Our Services

Offerings

Footbaths
Footbaths are baths with herbs and salts steeped in water, meant to soothe and cleanse the feet (and calm the body as a whole). The herbs in our footbaths serve many purposes, ranging from anti-fungals and anti-bacterias to vulneraries (which can help heal small wounds), muscle relaxants, increasing circulation to simply smelling nice. Footbaths can be cold, warm, or hot, depending on what feels best to you. After soaking for fifteen minutes, one of the Lake Effect volunteers will dry your feet and massage them with a salve.

Herbalism
Herbalism is the practice of using plants for health and healing. Herbalism is used in both prevention and treatment of illnesses, and generally applies an integrated view of physical, mental, emotional, and even spiritual health.

A typical meeting with an herbalist will last about an hour to an hour and a half. Meetings take place in a confidential space with you and the herbalist. During this time, you can discuss health concerns you have, or aspects of your health and well-being that youʼd like to change or learn more about. The herbalist will often ask about a variety of topics related to your health (such as feelings, lifestyle, sleep, or diet) to try to get the fullest picture possible of you as a complete being. The conversation will also include discussion of strategies for a health plan, which may include the use of herbs. Depending on the health questions involved or your desires, work may continue over a series of appointments.

Massage
Massages at Lake Effect are fifteen to twenty-minute-long back-rubs that take place fully clothed. Massage is proven to be beneficial for a number of health-related reasons, including pain relief, relaxing over-used muscles, enhancing the bodyʼs immune system, and even lessening depression and anxiety.

Before a typical Lake Effect massage, the practitioner will help you into a massage chair, and adjust the chair so it is comfortable for your body. Next, the massage therapist will ask you which areas you would like to focus on - for instance, upper, middle or lower back, shoulders, neck, head, arms, or hands. You can also choose to have no focus at all! After that, the massage therapist will also ask you what kind of pressure you would like - how hard or soft they should work on your back. Contrary to popular belief, a good massage does not have to hurt in order to help; let the massage therapist know a comfortable pressure for you. If youʼve never had a massage before and donʼt know, donʼt worry! The massage therapist will work with you to find one that feels good.

Reiki
Reiki sessions at the clinic last one hour, and it is generally best to schedule them in advance. The word "Reiki" comes from the joining of two Japanese words "Rei" and "Ki". "Rei" is defined as universal spiritual consciousness, and "Ki" is the energy that runs through each of us. Reiki is therefore defined as "spiritually guided life energy". During a Reiki session, the client usually lays on a massage table with eyes closed. The Reiki practitioner administers Reiki through the hands into the client's energy field. Some Reiki practitioners lightly touch the client, while others work in the energy field directly above the client. The result is a balancing of the energy system, which promotes the body's natural healing abilities, and leaves the client relaxed and revitalized.

Polarity Therapy
Polarity Therapy is a system of holistic healing based on the ancient Indian principles of Ayurveda. It combines bodywork, exercises and dietary/lifestyle suggestions to offer clients a way of reconnecting with their own inherent state of wellness. The bodywork uses various techniques such as palpating, rocking, and applying pressure to specific points (polarities) to signal one’s energy to release blockages and reset back into its natural patterns of balance. The exercise & dietary recommendations are intended to encourage the continued flow of energy along a path of wellbeing. Clients often experience relaxation and rejuvenation during and following Polarity sessions, and many undergo lasting positive shifts in many facets of their lives.

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