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Acupuncture

Craniosacral Therapy

Craniosacral therapy (CST) is a gentle, hand-on method of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of a physiological body system called the craniosacral system, which is comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. In traditional CST, practitioners release restrictions in the craniosacral system to improve the functioning of the centr... Read More

Craniosacral therapy (CST) is a gentle, hand-on method of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of a physiological body system called the craniosacral system, which is comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. In traditional CST, practitioners release restrictions in the craniosacral system to improve the functioning of the central nervous system.

Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture

Reiki

Reiki is a Japanese modality of energy healing that uses gentle, non-invasive touch to help guide the body (physically, energetically, mentally, and emotionally) towards harmony. Though each experience is unique, Reiki treatment is often used for stress reduction, pain reduction, and those seeking relaxation, clarity, and a sense of ease and connection.

Thai Massage

Thai massage is a unique form of bodywork that combines acupressure, yoga-like stretching, and assisted deep stretching to promote physical and energetic balance. During a Thai massage, the recipient lies on a padded mat on the floor while the practitioner uses their hands, feet, elbows, and knees to apply pressure and stretch the body. The therapist uses rhythmic compressions along energy ... Read More

Thai massage is a unique form of bodywork that combines acupressure, yoga-like stretching, and assisted deep stretching to promote physical and energetic balance.

During a Thai massage, the recipient lies on a padded mat on the floor while the practitioner uses their hands, feet, elbows, and knees to apply pressure and stretch the body. The therapist uses rhythmic compressions along energy lines (known as Sen lines) to release blockages and stimulate the flow of energy throughout the body. Thai massage is performed fully clothed and minimal oils or lotions are typically used.

Therapeutic Massage Therapy

Therapeutic massage refers to the application of various massage techniques with the goal of addressing your specific health concerns, conditions and goals. The specific techniques used in therapeutic massage can vary depending on your needs and our therapists’ expertise. Some common techniques include Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, trigger point therapy, myofascial release and sports ... Read More

Therapeutic massage refers to the application of various massage techniques with the goal of addressing your specific health concerns, conditions and goals. The specific techniques used in therapeutic massage can vary depending on your needs and our therapists’ expertise. Some common techniques include Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, trigger point therapy, myofascial release and sports massage. Therapeutic massage can provide many benefits including pain relief, stress reduction, improved circulation, increased range of motion, and rehabilitation from injury.

CBD Enhanced Therapeutic Massage

CBD is a non-intoxicating compound found in cannabis plants, and it is known for its potential therapeutic benefits. During a CBD Therapeutic Massage, our therapists use CBD-infused oil or lotion on the skin and incorporate it into massage techniques. As CBD is absorbed, it interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating various physiological processes. C... Read More

CBD is a non-intoxicating compound found in cannabis plants, and it is known for its potential therapeutic benefits. During a CBD Therapeutic Massage, our therapists use CBD-infused oil or lotion on the skin and incorporate it into massage techniques. As CBD is absorbed, it interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating various physiological processes.

CBD is believed to have anti-inflammatory, analgesic and relaxing properties. It can also help reduce muscle soreness, relieve tension, promote relaxation and provide a sense of overall well-being.

Dynamic Cupping Therapeutic Massage

Dynamic Cupping Therapeutic Massage combines the use of massage and cupping therapy. Cupping therapy involves placing cups on the skin to create suction, which helps mobilize blood flow, release muscle tension, and promote healing. The cups are typically moved along the body using gliding or sliding motions, or they may be left in place for a short period. This technique can be used on vario... Read More

Dynamic Cupping Therapeutic Massage combines the use of massage and cupping therapy. Cupping therapy involves placing cups on the skin to create suction, which helps mobilize blood flow, release muscle tension, and promote healing. The cups are typically moved along the body using gliding or sliding motions, or they may be left in place for a short period. This technique can be used on various body parts, such as the back, shoulders, legs or arms.

Dynamic Cupping Therapeutic Massage can help release fascial restrictions, reduce muscle tension, and stimulate the lymphatic system. Benefits include increased circulation, muscle relaxation, improved range of motion, pain relief, relaxation and stress reduction.

Herbal Therapy

Susan Carter
(She/Her/Hers) L.Ac., Dipl. O.M.

Susie Carter is a Licensed Acupuncturist and Herbalist certified by the State Medical Board of Ohio, the California Acupuncture Board (CAB) and the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). Her approach offers a unique blend of acupuncture, herbal medicine and nutritional guidance that is deeply attuned to the needs and desires of each patient.

Susie began her graduate studies at the New England School of Acupuncture in Boston, Massachusetts and completed her degree in San Francisco at the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Since earning her license, she has completed extensive trainings with Sharon Weizenbaum in all stages of women’s health including menstruation, fertility, pregnancy, postpartum and menopause and is currently a member Heiner Freuhauf’s advanced herbal medicine program. As an acupuncturist, she has worked in a diverse array of settings. One of her favorites was the Charlotte Maxwell Integrative Cancer Clinic, an organization providing integrated medical care and support services to underserved women with cancer.

Susie strives to provide compassionate care that is both gentle and effective and is grateful for the opportunity to share with her patients a comprehensive system of healthcare that provides lasting results and ongoing relief.

Susie Carter is a Licensed Acupuncturist and Herbalist certified by the State Medical Board of Oh... Read More

Jessica Julian LMT

Jessica Julian, LMT was interested in things related to body and healing since childhood. She was first exposed to yoga in 2000, and the practice along with meditation became an important part of her life. She received Reiki 1 certification in 2002, but did not go further into bodywork for several years.

After pursuing her undergraduate and graduate education to become a licensed social worker, she entered the therapeutic world as a talk therapist. She enjoyed her work, but the stress of the field necessitated her leaving to heal her own vicarious trauma. She began receiving Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy (BCST) and through this transformative time became committed to understanding the deeper levels of stress, trauma and self-regulating abilities of the nervous system.

In 2010, she had the opportunity to start training in BCST with Gary Peterson, RCST at his STAR Institute and in 2011 entered Cuyahoga Community College’s massotherapy program to become a licensed massage therapist. To date, she has completed over 500 hours of training in BCST and has completed two 40 hour trainings in Northern-style Thai-Yoga Massage. She has a lot of passion for all therapies that help the mind-body to be more coherent and healthy and aims to use her comprehensive approach to benefit clients’ personal needs.

Jessica Julian, LMT was interested in things related to body and healing since childhood. She wa... Read More

Karen M Mastrangelo MS, LAc

Karen holds a Master of Science degree in Traditional Oriental Medicine from the prestigious Pacific College of Oriental Medicine. She is a Licensed Acupuncturist (L.Ac.) in Ohio and is nationally certified as a Diplomat of Oriental Medicine (Diplo. OM) by the National Certification Commision for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM).

Karen interned extensively in integrative medical centers in California including Rady Children’s hospital where she specialized in cancer care and chronic pain as well as the UCSD Free Clinics Project, working with veterans suffering from PTSD. Before returning to Cleveland, she was a private practitioner at the Pacific Center of Health in San Diego along side some of the most respected acupuncturists in the country. She is a general practitioner with a focus on pain management, internal medicine, neurological disorders, cancer care, psycho-emotional issues, and orthopedics.

Karen became involved in acupuncture after extensive training in Chinese martial arts in New York City under the teaching of Master Fukui Yang. She has competed in Tai Chi and Xin Yi Five Element forms. Having experienced the impact of Chinese health practices, including acupuncture treatments, she returned to her hometown of Cleveland in 2013 in order to share her knowledge about how Traditional Chinese Medicine can prevent ailments and improve health and well-being. She encourages her patients to participate and to proactively work through exercise and wellness planning to relieve pain and other dis-ease they might have, to restore their overall health and renew their bodies and quality of life.

Karen holds a Master of Science degree in Traditional Oriental Medicine from the prestigious Paci... Read More

Juice McKenna
(They/Them/Theirs) LMT

Juice is an LMT, a Gestalt Coach, movement trainer, Reiki practitioner, and mediator. For 14 years they have been offering physiological informed massages that combine Neuromuscular and Myofascial techniques, intuitive motion, and nourishing relaxation. With heavy emphasis on anatomy, movement, and somatic well being, massages are both medical and deep – encouraging tissues to enter places that seem challenging and rich. They are particularly drawn to the head, neck, jaw, shoulders,and the frontal fascial line when working to treat TMJ dysfunction, breathing issues, migraines, thoracic outlet syndrome, injuries, and general body tension.

With years of continuing education, including Thomas Myers Anatomy Trains, they adapt and integrate new science and holistic ways of thinking about the body into sessions. Using a collaborative and Gestalt lens, Juice incorporates the importance of self-awareness, basic needs, and the individual’s varying environments and community when working with and holding space for clients.

Always welcoming LGBTQ+ folks, bodies of all shapes and abilities, and those experiencing chronic pain to the table, we co-create sessions that are safe and deeply accepting.

Juice works privately as a Gestalt Professional Certified Coach and wellness facilitator, hosts Long Breakfast retreats, conflict-resolution workshops, and is civically active in their community.

Juice is an LMT, a Gestalt Coach, movement trainer, Reiki practitioner, and mediator. For 14 year... Read More

Fern Milacci MS, LAc

Brittany “Fern” Milacci is a Licensed Acupuncturist and a Diplomat of Oriental Medicine, indicating certification by the NCCAOM in Acupuncture, BioMedicine, and Chinese Medical Theory. Fern earned her Master’s Degree in Chinese Medicine from the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine.

Fern specializes in trigger point release therapy designed to help with chronic pain, muscle spasms, migraines, & acute injuries. She is also passionate about general women’s health & fertility, digestive disorders, stress management & immune support care. She utilizes an array of Eastern healing modalities including acupuncture, cupping, electro-acupuncture, guasha, moxibustion & diet and lifestyle modifications to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

In addition, she has treated individuals undergoing acute drug and alcohol detoxification and patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer using NADA’s Five Needle Protocol (5NP).

Fern is also a practitioner of Zen Shiatsu, a gentle, yet powerful form of Japanese massage that accesses the acupuncture meridians via pressure therapy.

Brittany “Fern” Milacci is a Licensed Acupuncturist and a Diplomat of Oriental Medicine, indicati... Read More

Lauren Porochonski
(She/Her/Hers) LMT

Lauren is a multifaceted massage therapist who draws from many modalities to create the most effective and therapeutic sessions for her clients. She has been an LMT for 10 years, and is always eager to learn more. She uses highly specialized and focused techniques to increase range of motion and reduce chronic pain for athletes and desk jockeys alike. Her favorite modalities include: Neuromuscular (Trigger Point) Therapy, Sports Massage, Cupping , Prenatal and Medical Massage. Her favorite thing about her practice is seeing notable differences in a client’s posture, the way they move, and the loving relationship they build with self overtime through regular massage therapy. Lauren strives to hold safe and sacred space for all clients, and may also incorporate relaxation techniques in addition to her therapeutic style. These can include grounding breathwork or Reiki, to further soothe the nervous system. She is currently studying the Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Massage, and is excited to offer it soon.

Lauren also has her bachelor’s of Science In Public Health from Kent State, and her love of health education and anatomy shines through her sessions. She also completed an internship for Herbal Medicine at Herb Pharm in 2013, and is passionate about the use of botanicals for health. Lauren genuinely believes everyone deserves to have access to holistic health. Recently, she started working on a side project called “ Wanda the Wellness Bus,” to accomplish her accessibility aim through community care.

Lauren is a multifaceted massage therapist who draws from many modalities to create the most effe... Read More

Hayleigh Robertson LMT

Trained in massage therapy, yoga, reiki, and craniosacral therapy, Hayleigh’s approach to healing can best be described as energetic bodywork. An artist at heart, Hayleigh often brings poetic meditations and visualization into her bodywork, and sound healing into her reiki sessions. Her non-judgemental attitude helps clients feel safe, and her graceful touch and soothing pace helps them feel nurtured. She loves helping caretakers prioritize their own care, helping creatives release inner blocks and outer stresses, and helping folks with hectic busy-ness create space and rest. You can see her in the clinic on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays.

Trained in massage therapy, yoga, reiki, and craniosacral therapy, Hayleigh’s approach to healing... Read More

Megan Scott

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Located at: 2306 W. 17th Street , Suite 1, Cleveland
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Need Help? 216-862-9208 hello.acupuncturefirst@gmail.com