Meet our team: Kate Oliver Massage Therapist

Kate Oliver is one of the best bodyworkers we know! She is kind, warm and always puts your care first. Kate has an innate ability to feel into YOUR body’s blockages and help them release. You will leave feeling like a better version of yourself.

Kate has a breadth of knowledge and works both in abdominal massage which is great for any womb, menstrual, fertility and woman care. Abdominal massage is also a great way to care for your digestion.

She also does Hendrickson Method which is a method of sports massage that uses a lot of mobility and release movements.

What Kate is…

Watching: Season 2 of “Silo” a dark but interesting exploration of social dynamics and perception, in a post apocalyptic setting. It’s really got me looking at societal norms and how our “unspoken" rules develop. 

Listening: QioLogical Podcast - Episode 396 "Root and Power, Attending the Pelvis" with Krystal Couture. 

An inspiring conversation through the lens of Chinese Medicine and Manual Therapy, regarding the power of the pelvis and the root energy that is housed here. 

I love how the right information can arrive just when we need to hear it

Reading: My latest reading is the second edition of Dr. Hendrickson’s book, "Massage and Manual Therapy for Orthopedic Conditions,” as I am  nearing my end of required Teaching Assisting hours, so that I can take the hands on test to teach the Hendrickson Method! It has been about an 8 year journey and I am very excited to join the small crew of folks who are keeping the lineage alive. 

Dr. Tom Hendrickson is a Bay Area chiropractor, who developed an amazing massage and manual therapy method that he has taught for 40 years. He is currently editing his third edition of his book! 

Three Golden Opportunities

Are you feeling overwhelmed by hormonal imbalances? Are irregular periods, PMS, or birth control challenges disrupting your life?

At our clinic, we believe that women's health needs personalized care. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine offer a holistic approach to supporting you through these challenges. Let's explore how these ancient practices can help restore balance, alleviate symptoms, and empower you to take control of your health.

Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine are potent ways to support you through any hormonal transition. While we live in a Western, productivity focused culture there is a need for all of us to slow down to allow for Yin. When you come in to rest for acupuncture, this is Yin. When you receive care, this is Yin. When you are feeling frazzled or burnt out, you are in need of some Yin.

These are moments in time sometimes the body goes haywire. Connection is lost and disease sets in. These are also moments that you can slow down, to input as much nourishment as possible to help you reset or recharge for your next chapter.

Three Golden Opportunities to care deeply for yourself are -

• Menstruation

• Postpartum

• Perimenopause

The memo is always DON’T BURN OUT. Just as you would not spend your life savings all in one place. Do not “spend” all of your energy in one go. Know to be extra tender with yourself if you are in one of the phases listed above.

If you are tired, your body is talking to you.

If you are not feeling well, your body is talking to you.

If you need help, we are here for you.

Many of our beloved clients go through multiple life chapters with us. Sometimes they pop in and out. One of our favorite ways to support people is at home ritual.

Recommendations -

• Castor Oil Packs - to deepen your Yin. To support your body’s ability to move and cleanse. Talk to your acupuncturist about Liver or Pelvic packs and which is best for you.

• Herbal remedies - custom formulas available for you by your acupuncturist

• Learning - this course on Perimenopause and all the work by The Way Of Yin

If you need support on period health, pregnancy, postpartum, or perimenopause, we are here for you!

Fall Vitality with Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture and Herbs

How do YOU feel in the Fall?

Do you feel renewed and energized?

Do you feel fragile? Do you feel relief from the long and hot days?

Does your immune system receive every virus that passes you by?

Do you feel sensitive and emotionally fragile, navigating the ups and downs of the waning light?

Every season has great importance. Fall is perhaps one of the more challenging for our culture of 2024. In contrast to our cultural drive to work and DO, Fall has a slowness that can be hard to relax into. Along with the actual Back To School time for parents and kids, this energy of getting organized and moving into the season is prevalent for everyone, even outside of school systems.

One great priority this time of year is to avoid illness. Ideally we are working towards vitality even as the light wanes and the temperatures cool. There are many lifestyle tips to adopt to help prevent and minimize illness. When you can deeply embrace the pace of each season life seems to ease up a little bit, even the hardest things can feel more manageable.

Take your Fall wellness herbs to stay healthy this season!

Element - Metal. The metal element carries the energy of discernment. In order to allow metal to do its thing one activity for yourself is organization and letting go. Clean out your closets, start projects, get organized but try not to become rigid in the process. Allowing yourself to create more physical space for yourself can help you to create more health in your body.

Organ systems - Large Intestine & Lung. Two of the biggest elimination and detoxifying organs in the body. Make sure you are having regular bowel movements. (If you need help, ask us or take Magnesium! We have the best available at the clinic). Pay attention to your exhale. The Lungs open to the nose, use your neti pot or Xlear nasal spray to keep your nasal passages clear of dirt, dust, virus and bacteria.

Foods - naturally white foods. Daikon, Pears, potatoes, onion, garlic are all beneficial for the Lungs and Large Intestines. In contrast many inflammatory foods tax our body’s detoxification pathways which can inhibit the strength of our immune systems. An offering we have for you is our ginger garlic sauce. This is homemade with so much love and benefits the Spleen and Lungs (digestive and immune systems) to promote vital health.

Movement - exercise is always important. Fall is one of the most vital times to keep it moving so that you are breathing deeply, sweating and supporting these detoxifying organs. Try not to catch a chill while your pores are open, wear a thin layer while sweating and cover up afterwards!

Herbal Medicine - Preventative is best! One of the most important times to take preventative herbs! Check out our toolkit to stay well.

Treatments - Weekly, bi-weekly or monthly acupuncture can do amazing things to boost your immunity. Soooo important for anyone going to group outings, part of school communities or working in person.

What do I do to stay healthy in the Fall?

• Wear a scarf

• Take your herbs

• Warm it up - cut out the ice, cold treats, salads. Incorporate soups, eat cooked veggies, drink warm drinks

• Care for your skin - keep it clean, exfoliate 1x per week and use a moisturizing soap (like our tallow soap from Summer Solace)

• Breathe deeply

• Go inward - do whatever you do to be with YOU. Exercise, meditation, a cup of tea, lighting a candle or copal. Take time to be truly still and allow whatever is there to be there.

Come visit us and we will help you attune to the season, boost your system for the transitions and support you through your current state. Sending you lots of love and warmth for the Fall season.

Where Did I Go? A workshop to find yourself in the middle of life's chaos

An interactive workshop for busy people eager to reconnect with themselves amidst the chaos of life.

Jamie Greenwood is an incredible person who also happens to be a great facilitator and life coach. Come join her for an evening of self reflection and some time to tap back into yourself.

Register here