Business Details
Thai Massage and Shiatsu Services in Ann Arbor, MI
Kaizen Healing Arts was founded by Kelly Kempter, a Registered Thai Therapist and Licensed Massage Therapist, with a vision to bring vibrant health, awareness, and balance to the Ann Arbor community. Our practice integrates Thai massage and Shiatsu to address physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being, rooted in the Japanese philosophy of Kaizen, which emphasizes continuous improvement. With over two decades of experience, including training in Thailand and apprenticeships with master practitioners, we offer personalized sessions tailored to individual needs.Our services extend beyond bodywork to include educational workshops, pediatric massage, and retreats designed to empower clients through touch, dialogue, and mindfulness. Accredited by Thai Healing Arts International and licensed in Michigan, we combine expertise in Traditional Chinese Medicine's meridian system with a commitment to fostering holistic health. Our mission is to inspire balance in the community by guiding individuals toward self-healing and sustainable wellness through compassionate, meditative practice.
Services
Thai Massage
Shiatsu Therapy
Pediatric Massage
Cupping Therapy
Gua Sha
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of combined experience in Thai massage and Shiatsu
- Our sessions integrate personalized techniques from global master practitioners
- We combine Traditional Chinese Medicine principles with Western anatomy expertise
- Specialized pediatric massage programs for children's wellness
- Community-focused wellness education through workshops and apprenticeships
Associations and certifications
- Thai Healing Arts International
- State of Michigan Licensed Massage Therapist
What people say
Deeply relaxing experience
Significant pain reduction
Knowledgeable therapist
Holistic approach
Child-friendly services
Services
Thai Massage
Thai massage combines acupressure and yoga-like stretching to stimulate energy flow and release physical tension. This 90-minute session uses deep compression along meridian lines to improve circulation, reduce stress, and enhance flexibility. Ideal for individuals seeking relief from chronic pain and improved range of motion through non-invasive bodywork.
Shiatsu Therapy
Shiatsu applies targeted pressure to acupuncture points along energy meridians to balance qi flow. This 60-90 minute treatment addresses digestive issues, anxiety, and sleep disorders through gentle stretching and joint mobilization. Particularly effective for stress-related conditions and maintaining overall energetic equilibrium in modern lifestyles.
Pediatric Massage
Gentle therapeutic touch for children aged 2-12 promotes healthy development and emotional regulation. Sessions focus on sensory integration, sleep improvement, and anxiety reduction through nurturing contact. Parents participate in sessions to learn techniques for continued home care and family wellness.
Cupping Therapy
Ancient cupping techniques use controlled suction to release muscle tension and improve circulation. This 30-minute adjunct treatment reduces inflammation, loosens scar tissue, and enhances recovery from sports injuries. Particularly beneficial for chronic back pain and respiratory conditions when combined with primary massage therapy.
Gua Sha
Traditional Chinese Gua Sha involves instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization to resolve chronic pain and inflammation. This 45-minute treatment improves circulation, breaks up muscle knots, and accelerates healing for repetitive strain injuries. Effective for neck/shoulder tension and respiratory congestion when integrated with regular bodywork sessions.
People
Kelly Kempter
Owner/Therapist
Kelly Kempter combines 20+ years of dance background with advanced training in Thai massage and Shiatsu. A licensed massage therapist since 2003, she studied in Thailand and apprenticed with master practitioners. Her practice integrates Traditional Chinese Medicine principles with Western anatomy expertise to create personalized wellness solutions for clients.
Questions
What should I wear for a Thai massage session?
Wear comfortable, stretchy clothing that allows full range of motion. Cotton athletic wear works best for the active stretching involved in Thai massage.
Are pediatric massage sessions covered by insurance?
While we don't bill insurance directly, some flexible spending accounts cover pediatric massage therapy. Check with your provider for specific coverage details.
How often should I receive bodywork for chronic pain?
For chronic conditions, we recommend biweekly sessions for 6-8 weeks followed by monthly maintenance. Your therapist will create a personalized treatment plan during your initial consultation.
Do you offer group learning opportunities?
Yes, we host monthly 'A Touch of Thai Massage' workshops and biannual retreats through Sacred Breath Healing Studies. No prior experience is required for most classes.
What makes your approach different from typical massage therapy?
Our practice uniquely integrates Thai massage, Shiatsu, and Traditional Chinese Medicine principles. Sessions focus on energy meridians and holistic balance rather than isolated muscle groups, with an emphasis on meditative presence during treatment.
Reviews (4)
Cassie Catania
Jun 10, 2021
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Kelly is an incredible compassionate and knowledgeable practitioner and teacher of her healing art. I feel so lucky to have found her in Ann Arbor. As an LMT myself, I also feel very honored to learn Thai and Shiatsu from her and implement what I've learned into my own practice.
Naomi White
Dec 25, 2019
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Kelly is keenly intuitive, deeply present and highly skilled. I need deep, precise work to help with an old car accident injury and middle aged gym enthusiasm and she was able to deliver exactly what I needed. I am so grateful to have found her . Thank you Kelly!
Paul Olsztyn
Feb 20, 2019
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Kelly is an extremely competent and caring practitioner. Her massage style has helped me to regain lost flexibility and reduce my pain.
Michael McGrath
Feb 19, 2019
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Ordinary massage is nice enough, but Shiatsu as done by traditionally trained therapists is way beyond nice enough. When I leave after a session I feel light and clear, energized and calm. I can also feel an improvement in my running form for several days thereafter, but that is just a pleasant side-effect compared to the release of tension. Kelly's studio is light, quiet, peaceful. As is the case with Shiatsu, one lies on a futon mat on the floor which allows Kelly to work my body while preserving her good form and posture.
