1400 North Halsted Street, Chicago, Illinois 60642, United States
Minority Owned Massage Therapy in Chicago
Book online for acupuncture and massage in Lincoln Park/Old Town area provided by Dr. Yvette K. Clay.
Soft Tissue Muscle Manipulation
Thyme In Massage Chicago, LLC is dedicated to helping every patient return to their optimal condition. Dr. Yvette Clay, a licensed massage therapist since 2009 and graduate of the Chicago School of Massage Therapy-Cortiva Institute, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her practice. In 2007, she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing-Sales from Bradley University. Recently, she completed her Acupuncture Certification in Spring 2023 from Midwest College of Oriental Medicine in Skokie, IL, followed by her Doctorate of Acupuncture in Winter 2023 from Pacific College of Health and Science in San Diego, CA.
Dr. Clay has a proven track record in assisting patients across all levels of physical activity, particularly in the areas of trauma massage and acupuncture in Chicago. With extensive clinical experience working alongside chiropractors and in a full-service gym and wellness center, she offers a comprehensive consultation to create personalized treatment plans. Whether you’re seeking acupuncture and massage in Lincoln Park or acupuncture and massage in Old Town, Dr. Clay emphasizes clear communication throughout each session to foster wellness and recovery.
At Thyme In Massage Chicago, LLC, our mission is to enhance and maintain every patient’s overall body wellness. We reject the philosophy of 'pain equals gain.' Instead, we focus on listening to the body and working collaboratively with patients to ensure effective and positive sessions. Pressure is adjusted according to each patient’s response to the techniques, emphasizing the effectiveness of our services in both massage and acupuncture. As a proud black-owned massage and acupuncture practice, we are committed to providing exceptional care tailored to your needs.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is the practice of inserting needles into specific points on the body to activate and move Qi (the body's energy). These needles, which are very thin—about the size of a strand of hair—may cause a small pinch upon insertion. It is important to note that needles are NOT inserted directly into muscle, as acupuncture is NOT the same as dry needling, which you might find offered at facilities providing acupuncture and massage in Lincoln Park or Old Town.
Dry needling is a technique employed by physical therapists and healthcare professionals to treat myofascial trigger points—hyperirritable spots in muscle associated with tight bands of muscle fibers. The aim of dry needling is to relieve pain, improve range of motion, and restore function by targeting these trigger points directly with a thin, filiform needle. The needle induces a local twitch response, or an involuntary contraction of the muscle fibers, assisting in releasing the muscle knots, improving blood flow, and decreasing pain.
Acupuncture, a central element of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practiced for thousands of years, is founded on the concept of Qi, considered the life energy flowing along meridians in the body. The intention of acupuncture is to balance the flow of Qi by inserting needles at specific acupuncture points, strategically located along these meridians. This practice promotes healing, reduces pain, and restores overall body balance. Practitioners, such as Dr. Yvette Clay in Chicago, insert thin needles based on a TCM diagnosis, potentially influencing neurological, hormonal, and immune responses.
Did you know the Black Panthers used acupuncture to support communities in need? To learn more, check out this enlightening video, which you can fast forward to the 5:45 timestamp, although I recommend watching from the start.
Additionally, treatments can include modalities such as cupping (fire suction cupping), Gua Sha (which involves using a smooth-edged tool to scrape areas of inflammation or stagnant Qi to improve circulation), and electrical stimulation, creating a holistic approach to wellness that may also incorporate trauma massage and acupuncture in Chicago.
My Story
In early 2024, I became pregnant with my 2nd child. 6 weeks later when I wiped after urinating, I saw the blood on the toilet paper. After no heartbeat was detected, I used acupuncture to assist in the expulsion of the fetus and uterine tissue from my body instead of having a D and C procedure. This was primarily due to the possibility of bleeding out and needing a blood transfusion during the procedure as my 1st child was born via Cesarean section. It took 2 months of continuous acupuncture to move everything out of my body and I was cleared to try to get pregnant again.
Unfortunately, my post partum returned in an ugly manner and I was constantly full of rage, lashing out at my partner and daughter. I felt guilty that I was angry, frustrated dealing with acupuncture studies and running my business and overwhelmed raising a two year old at potty training time. I begged my partner for help in various ways, without receiving any thus becoming even angrier. Eventually life events would happen and I sought talk therapy which helped give me the tools to effectively help myself get better.
I should have sought acupuncture and massage therapy to help relieve the muscular tension related to my grief, anxiety and emotional imbalance, but I did not.
This is why my practice is geared to help those dealing with ptsd, grief and trauma. It can have a negative effect on the body and nervous system, disrupting the homeostasis within your body.
Thyme In Massage Chicago LLC offers a judgement free, safe space to heal tension held in the body internally (using acupuncture) and externally (using massage therapy) to alleviate pain. I look forward to helping you on your healing journey.
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. I want my clients, whether they're seeking acupuncture and massage in Lincoln Park or acupuncture and massage in Old Town, to always be ready for anything life throws at them. Instead of taking a timeout, my goal is for clients to get back to their best selves and say thyme in. As a black-owned massage and acupuncture practice, I also am proud to highlight services like trauma massage and acupuncture in Chicago, providing tailored care for all. *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
For those seeking quality acupuncture and massage in Lincoln Park or Old Town, Dr. Yvette Clay in Chicago specializes in trauma massage and acupuncture, proudly offering services at her black-owned practice.