New Northborough business promotes health and well being
By Liz Nolan, Contributing Writer
Business Name: AcuMassage Therapeutic Massage Center
Address: 37 South Street, Northborough
Manager: Ruifang Schaetzke
Contact Information: 508-393-1240
Website: www.acumassage-ma.com
AcuMassage’s manager Ruifang Schaetzke brings 15 years of massage therapist experience to the new Northborough business which opened on April 1.
She is originally from Nanchang City, located in Southeast China in Jiangxi Province. After working with a sewing machine at a garment factory, she decided she wanted something better for herself and family.
“Massage therapy allowed me a better income and the ability to contribute to people’s health and well-being,” she said.
The motto of the business, “Relieve, Restore, Renew,” suggests a more sophisticated treatment than the clichéd “soothe and relax.” “My style and technique is more about health and well-being.” said Schaetzke. “Of course, our customers will experience relaxation and soothing too.”
She trained in China, but to legally practice massage therapy in the United States when she moved five years ago, she also had to successfully meet all the requirements to earn her Massachusetts massage therapist license. Schaetzke previously worked in Natick and downtown Boston, but wanted to work closer to home. She is also a member of the American Massage Therapy Association.
Schaetzke fuses the American massage model with the Asian massage model and that is what she feels will set her business apart from others. Two examples of this fusion includes offering Tuina, a cross between acupressure and Shiatsu; and cupping, a technique that uses pressure points to stimulate blood flow to heal damaged areas, remove toxins and inflammatory chemicals.
AcuMassage offers several massage types including sports massage, Swedish massage, hot stone treatments and foot reflexology. One of Schaetzke’s specialties is deep tissue massage, which uses deeper pressure to release chronic muscle tension.
Schaetzke has arranged the private massage rooms and a central reflexology room to exude a cozy and peaceful environment. Another therapist will also be working out of the location to accommodate client schedules.
Although many people use massage for pampering or relaxation, it also offers healing benefits.
Massage is one way to a healthier body. “If there is pain in the body, there is a problem,” said Schaetzke, “and that shouldn’t be avoided.”
“Massage is not a visual art,” she said. Many times she is able to pinpoint areas that need attention before the client even knows it. The result of feeling better later is the most crucial lasting benefit of massage.
As a woman, she realizes that most women are busy taking care of everyone else and sometimes their own health comes second. Schaetzke feels that women in particular need to take time for regular massage appointments as a step towards balancing their own health.
“In China and in Boston, there is a lot of foot traffic passing by businesses,” said Schaetzke. In Northborough, there is not as much. But the business location is convenient and easily accessible from area towns.
Schaetzke is offering a First Visit Introductory Rate of $40 for an hour massage (normally $60). The most powerful advertising a business can have is repeat customers. Her client base has been growing steadily in the first two months of operation and the online reviews have been very positive.
Walk-ins are welcomed, but appointments are recommended. Business hours are Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Gift certificates are available and would make a great Father’s Day or graduation gift.