Massage Therapy & Ayurvedic treatments
More Than Massage — Bodywork Within an Integrative Healing Environment
Massage therapy at The Buddha's Medicine is not a cookie cutter spa experience. It's bodywork rooted in an integrative healing philosophy and part of a comprehensive care framework, available alongside medical care, mental health therapy, and lifestyle coaching — all under one roof.
Our Licensed Massage Therapists bring years of training and thousands of hours of hands-on experience across a wide range of Western therapeutic modalities to their clients. What makes their work here distinct is both their skill and expertise, and the additional dimension of informed Ayurvedic bodywork.
This means that whether you come to us for relief from chronic pain, recovery from injury, support during pregnancy, deep relaxation, or the unique benefits of Ayurvedic bodywork, your care can be informed by and coordinated with the broader clinical picture. For patients who are working with Dr. Matt or Jamie, massage and bodywork become part of a unified approach to healing rather than an isolated service.
Our clinic is located in SE Portland's Laurelhurst neighborhood at 3310 SE Oak Street. Massage therapy appointments are available to everyone — you do not need to be an existing patient of Dr. Matt or a client of Jamie to book a session.
Healing Touch, Rooted in Rich Tradition
At The Buddha's Medicine, we understand that skilled therapeutic touch is one of humanity's oldest and most powerful healing modalities. Our massage therapy and bodywork offerings honor this ancient and shared human wisdom while meeting your modern wellness needs—whether you're seeking relief from chronic pain, support through injury recovery, care to support your healing from a chronic medical issue, or simply a deeply restorative pause from daily life.
Our Licensed Massage Therapists bring diverse training across multiple traditions—from Swedish and deep tissue foundations to Table Thai massage, Shiatsu, Chinese medical bodywork, neuromuscular therapy, and energy healing. This broad breadth and scope allows us to meet each person exactly where they are, tailoring each session to your unique body, goals, and preferences.
Massage therapy at The Buddha's Medicine is available to everyone! You do not need to be an existing patient of Dr. Matt or Jamie to receive bodywork services—though many of our patients find that massage beautifully complements their Ayurvedic medical care, mental health therapy, and integrative wellness journeys.
Our massage therapists are more than skilled massage practitioners alone—they are dedicated professionals of the healing arts, each bringing unique training, life experience, and a lot of heart to their work. Together, they offer a comprehensive range of modalities that expand our clinic's whole-person approach to wellness.
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ayurvedic treatments
At The Buddha's Medicine, our therapeutic massage and Ayurvedic treatments honor the ancient wisdom of healing touch while meeting your modern wellness needs. Each therapy is designed to restore balance, release tension, and support your body's natural healing capacity.
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A deeply nourishing treatment using warm, medicated oils specific to your constitution. This rhythmic, synchronized massage improves circulation, calms the nervous system, and enhances lymphatic drainage while leaving your skin soft and radiant.
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Shirodhara is perhaps the most iconic of all Ayurvedic treatments—a continuous stream of warm oil or herbal tea poured in a gentle, rhythmic pattern across the forehead and "third eye" region. This deeply meditative experience quiets the fluctuations of the mind, soothes the nervous system, and induces a state of profound calm that many describe as unlike anything they've experienced before.
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Stimulating treatment using raw silk gloves to improve circulation, reduce cellulite, and prepare the skin for oil treatments.
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An invigorating treatment combining herbal powders with therapeutic oils to exfoliate, detoxify, and stimulate circulation. Particularly beneficial for reducing inflammation, improving skin texture, and supporting healthy weight management.
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Our therapeutic "basic" massage combines traditional Swedish techniques with Ayurvedic principles. Customized pressure targets areas of chronic tension while promoting overall relaxation and stress relief
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Our SAN treatment (Shiro'bhyanga-Nasya) involves a deeply relaxing warm oil massage of the head, neck, and shoulders, followed by herbal steam treatment for the sinuses. We then clear the sinuses with a warm herbal suspension, and deliver a few drops of herbally-medicated oil directly into the sinuses.
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Specialized treatments where warm medicated oil is pooled over specific body areas using a dough dam:
Kati Basti: Lower back treatment for disc issues, sciatica, and chronic low back pain
Janu Basti: Knee therapy for arthritis, stiffness, and joint pain
Greeva Basti: Neck and shoulder treatment for cervical issues and tension
Hrid Basti: Heart region therapy for emotional healing and chest tightness
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Massage Services
Our massage therapy menu offers something for everyone—from deeply relaxing Swedish work to focused therapeutic sessions addressing chronic pain and injury. Each service can be tailored to your needs, and our LMTs are skilled at integrating multiple modalities within a single session.
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The foundation of Western massage therapy. Flowing, gliding strokes and gentle tissue kneading promote deep relaxation, improved circulation, and nervous system calm. Ideal for stress relief, general wellness, and those who are new to massage.
Reiki & Energy Work · 60 minutes · Get Scheduled w/ Chris or Kara
A gentle yet powerful form of energy healing that works with the body's subtle energy channels (prāṇa nāḍya) to promote balance, relaxation, and healing on physical, emotional, and spiritual levels. Can be combined with bodywork or experienced as a standalone session.
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Firm, focused pressure targets chronic tension, muscular pain, and deeply held stress patterns. Our LMTs integrate trigger point therapy, myofascial release, cupping, and stretching to create lasting improvements in mobility and well-being. Thorough yet attuned—always working with your body, never against it.
Neuromuscular Therapy · 60 or 90 minutes · Get Scheduled w/ Cassandra, Kara, or Pamela
Clinical bodywork using trigger point therapy, pin-and-stretch techniques, and range-of-motion work to release adhesions, reduce chronic tension, and enhance flexibility. Ideal for persistent pain patterns, injury recovery, and stubborn, persistent tissue dysfunction.
Myofascial Release · 60 or 90 minutes · Get Scheduled w/ Chris, Cassandra, or Kara
Sustained, gentle pressure softens restrictions in the fascial web surrounding muscles, bones, and organs. Restores the body's natural fluidity and alignment. Particularly effective for chronic pain, postural imbalances, and conditions that haven't responded to foundational massage.
Craniosacral Therapy · 60 minutes · Get Scheduled w/ Chris or Pamela
Gentle, hands-on work with the subtle rhythms of the craniosacral network—the dural membranes and fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Supports the body's innate capacity for self-healing. Beneficial for headaches, TMJ dysfunction, stress-related conditions, and nervous system regulation.
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Traditional Thai bodywork combining rhythmic compressions, deep assisted stretches, and precise point work along the body's energy lines (sen). Increases mobility, decreases pain and tension, and leaves you both energized and deeply relaxed. Performed on our state-of-the-art massage tables. Can be performed fully-clothed. Please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing.
Shiatsu · 60 or 90 minutes · Get Scheduled w/ Chris
Japanese hands-on healing using rhythmic finger pressure, palm compressions, and gentle stretches to open and clear the body's meridian pathways. A meditative form of bodywork promoting deep relaxation and energetic balance. Can be performed fully-clothed.
Tuina (Chinese Medical Massage) · 60 or 90 minutes · Get Scheduled w/ Cassandra
Traditional Chinese bodywork using rhythmic compression, acupressure, and manipulation along meridian pathways to promote smooth Qi flow, relieve pain, and address both musculoskeletal and internal imbalances. Bridges massage therapy and Chinese Medicine.
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Tailored to athletes, active individuals, and those recovering from injury. Combines deep tissue work, neuromuscular techniques, and targeted stretching to address muscle fatigue, prevent injury, and optimize performance and recovery. Sessions are adapted to your sport, phase of training, and goals.
Pregnancy Massage · 60 or 90 minutes · Get Scheduled w/ Cassandra or Kara
Safe, nurturing care for the pregnant body using specialized positioning and gentle techniques. Addresses common sources of discomfort including back pain, hip tension, swelling, and fatigue while thoughtfully honoring this transformative time. Postnatal sessions support recovery and offer new parents much-needed restoration.
Lymphatic Massage · 60 or 90 minutes · Get Scheduled w/ Cassandra or Kara
Gentle, rhythmic techniques encourage lymph flow, reduce swelling, and support the body's natural cleansing processes. Beneficial for edema, post-surgical recovery, chronic inflammation, and immune support.
Reflexology · 45 or 60 minutes · Get Scheduled w/ Kara
Eastern healing modality working with specific reflex points on the feet to bring balance and harmony to corresponding organs and systems throughout the body. Supports whole-body wellness, improves circulation, and addresses foot-specific concerns like plantar fasciitis. Available with Kara.
Internal Organ & Meridian Balancing · 60 or 90 minutes · Get Scheduled w/ Cassandra
Gentle abdominal work releasing restrictions, improving organ function, and restoring energetic balance. Particularly beneficial for digestive concerns, stress held in the belly, and deeper whole-body integration.
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For those seeking the best of multiple modalities. Your LMT draws fluidly from their full range of training—combining techniques based on what your body needs in real-time. A truly personalized healing experience for comprehensive care.
Cupping Therapy · Add-on or standalone · Get Scheduled w/ Kara
Silicone cupping uses gentle suction to lift and separate tissue layers, increase blood flow, and release deeply held tension. Effective for chronic pain and areas that don't respond to pressure alone. Can be integrated into therapeutic sessions or offered as focused treatment.
Appointment Availability
Mondays to Fridays - 9am to 8pm
Saturdays & Sundays - 2pm to 8pm
Session Length Available
45, 60, 90, & 120 minutes depending on service
Cancellation Policy
24-hour notice required. A $50 fee applies for late cancellations, no-shows, and late arrivals resulting in cancellation.
Preparing for Your Treatment
To receive the full benefits of Ayurvedic bodywork, we recommend arriving well-hydrated, having eaten lightly (or not within 1-2 hours of your appointment), and allowing yourself time afterward to rest rather than rushing back into activity. Wear comfortable clothing and be prepared to leave oils in place for several hours if possible—the longer therapeutic oils remain on the skin, the deeper their benefits.
Questions about which treatment is right for you? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Matt Van Auken, MD or to discuss your needs.
Meet Our Massage Team
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![Chris Thurston, Licensed Massage Therapist of The Buddha's Medicine standing in front of green foliage, wearing a light purple shirt over a red top, with hands in pockets.]()
Chris Thurston, Lead LMT + Administrative Assistant
11+ Years of Experience · Massage Therapy Educator · Global Training
Chris brings over eleven years of massage therapy experience and a genuinely global perspective to his work. His journey has taken him from Traditional Chinese Medicine studies in Chicago to Thai massage training in Chiang Mai, Ayurvedic treatments in India, and plant medicine traditions in Peru. A dedicated Buddhist practitioner with fifteen years of yoga practice, Chris embodies the integrative spirit at the heart of our clinic.
Beyond clinical work, Chris has served as a massage therapy instructor at the National Holistic Institute, guiding multiple cohorts of students from enrollment to graduation. His teaching background enhanced his already exceptional skill in reading bodies and adapting his hands-on care in real-time.
Specialties: Swedish · Deep Tissue · Thai Massage · Shiatsu · Craniosacral Therapy · Myofascial Release · Reiki · Integrated Bodywork
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![Kara Cooper, Licensed Massage Therapist]()
Kara Cooper, LMT
Nearly 10 Years of Experience · 10,000+ Hours of Bodywork
Kara brings a decade of dedicated bodywork experience and an intuitive, goal-focused method to every session. Her training spans the range of neuromuscular therapy, deep tissue, trigger point work, pregnancy/prenatal massage, reflexology, energy healing, silicone cupping, and dermoneuromodulation—allowing her to adapt fluidly to what each person needs.
Clients describe their sessions with Kara as both invigorating and deeply balancing. Whether you arrive seeking relief from chronic tension, support during pregnancy, or simply wholesome restoration, she meets you exactly where you are with compassion and clinical precision.
Specialties: Deep Tissue & Neuromuscular Therapy · Pregnancy Massage · Reflexology · Cupping Therapy · Reiki & Energy Work · Sports Massage
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![Pamela Monroe, Licensed MASSAGE THERAPIST | THE BUDDHA'S MEDICINE]()
Pamela Monroe, LMT
30+ years of experience and practice for over 30 years
Pamela Monroe, LMT, has been in practice for over 30 years. She continues to love her work and finds deep fulfillment in helping others. Pamela attended massage school in Denver, Colorado, after working for several years as a cosmetologist. Her training was a 1,000-hour program with a strong focus on deep tissue and neuromuscular therapy, along with other modalities.
During this time, she met Dr. John Douillard in Boulder, Colorado, where she had a profound experience with marma therapy. Shortly thereafter, she began training in his clinic. Pamela went on to become the head panchakarma therapist and also trained other therapists at the clinic, as well as traveling to provide training. Her experiences with panchakarma have added great richness to both her professional practice and her personal life.
After moving to Portland, Oregon, Pamela continues to offer Ayurvedic therapies in addition to other massage modalities, including deep tissue, neuromuscular therapy, craniosacral therapy, and her newest passion, quantum light wave healing.
faq
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Massage therapy appointments are available to both new and established clients of The Buddha's Medicine. You do not need to be Dr. Matt's patient or Jamie's client to book a massage session!
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New clients will complete succinct, electronic intake forms covering massage history, key health information, and care preferences. This helps our LMTs understand your needs and tailor your session accordingly. Please make sure the required forms are completed at least 24 hours before your scheduled appointment.
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We do not. Our free consultations are available only for those seeking care with Dr. Matt and/or Jamie. However, if you have questions about whether massage is appropriate for your concerns, you are welcome and encouraged to contact us directly before booking.
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For most sessions, you'll undress to your comfort level and be professionally draped throughout.
For Swedish, Deep Tissue, Craniosacral, and most table-based massage, you'll undress to your comfort level and be professionally draped throughout the session.
For Table Thai Massage and Shiatsu, please wear or bring comfortable, loose-fitting clothing (yoga pants or sweat pants and a t-shirt work well) as these modalities are performed fully clothed.
For Tuina, if you prefer to remain clothed, comfortable, loose-fitting clothing works well.
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Avoid heavy meals immediately before your appointment.
Stay well-hydrated. Favor non-carbonated water and herbal teas.
Arrive a few minutes early to settle in, especially if it's your first visit.
Communicate openly with your LMT about your goals, pressure preferences, and any areas to focus on or avoid.
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