Hello. My name is Janet Long and I am a Massage Therapist and founder of In Balance Center for Living.

The world of massage and healing is exceptionally vast and it has opened a world for me that is a life long journey. I am so thrilled to be able to offer our special services to the community. Meeting new people, hearing their stories and supporting each person in a unique way is such a treat.

I began studying massage in 1998 and became a full time therapist in 2001. I currently have 2,000 hours in massage training and 5,000 hours in practice (as of Nov 2006).

Although my work in 1998 focused on Deep Tissue therapy, my year long course at Health Choices in 2000 was much more comprehensive. They taught us dozens of massage styles and techniques. But, most importantly, we learned how to listen and respond intuitively and integrate all our skills to meet the client's needs. It was a profound experience and I am grateful.

Starting in 1999, it was my dream to provide a place where people from all walks of life could find refuge from their daily stresses. We have proudly created a Wellness Center where people can come to surrender their daily burden, feel the warmth of caring and learn how to take better care of themselves once they leave.

We have yoga classes, massage therapy, workshops and many other healing services and special events! OR, just stop by anytime to hang out with a cup of tea and enjoy the cozy and relaxed atmosphere both indoors and outdoors in our healing gardens. Opening our Wellness Center in 2007 was a dream come true. We welcome you.. nurturing YOU is all WE do!

The beginning........

It was not that long ago that I had no idea what "mind/body" meant. This center was born 7 years ago out of my own need to heal and change the direction of my life.

Health and fitness had always been a passion of mine. For 6 years I had taught aerobic classes, been a personal trainer, and helped run Johnson & Johnson's Wellness Programs. But, with a Bachelor degree in Business I felt I should be "moving upward", so I entered the financial field. As a Client Relations Manager I learned to be comfortable and relate to all types of people. But, over time I found myself growing farther and farther away from my "true self". The things that were important to me were no longer being honored. Because of this discrepancy, I began having recurring panic attacks and was frequently sick (lesson number one!). This was a turning point in my life. It was scary, lonely, and challenging. But, it was the best thing that ever happened to me.

For those of you who suffer from panic attacks, you are not alone. Please listen to what your heart is trying to tell you. It was during this time I started dreaming of a place where people would be cared for and nourished to live the healthiest and happiest lives they could.

I also received one of my first massages. My heart had been in a strong clasp, like a fist, for months and I had no idea how to release it. As I lay there the therapist gently rocked me. After endless months of tightness, it just released. I looked up and said "What did you just do?". I don't think she said anything. Massage can heal, I felt it that day and have so many times since (lesson number two!).

And now......

Out of everything difficult, I truly believe seeds of something good are born if we have the spirit to nourish them. Deciding to become a massage therapist was a risk but I gave my all to it and it felt right. In the end, the risk was well worth it and my life has been blessed with the rewards ever since.

Learning new techniques and healing modalities, traveling to see what other therapists are doing in the world, and broadening my skills are passions of mine. So is writing, being outdoors as much as possible, hiking, dancing, smiling, and listening to all types of music.

I would love to meet or hear from you if you would like to learn more about our Center. We are comprehensive in our approach and no matter what your needs, we are here to provide a place where you will get them met!

Thank you again for reading and I wish you a day full of special moments.

Namaste -  "I honor the light within you"

 

Hello, my name is Alecia, and I am blessed to be one of the Massage Therapists here at In Balance Center. As a little girl I remember often visiting our grandmotherly neighbor, Mrs. Morell, and rubbing her tired back and hands. One day she took my little hands in hers and held them, looking deep into my eyes and telling me that I had a gift, that my hands were a gift. That I could share this gift with the world...

I have been inspired since that moment to learn how something so simple as touch, could so profoundly effect our lives. This journey has led me to be somewhat of a life-student. I have graduated from two different schools of massage for a total of over 1200 hours of schooling! Some of the modalities I have learned are: Swedish, Neuromuscular, Ohashiatsu, and Polarity Therapies.

Also, I am an advocate for the amazing medicinal properties of true essential oils found in Aromatherapy, and I include customized oils for each session. This excitement has extended to the Raindrop Technique, which is my personal favorite both to give and to receive.

I believe that each and every session can be adjusted with you in mind for what you need on that day. My sessions will never become routine, because all modalities are integrated especially for you!

This is my passion. This is my path, and I am grateful for all who I meet on it. Thank you.

Diana is a NJ Certified Massage Therapist who received her training from Health-Choices Institute and Holistic Massage School in Hillsborough, NJ. She has been interested in the holistic and metaphysical way of thinking and being for years, but it wasn’t until her brother’s journey of being a naturopathic doctor and her husband’s idea of her becoming a massage therapist that she decided to join the holistic health field.

Her massage career has been rewarding in more ways than she could have imagined and she's so grateful it has brought her to In Balance Center for Living. From the staff to the clients, every day brings a new and wonderful experience. A nurturing and loving massage is her specialty and you will definitely feel a difference at the end of your session.

She's also been very passionate about the arts and has been a makeup artist since 2000. She loves using her talents to enhance a woman's beauty through facials, sculpting brows and applying makeup.

Livia is a Professionally Trained Massage Therapist who has a wonderful balance of combining exceptional massage technique with energy work. Some of her specialties include: Swedish, Neuromuscular, Deep Tissue, Reflexology, Face and Scalp Massage, Sports Massage, Reiki I, Rain Drop Therapy, Hot Stone Massage, Traeger, Pressure Point Therapy, Shiatsu, Spa Treatments.

We know you will be very happy receiving a massage or body treatment from Livia. Your body will thank you!

Meg is a Certified Massage Therapist with more then 15 years experience. She is a graduate of the Institute for Therapeutic Massage in Pompton Lakes, NJ, with previous training at Ocean County Massage Institute.

At ITM Meg received an excellent, well rounded training in practical massage with extensive study in Anatomy and Physiology. Graduating with Honors in the top of the class, she went on to work at various spas and salons while continuing to build a private client group. Meg has training and experience in prenatal massage, reflexology, Sports Massage and is currently learning Hot Stones and other new techniques.

After giving birth to her 2 sons, Meg took a break from massage but is back with all her heart to help others and to be a part of the fantastic team at In Balance Center for Living!

Niki Wein has dedicated her life to balancing bodies, homes, and lives through Massage, Acupressure, Yoga, and Feng Shui. Most of this work has been done on the west coast, where she lived, studied, and practiced for nearly 10 year; and she feels honored to be here, now sharing what she knows and what she loves.

Her Body Work and Massage therapy practice is an eclectic mix, including influences from Swedish massage, Esalen, Tui Na, Shiatsu, and Jin Shin Acupressure. She has studied at Esalen in Big Sur, CA as well as at the Acupressure Institute in Berkeley, CA. The Esalen Style of bodywork that she uses was created with Swedish massage, Chinese medicine, and meditation in mind. She uses long, slow, tai chi-like strokes to seamlessly massage your torso, arms, legs, hands, feet, neck, and your spirit into a united whole. This combined with her integrative massage techniques and the ancient wisdoms of acupressure’s points, which are used to release muscle tension, increase blood circulation, and create openings within your body, mind, and spirit all come together creating a unique and wonderful melding of relaxation, healing, and integration.

Niki says "Because each client is different, and because each day we are different, no two massages will be the same. I use my extensive background and the information your body gives me to create a completely specialized and totally relaxing massage."

She offers sessions in Massage, Acupressure, Acu-Massage, Yoga, Yoga with Massage, and Feng Shui consultations.

Niki found yoga after a debilitating accident left her emotionally and physically traumatized… and she fell in love at first breath. Yoga helped her find her ground, find peace, joy, and even a playfulness in life again. She began studying daily with many of the amazing teacher Berkeley and San Francisco had to offer, including Scott Blossom, Chandra Easton, Dharmanidi, and Katchie Ananda.

As her yoga practice deepened, so did her desire to learn more about the ancient traditions of yoga and Tantra. Her curiosity lead her to UC Berkeley, India, Paris, and finally to New Hope, PA where she studied with Parvathi and the other amazing teachers of the Saraswati River Yoga School and received her Yoga Teacher Certification.

She uses her influences from Saraswati River Yoga, Anusara, Yin Yoga, Shadow Yoga, and Tantra to create a yoga class that encourages her students to find ground, peace, joy, and playfulness. She uses meditation, pranayama, chanting, and asana flows to persuade their mind to pause, relax, and open, allowing the body to move more fluidly and consciously. She uses soft and loving assists to gently and safely coax student’s bodies and spirits deeper into practice, while reminding them that wherever they happen to be is just perfect.

Niki teaches in classroom settings, offers Private Yoga sessions, as well as Private Yoga mixed with Massage, Massage, Acupressure, and Feng Shui consultation.