Annie Kopko                                  Massage Therapist

Annie's massage therapy practice began in Santa Fe, New Mexico in 1979, with training in therapeutic massage, polarity therapy, Chinese medicine, neuromuscular therapy, myofascial release, energy methods, and herbology.  More recently she has included training in Reiki and reflexology.  In addition to being a massage therapist and reflexologist, Annie is also an Interfaith Minister.

Annie specializes in massage therapy for stress relief, improving flexibility of muscles and joints, and pain relief.  Since each person comes with unique issues she integrates various modalities into each session according to what is needed.  Annie is also available for out-calls with her massage chair, for clients who may find it difficult to make it to the office.  As an Interfaith Minister, Annie enjoys working with people for spiritual counseling as well as other services: weddings, funerals, and baby blessings.

A typical massage & bodywork session usually lasts from 60 to 90 minutes. Oils or lotions are used and the client may choose to be dressed for their comfort, and are additionally draped appropriately. During the table work session, the client is passive and lying on a comfortably padded table. The practitioner moves the client in ways they naturally move, and with a quality of touch and movement. Some modalities are also done fully clothed.

Benefits of Massage

Relief of stress from a modern lifestyle. Muscles that have been tensed for action relax, breathing slows and deepens, high blood pressure returns to normal, resulting in a deep sense of relaxation.

Relief of pain from tight muscles. Muscles are gently kneaded and stretched, relieving spasm and allowing circulation to increase.

Faster healing from injuries, surgery, sports and overexertion. Increased circulation improves the flow of oxygen and nutrients to cells and removes waste products.

Improved health and mobility of joints. Massage relieves muscle tension that restricts movement, and improves natural joint lubrication as circulation increases.

Easier breathing. As "bodywork" calms the nervous system, breathing slows and deepens. Relief of tension in the shoulders, neck, and chest muscles also allows for fuller chest expansion.

Increased vitality, energy and mental alertness. Increased circulation brings improved nutrition to your cells and oxygen to your brain. This can boost your energy level and temporarily improve mental clarity.

Massage is one of the oldest healing arts. Chinese records dating back 3,000 years document its use. The ancient Hindus, Persians, and Egyptians applied forms of massage for many ailments, and Hippocrates wrote papers recommending the use of rubbing and friction for joint and circulatory problems.

Today, the benefits of massage are varied and far-reaching. Massage therapy has proven beneficial for many chronic conditions, including low back pain, arthritis, bursitis, fatigue, high blood pressure, diabetes, immunity suppression, infertility, smoking cessation, depression, and more.

And, as so many of us already know, massage also helps relieve the stress and tension of everyday living that can lead to disease and illness. Premature babies given three loving massages a day for 10 days gained weight 47% faster and left the hospital six days sooner, saving $10,000 each. There are hundreds of studies demonstrating the healing value of touch-in cocaine-exposed infants, HIV-exposed infants, infants parented by depressed mothers, and full-term infants without medical problems. For example, a study of HIV-positive men found that massage for one month caused a significant increase in both the number and cytotoxicity of natural killer cell activity.