ALUMNI AND U

Spa owner creates inner balance

By Natalie St-Denis

isa Gossen is a true believer in the benefits of alternative medicine.
Gossen’s vision of creating a natural wellness centre became reality a little over a year ago with the opening of Inner Balance, a spa that focuses on natural and alternative health practices.

“ We are more like the spas in Europe where the holistic approach to health care is predominant,” says Gossen.

Located in the Kensington district, Inner Balance caters to busy urbanites looking for a quick way to relax and unwind. “People work hard and long hours and in order to meet their needs we offer various types of massages, acupuncture, reflexology, several specialized packages and even yoga classes,” says Gossen.

A recent study by PricewaterhouseCoopers showed that consumers of the spa industry no longer see the experience as pampering but as a way to stay healthy and look good – and that’s exactly what Gossen has focused on.

The U of C alumnus combines 15 years of experience in the industry with her education – a two-year degree in massage therapy from the West Coast College of Massage in Vancouver (1989) and her B.Sc. in Biology from U of C (2002).

In just over a year, Inner Balance has attracted 700 clients, many of whom have become regulars. “The people who come here are usually healthy people who want to maintain their health, they come to replenish themselves through massage or acupuncture,” says Gossen. The spa’s clientele varies in age but most clients are professionals between the ages of 30 and 50, of which 60 percent are women and 40 percent men.

“Massage therapy is the most researched area in alternative health care and studies have proven over and over again the benefits of massage,” says Gossen, adding that massage therapy improves blood circulation and movement of lymph fluids, reduces blood pressure, strengthens the immune system and fosters peace of mind by reducing levels of anxiety and mental stress.

Inner Balance offers various types of massage therapies including therapeutic, relaxation, Thai and Ayurvedic, each having its own technique for achieving specific goals. “When people call they’re not always sure what they want. We do an assessment of what they might enjoy and benefit most from depending on the results that they are looking for,” says Gossen.

Gossen, a strong proponent of alternative health care, also keeps a busy schedule on the speaking circuit. “I’m often invited as a guest speaker for Lunch & Learns on health education and alternative and complementary medicine.

“ My degree from U of C has certainly increased my credibility,” says Gossen. Recent invitations from local organizations include the CPR Head Office, the City of Calgary and the Special Library Association.

“My goal is to help people find their optimal health, to feel good physically and emotionally.”