CLINTON — As a dancer, Andrea Binder learned to feel every muscle in her body.

She is now using her intimate knowledge of the human physique in her work as a massage therapist.

Binder recently started a Reiki massage practice at Ken’s Korner Mall in Clinton.

“Nowadays, life can be full of stresses to the body and its flow of energy. Environment, family, work and personal challenges usually cause us to tense up, even to the point of pain,” she said.

Reiki can help.

She transformed a suite at Ken’s Korner Mall into a oasis for relaxation.

When stepping into her suite from the bright fluorescent lights in the plain hallways of the mall, visitors immediately feel welcome and the tension begins to melt away. She has decorated the room in a rich chocolate color scheme, with lush fabrics draping the ceiling. Dimmed lights and relaxing music add to the atmosphere.

Reiki, an ancient form of Japanese healing, can release emotional, mental and physical stresses. This hands-on method of healing balances the body’s vital energy so one can feel a greater sense of well-being, Binder said.

The relaxing, peaceful effects are similar to cranio-sacral, myofascial and other massage techniques. The gentle massage method helps align mind and body, she added.

The session has a flow similar to a meditation or yoga session. Afterward, customers feel relaxed, but not wiped out.

“Some say the session feels like they’ve just done yoga. They feel longer and stronger,” Binder said.

The movements and pressure are minimal, yet they have a major relaxing effect. Once the body begins to let go of tensions, the mind will also let go of heavy burdens, Binder said.

“The gentle can go deep,” Binder explained.

Binder is known on South Whidbey as a dance teacher at Island Dance and she has worked as a choreographer for the non-profit dance company Whidbey Island Dance Theatre. She attended massage school in Portland, Ore. Binder has since broadened her training at healing and massage workshops across the country.

Binder massages many of the dancers at Island Dance and Whidbey Island Dance Theatre, but the massages are a treat for anybody. Those who are a bit stressed benefit as much from her treatments as those who battle chronic pain or injury.

Binder recommends a three-session series. She added that it takes about three sessions until customers completely commit to relaxation and trust their practitioner. And while a single treatment can provide needed lift or relief, a customer’s goals may not be attained in one session.

For some people such goals may be physical — such as wanting to ease pain from an injury. But Reiki can also help people reach mental goals.

“Some people may say I’d like to lose 20 pounds. The treatment can help them feel so good that they are motivated to reach their goals,” Binder said.

The Reiki treatment are $60 per session or $150 for a series of three. Binder gives discounts for families or youth under 18, because she wants people who usually don’t have access to treatments like Reiki to know their benefits.

“I want to encourage teenagers to come,” she said, adding that her techniques can have a positive effect on those dealing with the demands of adolescence.

“The teenagers I worked on; it helped them with some of the emotional things they are going through and it helps them to know their bodies,” Binder said.

Call Binder at 206-388-9830 or go to her Website www.reikibodywork.com.