About Touch: Massage for relaxation and pain relief

04/29/2026

Your Spring Wellness Newsletter

About Touch

Happy Spring, Eugene!
The sun is coming out, the farmers market is back, and if you've been watching the Eugene Marathon energy around town — maybe you're feeling a little inspired yourself. This issue is packed with tips to help you feel your best this season, whether you're hitting the trails, battling allergies, or just ready for a fresh start.

TIRED OF ALLERGY SEASON? ACUPUNCTURE CAN HELP

If spring in Eugene means itchy eyes, a constantly runny nose, and reaching for antihistamines before you've even had your morning coffee — you know how exhausting allergy season can be. Medications help, but they don't always help enough, and the side effects (hello, drowsiness) can make you feel like you're trading one problem for another.
Acupuncture has a growing body of research behind it for seasonal allergies. A review of more than 4,400 patients found that acupuncture improved nasal symptoms and quality of life — with results comparable to common allergy medications, but without the drowsiness and side effects. It can even be used alongside your current treatments to help them work better.
Most first-time patients are surprised by how relaxing the experience is — and some notice their sinuses starting to clear up right there on the table.
If you're ready to try something different this spring, we'd love to help.

P.S. Scroll to the end for a Acupuncture coupon!

As a small token of our appreciation, below is a reward that can be used during your next visit. Hope you enjoy it!

IS THE EUGENE MARATHON INSPIRING YOU TO LACE UP?

Every spring, the Eugene Marathon reminds us why this city is such a special place for runners. Whether you watched from the sidelines or ran it yourself, there's something about race season in Eugene that makes you want to move. Maybe you're thinking about signing up for a 5K this summer. Maybe you've already registered and training is underway. Either way, your body is about to ask a lot of itself — and massage therapy can make a real difference in how well you respond.

Regular massage during training isn't just a treat — it's a tool. It helps reduce muscle soreness after hard workouts, improves circulation so your muscles recover faster, and addresses the tight spots and imbalances that can turn into injuries if left unchecked. Runners in particular tend to carry a lot of tension in their calves, hamstrings, IT bands, and hips — all areas that respond beautifully to targeted massage work. Coming in during a training cycle can help you stay consistent, avoid setbacks, and actually enjoy the process of getting race-ready. And when you cross that finish line feeling strong? That's the goal.
Whether you're training for your first 5K or working toward a half marathon, we'd love to be part of your support team this summer.

WHAT WE'RE LOVING THIS SPRING

The Eugene Saturday Market is back and we couldn't be happier. There's something about wandering through the stalls on a sunny morning that just feels like a reset. It's our favorite place to pick up plant starts for our gardens, now is a great time to plant lettuce, peas, kale, and other cool weather tolerant crops.

Click here for a free 25% coupon at About Touch!

04/11/2026

Openings Tomorrow

Follow up Acupuncture 10:30 - Holly
Initial or follow up Acupuncture 1:45
1/2 Ashiatsu Massage 3:15 - Amanda
call or schedule online

03/05/2026

Good evening!

We have a handful of appointments available for tomorrow, Thursday, March 5th!

- Billie has a 1-hour appointment available at 9am.
- Amanda has two 1-hour ashiatsu appointments available at either 10:30am or 1:30pm.
- Andrea has up to a 1.25-hour at 11am.
- Holly has an initial exam for acupuncture available at 5:30pm.

Give the office a call at 541-484-3055, or feel free to book online!
Have a great night!

02/23/2026

Good evening!

Luther has an open 1-hour at 9am tomorrow, Monday, February 23rd!

You can give us a call until 5pm tonight at 541-484-055 or go online and schedule through our online portal!
booknow.appointment-plus.com/112qs1rg

Have a great night!

02/18/2026

1 hour massage apt today at 3pm with Luther

Call 541-484-3055 or go online to schedule

As a small token of our appreciation, below is a reward that can be used during your next visit. Hope you enjoy it!

Click here for a free $5.00 coupon at About Touch!

02/04/2026

Good evening!

We have a few availabilities for tomorrow, Wednesday, February 4th!

Holly has some acupuncture follow-up appointments available starting at 9am through the early afternoon!
Brooke has a 1-hour Bowen appointment open at 10:15am.
Amanda has a half hour ashiatsu appointment open at 4:15pm.

If you'd like to book one of these appointments, please do so online on our website!
booknow.appointment-plus.com/112qs1rg

Have a great night!

01/28/2026

1hr at 6pm with Rhiannon
1/2 hr at 3:30 with Rhiannon
1/2 hr ashi at 11 with Amanda
1:30 and 6:30 follow up acupuncture apt with Holly
Call us tomorrow morning 541-484-3055
or book now online

As a small token of our appreciation, below is a reward that can be used during your next visit. Hope you enjoy it!

01/08/2026

Openings with Melissa Today from 9am to 1pm
Book online
booknow.appointment-plus.com/112qs1rg
Or call after 8:45am

As a small token of our appreciation, below is a reward that can be used during your next visit. Hope you enjoy it!

12/31/2025

Start 2026 off right. We just added more openings for Thursday 1/1.

Jordana is available 1pm-close.

(note: she is not in network with any insurance companies yet).

As a small token of our appreciation, below is a reward that can be used during your next visit. Hope you enjoy it!

12/08/2025

Holly has added some additional acupuncture days.

Saturday 12/20 10:30-3:30
Friday 12/26 9-12

Please call 541-484-3055
or use the link below to schedule

12/04/2025

Unwrap a Little Calm This Year

Can Acupuncture Enhance Antidepressants? ✳️ 4 tips for a peaceful December

✳️ Simple Spiced Apple Cider for Cozy Evenings

Acupuncture and Antidepressants—Better Together?

At About Touch, our licensed acupuncturist works closely with clients who want a natural, complementary approach to managing depression. Depression is complex and rarely caused by a single factor—so it often responds best to more than one kind of care. Many people find that combining standard treatments, such as antidepressant medication and therapy, with acupuncture provides broader relief and a deeper sense of well-being.

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What the Research Says
Recent research supports acupuncture as a helpful addition—not a replacement—for standard depression care.
Systematic reviews and meta-analyses show that acupuncture can reduce the severity of depression and that combining it with antidepressant medication often improves outcomes more than medication alone.
In one meta-analysis, patients receiving both treatments showed greater improvement in depression scores than those using either treatment alone, suggesting a meaningful “boost” effect. Some studies also found that patients may experience benefits sooner and report fewer side effects, though results vary and more high-quality research is needed.
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How Acupuncture May Support Mood
Modern studies suggest that acupuncture influences several systems involved in depression:
• Neurotransmitters: It may help balance serotonin and norepinephrine—the same brain chemicals targeted by many antidepressants.
• Stress Regulation: Acupuncture can calm an overactive stress response (the HPA axis), helping to stabilize cortisol levels.
• Brain Function: Imaging studies show changes in mood-related brain areas after acupuncture, including regions linked to emotional regulation and rumination.
• Inflammation and Sleep: Acupuncture may reduce inflammatory markers and improve sleep quality—both key factors in mood stability.
By acting on these pathways, acupuncture complements antidepressant effects and offers additional ways to support emotional balance.

🌿 Quick Tips for a Peaceful December

• ✨ Take a mindful minute: pause once a day, notice your breath, and exhale tension.

• 💧 Stay hydrated: even mild dehydration can increase fatigue and headaches.
• 🚶 Move gently: short walks or stretches help relieve winter stiffness.
• 🕯️ Protect your quiet time: block out an hour each week for rest, reading, or reflection.

🍎 Simple Spiced Apple Cider for Cozy Evenings

Warm up after your massage or acupuncture session with this soothing homemade cider—it fills your space with the scent of comfort and calm.

Ingredients:

½ gallon (8 cups) apple cider or unfiltered apple juice

1 orange, sliced

3 cinnamon sticks

5 whole cloves

2 star anise (optional, for extra spice)

1–2 tbsp maple syrup or honey (to taste)

Directions:

Combine all ingredients in a large pot or slow cooker.

Simmer gently for 30–60 minutes—don’t boil.

Strain before serving.

Garnish with a cinnamon stick or orange slice.

Enjoy warm with a blanket and your favorite holiday playlist—or share it with family after a day of winter errands.

11/22/2025

We have a couple of openings for tomorrow with Chelsey.

9 am for 1 hour massage with Chelsey
11:30 am for 1/2 hour massage with Chelsey

Give us a call or go online to book at booknow.appointment-plus.com/112qs1rg