Sarah Weaver, LAc, Dipl.OM, MOm, NCTMB, is a licensed acupuncturist and massage therapist at the Bloomington Natural Care Center. She is also an assistant professor for the School of Massage Therapy at Northwestern Health Sciences University. In 2008 Weaver graduated with an advanced degree in acupuncture and Oriental medicine from the Minnesota College of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (MCAOM) at Northwestern Health Sciences University. She is nationally certified in therapeutic massage and bodywork and has a massage therapy certificate from Northern Lights School of Professional Massage in Minneapolis, Minn. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Oberlin College (Oberlin, Ohio) and a Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Minnesota.

Weaver has practiced massage since 1992, specializing in clients with chronic pain and soft-tissue injury. She uses a Western deep-tissue technique called neuromuscular therapy which combines deep gliding strokes and sustained pressure to relieve myofascial trigger points (those painful knots in your muscles). She also uses craniosacral therapy which focuses on relieving tension and restriction in the connective tissue system inside the spine and cranium and throughout the body. Weaver has practiced craniosacral therapy since 1999 and finds it helpful for severe pain, headaches, TMJ problems, colic or feeding problems in infants, infantile torticollis, anxiety, stress-related conditions, and traumatic injuries.

Weaver also has a special interest in treating headaches, particularly migraines. “It’s part of what sparked my interest in attending MCAOM,” says Weaver. “I wanted more skills. I learned that certain conditions like headaches are more systemic, and found that Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has good ways of addressing such things. I like the TCM diagnostic system that examines patterns. How do all the factors in one’s life fit together? The holistic approach looks at how all those factors for one particular person can create a headache pattern.”

Weaver’s philosophy is to try to fit treatment to the individual and their goals. “What I do is really listen,” she emphasizes, “and provide feedback from my observations.”

Weaver believes in thoughtful, individual and compassionate care, and enjoys problem solving with people who suffer from chronic pain and positively contributing to their health. “I view myself as a health care provider. Massage therapy and acupuncture are parts of my job.”