Unwind Massage & Body Work — Business Feature

  by Rachel Dahl —  Kari Gonzalez is back doing what she loves, and has just opened her new massage therapy practice, Unwind Massage & Body Work. After a few years of adventure, taking classes toward her degree in criminal justice, and serving as a victim advocate in the private sector and for the department of defense at NAS Fallon Kari is now available offering her talents as a massage therapist to the community. “Appropriate human touch is important,” said Kari, “our need for it doesn’t change after we’re infants. She said that touch has become taboo because of our culture but it is an important part of our physical and emotional health. She attended massage school at Nevada Career Academy and graduated in 2004, and practiced massage for five years before going back to school at WNC. She also was able to complete an internship with Dr. Floto after her classes and is grateful for that experience and all she learned. According to Kari, massage therapy is a medical service, but it is also a luxury. “It’s the first thing that goes where budget priorities shift,” she said. She works part-time for the school district, but loves massage therapy because she can be flexible around client schedules and various needs. Kari also blends special oils for her clients, and stays current with continuous education. She says it is important to her to be really aware and listen to the “touch” during a massage. “I need to have a good presence of mind and proper utilization’s of my tools,” she said. “I can lower or raise the table for each clients, and be really aware of whole body experience to give a good massage. I tell people on my Facebook page — don’t be offended if I don’t talk, I will check in I’m listening for your cues.” According to Kari, massage therapists are bound by HIPPA laws for privacy. “If they’re on medication, or have blood clots, skin irritation, certain health conditions that require me to rely on my education — its really important to discuss these things because there are certain conditions that could be complicated by massage.” All her files are located behind a double lock system, behind a door and a special filing system. “It’s really important to me that clients trust me,” said Kari. “I have to earn that — it’s a privilege to me that someone chooses me to work on them.” She is continually amazed at what our bodies can withstand and adapt to and heal. “I’m grateful for what I get to do, and I want to thank my husband, I couldn’t do this without his support.” Kari’s massage business is located inside Bellissima Salon, at 82 N. Maine Street, and she can be reached by phone at 775-315-3128. “I feel honored to be joining the ranks of the really talented massage therapists in this town,” she said.