxation and release stress. Clinical hypnotherapy assists in developing awareness of and releasing unhealthy habits and negative behavior patterns, as well as a way to find relief from pain or emotional trauma.

The Education, Stress Reduction & Relaxation Clinic, as well as support groups are held in the Integrative Healing House.

Visit the Integrative Healing House and discover how our facility promotes individual well-being on many different levels.

You can reach us by calling: (707) 262-5171

Massage Therapy

Massage therapy is recognized as one of the oldest methods of healing, with references in medical texts nearly 4,000 years old. In fact, Hippocrates, known as the "father of medicine," referenced massage when he wrote, in the 4th century B.C.: "The physician must be acquainted with many things, and assuredly with rubbing."

Now days, in addition to "rubbing," massage therapy, often referred to as bodywork or somatic therapy, refers to the application of various techniques to the muscular structure and soft tissues of the body that include applying fixed or movable pressure, holding, vibration, rocking, friction, kneading and compression using primarily the hands, although massage therapists do use other areas of the body, such as the forearms, elbows or feet. All of the techniques are used for the benefit of the musculoskeletal, circulatory-lymphatic, nervous, and other systems of the body. In fact, massage therapy positively influences the overall health and well-being of the client.

Physical and Mental Benefits

• relaxes the whole body
• loosens tight muscles
• relieves tired and aching muscles
• increases flexibility and range of motion
• diminishes chronic pain
• calms the nervous system
• lowers blood pressure
• lowers heart rate
• enhances skin tone
• assists in recovery from injuries and illness
• strengthens the immune system
• reduces tension headaches
• reduces mental stress
• improves concentration
• promotes restful sleep
• aids in mental relaxation

Demand for Massage Therapy
The massage therapy profession and the public’s use of massage continue to grow in quantity as well as quality. The most significant growth is in medical practitioners’ and consumers’ interest in and appreciation for massage therapy as an effective integrative and complementary modality. Mainstream acceptance of massage therapy continues its strong trend.

Statistics about Health Care and Massage Therapy
~ Health Industry Today reports the cost of health care in the United States is estimated to reach $2.2 trillion by 2008 from $1.6 trillion in 1998.

~ According to an American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) analysis of a study by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 1993, consumers spend approximately $4 billion to $6 billion a year on visits to massage therapists – approximately 27% of the $21.2 billion spent on unconventional healthcare in 1997 (Eisenberg).

~ Caravan Opinion Research Corporation International, in an August 1999 Public Attitude Study reports a total of 27% of the adult U.S. population reports having massages in the past 5 years,
15% in the past 12 months.

~ Consumers visit massage therapists 114 million times each year - about 18% of the 629 million annual visits to alternative healthcare providers.

~ Massage therapy is sought by large numbers of people in all age brackets.

Certified Massage Therapists

Our professional staff knows that massage therapy can positively affect your health and well being. It has been known to help manage a variety of conditions, such as: allergies, arthritis, asthma/bronchitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, chronic and temporary pain, circulatory problems, digestive disorders, fibromyalgia, headache, insomnia, myofascial pain, range of motion, sinusitis, sports injuries, stress, and tempromandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ).

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Carol Hoffman, brings over four years experience as a massage therapist to the spa. Her professional approach is a synergy of aromatherapy, herbal wraps, hot stone, Swedish, triggor, deep tissue, and Esalon massage as well as effleurage and stretches. Not limited to any single modality she offers personalized techniques to each client. Carol has developed her own line of healing products made with lavender oil organically grown at Jim Fetzer's biodynamic vinegardens. Her attractive products include lotions, spritzers, massage oils, essential oils, and scrubs. Carol proudly offers customized creations.

Hypnotherapy and Reiki


What is hypnotherapy?
For those of you unfamiliar with hypnotherapy, this modality offers assistance with not only weight and smoking, but also with anxiety disorders & panic attacks, phobias and any other dis-ease that have a mental or emotional component. People have used it in preparation for surgery, pain control, to improve recall for test taking, to gain insight into a troublesome behavior; very nearly anything.

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What is Reiki?
Reiki is a natural touch healing modality that facilitates self-healing through the laying on of hands over the energy centers of the body. It is effective in promoting relaxation, the relief of pain, and providing a generalized sense of well-being.

• Healing Touch

Healing Touch Clinic

Healing Touch is an energy based approach to self-healing by using touch to bring balance to the body, mind and spirit.

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