Book online for acupuncture and massage in the Lincoln Park and Old Town area with Dr. Yvette K. Clay, a black-owned massage and acupuncture provider in Chicago, specializing in trauma and PTSD massage and acupuncture.
Thyme In Massage Chicago, LLC is devoted to helping every patient achieve optimal wellness. Dr. Yvette Clay, a licensed massage therapist in Chicago since 2009 and a graduate of the Chicago School of Massage Therapy-Cortiva Institute, brings extensive expertise to her practice. In 2007, she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing-Sales from Bradley University. Most recently, she completed her Acupuncture Certification in Spring 2023 from Midwest College of Oriental Medicine in Skokie, IL, followed by her Doctorate of Acupuncture in Winter 2023 from Pacific College of Health and Science in San Diego, CA.
Dr. Clay has a strong history of assisting patients across various levels of physical activity, with particular specialties in trauma and PTSD massage and acupuncture in Chicago. With substantial clinical experience working alongside chiropractors for over 10 years and in a full-service gym and wellness center, she provides thorough consultations to develop personalized treatment plans. Whether you’re looking for acupuncture or massage therapy in Lincoln Park/Old Town, Dr. Clay prioritizes clear communication throughout each session to promote wellness and recovery.
At Thyme In Massage Chicago, LLC, our mission is to enhance and sustain every patient’s overall body wellness. The business practices in patient-centered care as opposed to just treating the symptoms. The focus in each session is listening to your body and collaborating with you to ensure that your session is effective and positive. Pressure is adjusted, during massage sessions, to each patient’s body response. Pain equals gain is not practiced at Thyme In Massage Chicago LLC, but you will receive quality care with your session. Dr. Yvette Clay is dedicated to providing exceptional care tailored specifically to your needs.
Acupuncture is the practice of inserting needles into specific points on the body to activate and move Qi (the body's energy). These needles, which are very thin—about the size of a strand of hair—may cause a small pinch upon insertion. It is important to note that needles are NOT inserted directly into muscle, as acupuncture is NOT the same as dry needling, a technique you might encounter at facilities offering acupuncture and massage in Old Town or Lincoln Park.
Dry needling is employed by physical therapists and healthcare professionals to treat myofascial trigger points—hyperirritable spots in muscle associated with tight bands of muscle fibers. The aim of dry needling is to relieve pain, improve range of motion, and restore function by targeting these trigger points directly with a thin, filiform needle. This technique induces a local twitch response, or an involuntary contraction of the muscle fibers, assisting in releasing muscle knots, improving blood flow, and decreasing pain.
Acupuncture, a key element of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practiced for thousands of years, rests on the idea of Qi, considered the life energy flowing along meridians in the body. The goal of acupuncture is to balance the flow of Qi by inserting needles at specific acupuncture points, strategically located along these meridians. This practice promotes healing, reduces pain, and restores overall body balance. Practitioners like Dr. Yvette Clay in Chicago use a TCM diagnosis to guide needle insertion, which can positively influence neurological, hormonal, and immune responses.
Did you know the Black Panthers used acupuncture to support communities in need? To learn more, check out this enlightening video, which you can fast forward to the 5:45 timestamp, although I recommend watching from the start.
Additionally, treatments can include modalities such as cupping (fire suction cupping), Gua Sha (which involves scraping areas of inflammation or stagnant Qi to improve circulation), and electrical stimulation, creating a holistic approach to wellness that may also incorporate trauma and PTSD massage and acupuncture in Chicago, along with acupuncture and massage services offered at black-owned massage and acupuncture clinics.
Thyme In Massage Chicago LLC works with patients dealing with trauma, PTSD and grief as I went through a few life events where I realized how effective massage therapy and acupuncture are with the healing process. Below are two stories that shaped how I shifted the business's focus to work with those wanting to use holistic means to heal. Your feelings are valid and I'm here to help.
FIRST STORY
I was pregnant with my first child in 2021 and had a wonderful pregnancy. Monthly massages helped regulate stress from acupuncture school and life and acupuncture helped with minor aches as my body changed. However, due to my advanced age, my doctor decided to induce me instead of wait for my labor to naturally occur. I went in, was given pitocin and waited and waited and waited. I had no concept of time and 36 hours had passed quickly in my mind. I had not dilated past 4cm and no more pitocin could be given. While all vitals looked normal, the decision to do a Cesarean section was made. It was not an emergency, so I wasn't rushed, but I still had to go over all the paperwork and liabilities and sign at the bottom. This was major abdominal surgery after all. My ex-husband was in the room with me as they made their way through the many levels to my uterus. Around 4A, my baby was delivered, healthy and taken away. They lifted her over the drape so I could see her, but I would not physically touch her for the first time until around 10A. No bonding on my chest. No warm moments. They quickly put me back together as I was losing a lot of blood and I later found out I was dangerously close to needing a blood transfusion. I tell this story because I want others to know that even though that was in 2021, I still have moments where I cry at the thought of not being able to touch my child for hours. Trauma lives within us, but with consistent acupuncture and massage therapy, I can help your mind and body heal. I want to provide a space for you to heal and grow.
Check out the 7 layers of a Cesarean Section (NON GRAPHIC)
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/HT7EFb3kTxk
This a non-graphic written description of Cesarean Section
https://www.awakepelvichealth.com/blog/anatomy-of-a-c-section
Source: Awake Pelvic Health and Wellness
SECOND STORY
In early 2024, I became pregnant with my second child. Just six weeks later, after using the restroom, I saw blood on the toilet paper and immediately understood the implications. Once it was confirmed that no heartbeat was detected, I opted for acupuncture to aid in the expulsion of the fetus and uterine tissue from my body, rather than undergoing a D and C (dilation and curettage) procedure. This decision was largely influenced by concerns about bleeding out and the need for a blood transfusion, especially since my first child was born via Cesarean section. I engaged in two months of continuous acupuncture which ultimately allowed me to move through this experience and be cleared to try for pregnancy again.
Unfortunately, my postpartum emotions returned with intense rage, causing me to lash out at my partner and daughter over trivial matters. I felt guilt for my anger, compounded by the stress of acupuncture studies, managing my business, and the challenges of potty training a two-year-old with limited support. Despite begging my partner for assistance, the help I received was often unhelpful, intensifying my frustration. Eventually, a series of life events led me to seek talk therapy, which provided me with the tools to improve my situation.
While I did not pursue acupuncture during this time, I turned to regular massage therapy to relieve the muscular tension related to my grief, anxiety, and emotional imbalances. The healing power of touch plays a crucial role in alleviating the compression of emotional turmoil.
This is why my practice at Thyme In Massage Chicago LLC, a black-owned massage acupuncture service in Lincoln Park, is dedicated to supporting individuals dealing with trauma and PTSD through massage and acupuncture. We understand the detrimental effects that trauma can have on the body and nervous system, disrupting homeostasis.
I provide a judgment-free, safe space where you can heal both internally through acupuncture and externally via massage therapy. I look forward to supporting you on your healing journey in the vibrant community of Chicago under the guidance of Dr. Yvette K. Clay.
Thyme In Massage Chicago, LLC got its name from two key elements: 1) The herb Thyme, known for boosting immunity, lowering blood pressure, and enhancing digestive health. 2) The concept of a 'timeout' in sports symbolizes taking a break. My intention is for clients, whether they are looking for acupuncture and massage in Old Town or seeking Lincoln Park massage and acupuncture, to always be equipped for whatever challenges life presents. Rather than taking a timeout, I aspire for my clients to reconnect with their best selves and say 'thyme in.' As a proud black-owned massage and acupuncture practice, I emphasize specialized services like trauma and PTSD massage and acupuncture in Chicago, ensuring tailored care for everyone. *Source: https://www.medicinenet.com/what_is_thyme_good_for/article.htm
American Massage Therapy Association - 2009
American Acupuncture Council - 2025
Massage Therapy License - 227009937
Acupuncture License - 198011970
NPI - 1760323638
For those seeking quality acupuncture and massage therapy in Old Town/ Lincoln Park, Dr. Yvette Clay in Chicago specializes in trauma, grief and PTSD massage therapy and acupuncture.