Snapdragon focuses on massage as a bridge to a healthier life

“I want to help people feel better.”

She currently offers four types of massage therapy; Thai, Swedish, Deep Tissue and Craniosacral massage, as well as Body Treatments. She continues to work full time with payroll, and offers evening, weekend and by appointment treatments.

She offers the following services, as described on her website, www.snapdragonexperience.com:

Traditional Thai: Practiced fully clothed on a mat, Thai massage is very nurturing, using compression, myofascial release and passive stretching to bring balance, awareness and release to the entire body. Can provide relief from chronic pain, injury or stress, or simply provide a relaxing, nurturing massage.

Craniosacral Therapy: A gentle method of releasing restrictions in the craniosacral system to improve the function of the central nervous system.

Craniosacral Therapy compliments the body’s natural healing processes and can be used as a preventive health measure for its ability to bolster resistance to disease and can be effective for a wide range of medical problems associated with pain and dysfunction including migraines, headaches, chronic neck and back pain, learning disabilities, traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries, ADHD, PTSD, TMJ syndrome, and anxiety.

Swedish Relaxation: A traditional relaxation massage; Swedish massage is wonderful for muscular tension and stress relief. Swedish massage uses long, gliding movements followed by various techniques of light to deep pressure to relax tense muscles, improve circulation, release toxins and promote harmony and balance.

Deep Tissue: Deep Tissue massage focuses on realigning deeper layers of muscles and connective tissue. It is especially helpful for chronically tense and contracted areas such as stiff necks, lower back tightness and sore shoulders. Strokes similar to classic Swedish massage are used, but the movement is slower and the pressure is deeper, as your tolerance allows.

Hot Stone: Hot Stone massage is an ancient, relaxing, and grounding therapy. Heated oil and smooth stones are applied to deliver warmth deep into the muscles and tissues, promoting greater relaxation and release of toxins.

Snapdragon Massage is located at 1210 Dry Hollow #6, downstairs on the north side of the building. She has two rooms, one with a floor mat for Thai style massage, the other a Swedish massage style table.

Over time, she hopes to change how people think of massage. “Many people see massage as a treat, but actually it's an important part of caring for your body,” she explains.

Having trained at East West College of the Healing Arts in Portland and studied Craniosacral Therapy with Upledger Institute International, Sipe is a licensed massage therapist.

A successful massage business is only one part of her future goals in the work, however. Years ago, she volunteered with Mercy Ships, which provide surgery and medical treatment for people without resources in many countries. “I want to volunteer with them again, and I'm hoping this can work into that,” she explained. “I didn't want to pursue the medical side of their work, but I thought this might be a good fit.”

Born and raised in The Dalles, Sipe is a 1992 graduate of The Dalles High School. Although Snapdragon Massage and Day Spa is her first business venture, as a young girl she helped her mother, who owned the pet store Mary's Canaries downtown. \

“I worked there every day after school and weekends. I loved it, I love animals.”

She can be reached at (541) 993-6436, or through snapdragonexperience.com, and through December is offering a discount for first time visits.