1400 North Halsted Street, Chicago, Illinois 60642, United States
Minority owned & Safe Space offering Acupuncture & Massage in Lincoln Park
Book Online for:
Acupuncture or Soft Tissue Muscle Manipulation Therapy
Soft Tissue Muscle Manipulation
Thyme In Massage Chicago, LLC aims to get every patient back to their peak condition. Dr. Yvette (E-vet) Karea (Kah-Ray) Clay has been a Licensed Massage Therapist since 2009 (Graduate of Chicago School of Massage Therapy-Cortiva Institute). She obtained her Bachelors of Science degree in Marketing-Sales from Bradley University in 2007, her Acupuncture Certification in Spring 2023 from Midwest College of Oriental Medicine - Skokie, IL and her Doctorate of Acupuncture in Winter 2023 from Pacific College of Health and Science- San Diego, CA.
Dr. Clay has assisted in the recovery of patients engaged in all levels of physical activity. She has an extensive clinical background having worked with chiropractors for much of her massage therapy career. Some time was also spent working a full service gym and wellness center. Her career experience allows for a more in depth consultation and treatment plan to best suit your needs. Whether you receive acupuncture or massage therapy, communication is also maintained throughout the session to aid in wellness and recovery.
Thyme In Massage Chicago, LLC's mission is to help patients improve and maintain their state of total body wellness. The philosophy of 'pain equals gain' is NOT practiced at Thyme In Massage Chicago, LLC. Instead, the philosophy of listening to the patients' body and working with the patient to have an effective, positive session is practiced. Pressure is applied based on how the patients' body responds to the techniques applied.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is the practice of inserting needles into specific points on the body to activate and move Qi (the body's energy). Needles are very thin, about the size of a strand of hair, and may cause a small pinch upon insertion. Needles are NOT inserted directly into muscle as Acupuncture is NOT the same as dry needling.
"Dry Needling is a technique used by physical therapists and other healthcare professionals to treat myofascial trigger points —hyperirritable spots in muscle that are associated with tight bands of muscle fibers. The goal is to relieve pain, improve range of motion, and restore function by targeting these trigger points directly. The health care professional inserts a thin, filiform needle directly into the trigger point. The needle causes a local twitch response, an involuntary contraction of the muscle fibers. The response and contraction helps release the knot in muscles, which improves blood flow, and decreases pain.
Acupuncture, a key component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TMC) that has been practiced for thousands of years, is based on the concept of Qi, which is considered the life energy that flows through the body along meridians. The aim of acupuncture is to balance the flow of Qi by inserting needles at specific acupuncture points, which are located along these meridians. In addition, this practice aims to promote healing, reduce pain, and restore overall balance in the body. Practitioners insert thin needles into acupuncture points based on a TCM diagnosis. Researchers believe that the mechanism influences neurological, hormonal, and immune responses.."
Source: https://evoptrehab.com/dry-needling-vs-acupuncture/
Did you know that the Black Panthers used acupuncture to help communities in need?
Check out this video below. You can fast forward to 5:45 timestamp, but I suggest watching the whole video.
https://youtu.be/4e7gm5JZc9M?si=RHy9QoC3uSLX6y8w
Treatments can include: Cupping (fire suction cupping), Gua Sha (using a smooth-edged tool to gently scrape areas of inflammation or stagnant Qi to help improve circulation and promote healing) or electrical stimulation.
Business Name Origin
Thyme In Massage Chicago, LLC derived its name by combining two main components:
1) The herb Thyme has proven to boost immunity, lower blood pressure and improve digestive health.
2) The reference 'timeout' in sports relates to taking a break and I want my clients to always be ready for anything life throws at them. Instead of taking a timeout, I want my clients to get back to their best self and say thyme in.
*Source: https://www.medicinenet.com/what_is_thyme_good_for/article.htm
Professional Organizations
American Massage Therapy Association - 2009
American Acupuncture Council - 2025
Massage Therapy License - 227009937
Acupuncture License - 198011970
NPI - 1760323638