Explore Services
Please reach out with any questions! I do limit service types per day or per week and I may not be able to change services at the time of appointments.
LYMPHATIC AND
MEDICAL LYMPHATIC
BODYWORK
Lymphatic bodywork is not a traditional massage focused on relieving tension. Instead of pressure, this modality uses gentle, rhythmic sequences that mimic the body’s natural flow to enhance lymph fluid movement, reduce swelling and inflammation, boost immune health, and calm the central nervous system. It requires training to understand lymphatic routes, correct fluid drainage techniques, and alternative lymphatic pathways from trauma or medical procedures. Please reach out with any questions or if you wish to discuss your situation!
60-minute Lymphatic Bodywork - $119
Focused on opening the larger lymphatic pathways in the head, neck, torso, arms, and legs
90-minute Lymphatic Bodywork - $149
Covering front and back of the body
60-minute Medical Lymphatic Bodywork - $119
Focused on managing areas of concern, conditions, or medical procedures
90-minute Medical Lymphatic Bodywork - $149
Covering front and back of the body with focus on areas of concern
Driven by the heart, the circulatory system transports nutrients to cells and collects metabolic waste and old blood cells. The lymphatic system collects waste that cannot be returned to the smaller capillaries including dead cells, larger proteins, fat, abnormal cells, undesirable chemicals, and pathogens, amounting to 1-2 liters daily.
Without a pump, this one-way system battles gravity to collect waste and filter it through lymph nodes before returning to the bloodstream just below the neck for excretion. Lymph nodes play a crucial role in producing white blood cells that combat viruses, bacteria, and abnormal cells, including cancer.
When the lymphatic system is not functioning properly, the body’s ability to transport lymph, fight infections, and drain fluids is compromised, leading to inflammation and illness.
Damage from surgery, radiation, and trauma interferes with lymphatic flow and disrupts the one-way system resulting in swelling, fibrosis, and even lymphedema if not managed properly.
The glymphatic system functions as the lymphatic system in the brain. The rhythmic motions of lymphatic bodywork enhance waste clearance and cognitive function.
Sedentary work and becoming less active as we age slows lymphatic movement causing heaviness in the lower limbs.
Lifestyle factors influence body fat metabolism and can block lymph flow. This increases inflammation and fibrotic tissue in the lymphatic system contributing to metabolic disease and reduced lymphatic function.
Benefits of lymphatic bodywork
*Boost your immune health
*Full body detoxification
*Reduce puffiness, inflammation, and water retention
*Accelerate GLP-1 progress and weight loss
*Increase energy and movement
*Headaches, brain fog, and glymphatic clearing
*Chronic conditions
*Autoimmune conditions and flare-ups
*Digestive issues
*Sinus congestion
*Calm the central nervous system
*Aid in sleep, insomnia, and fatigue
Medical lymphatic bodywork focuses on clearing edema and preventing fibrosis from medical procedures and trauma to the system. This includes opening alternative pathways for major surgery.
*Post-surgical swelling and scar tissue reduction
*Lymphedema
*Lipedema
*Cancer and radiation recovery
*Lymph node removal
*Metabolic syndrome
*C-section, mastectomy
*Hip and knee replacements
*Cosmetic or elective procedures
How often should I get lymphatic bodywork
Any amount of lymphatic bodywork is beneficial for lymphatic function. Always listen to your body. If you feel your lymphatic system is not functioning properly, the best way to get back on track is in a series of 3 sessions within 20 days followed by monthly maintenance.
*First session focuses on clearing stagnant lymph fluid
*Second session allows additional clearing from the fascia and surrounding tissues
*Third session maintains the new momentum of the lymphatic system.
For medical lymphatic massage, you should speak with your doctor to ensure lymphatic bodywork is safe for you. This bodywork can increase the processing of lymph fluid by 30-60% through the lymphatic and circulatory systems as well as filtering through the kidneys and liver.
Medical sessions can include 2-3 per week for several weeks depending on medical procedures and recovery needs. Lymphatic bodywork aids in clearing fluids from surgery sites and reducing inflammation for faster recovery.
Contraindications for lymphatic work and should not be performed:
*Acute inflammation or infection
*Malignant tumors/active cancer
*Major heart problems including congestive heart failure and heart attacks
*Thrombosis/DVT and those at risk of DVT
*Cellulitis
Precautions for lymphatic work and should be cleared by your doctor:
*Kidney issues
*Bronchial asthma
*Thyroid issues
*Chemotherapy
*Pregnancy (first three months)
*Removed spleen
*Recent dental work
*Botox within 4 weeks
*Bad flare-up of auto immune or digestive conditions
The glymphatic system is the lymphatic system in the brain and works similarly by moving with the rhythmic motions of lymphatic bodywork. It works to deliver nutrients and clear waste from the brain into the lymphatic system and process through lymph nodes to exit the body. Some types of waste are harmful if they stay in your brain too long and the glymphatic system is vital in maintaining brain function and long-term health.
Glymphatic clearing is most active during deep sleep. Lymphatic bodywork provides oscillating movements that calms the central nervous system, allowing the body to rest and more easily achieve this stage of sleep, helping prevent neurological disorders. Still under study, an unhealthy glymphatic system can contribute to:
*Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s
*Brain tumors like glioblastoma
*Cognitive decline like memory loss, brain fog, confusion, difficulty problem-solving, and changes in mood or behavior
*Diabetes 3
Diabetes 3
Type 3 diabetes or diabetes of the brain is still being studied and is not an officially recognized medical condition. Impaired insulin signaling in the brain contributes to brain imbalance and insulin resistance. Brain insulin signaling plays a small role in the central nervous system glucose regulation as a whole but has a significant impact on the brain’s metabolic health for cognitive function and normal food intake.
Insulin resistance in the brain reduces its ability to regulate appetite control and metabolism, distorts satiety leading to increased food intake and cravings, and drives food-seeking behavior in highly palatable foods.
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PERFECT BLEND
BODYWORK
Combining the best elements of lymphatic and therapeutic bodywork for ultimate relaxation and recharge.
60-minute Perfect Blend - $109
Therapeutic work on the back to relieve tension with soothing lymphatic work on the front of the body to clear the larger lymphatic pathways
90-minute Perfect Blend - $139
Therapeutic work on the back and glutes to relieve tension, transitioning to reflexology and lymphatic work on the front of the body to clear the larger lymphatic pathways
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THERAPEUTIC
BODYWORK
Therapeutic bodywork is what most consider the traditional massage. This modality uses lotion to glide along fascia and target areas of tension using different modalities like myofascial relaxation, deep tissue, SMRT, and trigger point work. Sessions include a mix of modalities best suited to address areas of concern.
This bodywork promotes overall well-being for muscle pain, stress, tension, and anxiety to help calm the nervous system, restore the body and mind, and ease overworked muscles from daily life and work.
60-minute Therapeutic Session - $99
Focus on a few areas of the body
Full body work requires 90 minutes
90-minute Therapeutic Session - $129
Full body relaxation addressing areas of concern
Myofascial work is sustained, gentle pressure allowing facial restrictions to reset with increased blood flow and enhanced circulation for improved support and mobility.
Your fascia is one continuous structure connected to muscles, bones, and nerves. It becomes tight and loses flexibility from things like trauma or injury, compressed nerves, dehydration, or repetitive movements, leading to pain and impacted range of motion.
Throughout the therapeutic session, firmer pressure can be used on areas and muscle groups of tension to help relax tight muscles and reset muscle function. Trigger point is firmer pressure used on ‘knots’ or buildup of muscle fiber tension from repetitive movements or overworked muscles. Together, they help break down those barriers of tension along the muscle to restore blood flow and circulation.
SMRT provides a gentler approach to releasing muscle tension and connective tissue imbalance. Moving strained tissue into a position of ease, usually in the same direction it’s strained, to provide that release and restoration. This technique can be used for targeted areas like individual muscle fibers and larger areas of connective tissue causing that dull, achy feeling.
One session likely won’t alleviate the tension or stress that has formed in your body over weeks, months, and years. If your goals are to really work on those tension areas, set up a few sessions to start.
Regular maintenance will improve muscle memory and keep your body running efficiently between appointments. Always listen to your body and treat yourself to 60 or 90 minutes of relaxation.
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REIKI
Reiki is not a traditional massage focused on relieving tension. It is a Japanese form of energy healing by gently placing hands on the body to balance the body and mind.
60-minute Reiki - $99
Focus on the front or back of the body
90-minute Reiki - $129
Covers front and back of the body
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“Made the decision to invest in myself and booked the lymphatic massage. I immediately noticed a reduction in inflammation and heaviness in my body and felt more energized. This is now part of my monthly routine!” - Beth, 36
“Received a recommendation to Sarah for my cancer recovery. I experienced fluid buildup after surgery and radiation. She listened to me, explained what she was doing, and showed me how to help maintain lymph flow between appointments.” -Grace, 48
“Sarah has helped with my chronic pain for years. As my pain changes, so do her techniques for successful management.” -Dave, 54
“The only massage therapist that actually works on my tension areas and listens to what my needs are each session. She addresses tension I didn’t know I had without being intrusive!” -Julie, 27
“I had a hip replacement a few years ago and nothing helped with my mobility and pain. I was referred to Sarah and haven’t looked back since! My balance and functionality have been restored and I’m back to working without pain.” -Dwayne, 58
Your Therapist
I grew up in the Des Moines area and attended Iowa State and UNI for my bachelor’s in business management. I like to say my money went to Iowa State and the piece of paper came from UNI! My background in operations and program management fueled my interest in learning how things operate and function. Helping heal an old soccer injury for years, I found massage therapy.
I graduated from Aveda with my Massage Therapy License in 2015 and went on to pass the National Licensing Exam. While in and out of the corporate world, I always found time for massage. I started my massage practice in Clive before relocating to the Kansas City area where I joined a small town massage business while I worked on a project.
When I moved back to Iowa, I knew I wanted to keep that small-town feel and I found a suite in Norwalk with Safe Spaces Mental Health (she’s amazing!). I love getting to know the community and I feel so welcomed by everyone here.
My clients are the best form of continuing education and I learn so much from each of you. From autoimmune conditions, surgeries and injuries, cancer recovery, and pain management, everyone experiences discomfort and healing differently.
With Iowa having one of the highest cancer diagnosis rates in the US, I plan to continue my oncology training.
There have been many highs and lows in running a business over the years with plenty of lessons learned and some good laughs. When I first started, I wanted to be everyone’s massage therapist of choice. It took me a few years to really start developing the massage and bodywork services I enjoy doing and I’m still adding to and modifying services as time goes on. I enjoy partnering with massage therapists, chiropractors, physical therapists, and other professionals to help find the best solutions for each client. We all do different things!