Facial Cupping

Using small cups for finer face features, facial cupping is a uniquely specialized service which improves facial circulation for firmer skin and decreasing puffiness. It may help relieve jaw tension, sinus congestion, tension headaches and assist with lymphatic drainage.

Preparing for Facial Cupping

If possible, please arrive to your appointment with clean skin. A gentle cleansing towelette will be available for use before your appointment if needed.

Facial oil is used to allow the cups to glide over the skin. Please inform your massage therapist if you have any nut allergies.

Cupping marks are uncommon because of lighter suction and consistent movements. Thin or sensitive skin may experience temporary redness that faces within a few days. Facial cupping isn’t painful. In fact, we believe it’s the ultimate add-on for a relaxing experience.

Immediately after treatment, people see reduced puffiness and firmer skin. Like massage, the effects of cupping are cumulative. Keeping it a regular part of your massage therapy routine is optimal.

Benefits of Facial Cupping

  • Improved Complexion: Cupping draws nutrient rich blood to the area. People may notice youthful skin, reduced puffiness and balanced skin moisture.
  • Relaxed and stimulated muscles: Cupping lifts tight muscles and can release connective tissue adhesions. This may help with tension headaches, jaw tension and softening scar tissue.
  • Increased detoxification and drainage: Cupping helps drain congested tissues. Cupping draws built up fluid toward the surface, relieves compressed tissues, and improves lymphatic flow. Cups are moved along lymphatic pathways assisting with drainage.

A 30-minute facial cupping session includes treatment for face, neck and decollete. A 15-minute session includes treatment for the face and neck. Facial cupping can be combined with a 60-, 75-, or 90-minute relaxation or deep tissue massage.

Schedule your facial cupping session today or talk with your massage therapist about adding it to your already scheduled session.

New Location and Practice Update

Northern Mandala is now located inside the Riverwalk Center in East Grand Forks, Minn. (211 Demers Ave, East Grand Forks)  It’s across the street from Cabala’s inside the Riverwalk Center (home of River Cinema).

Along with a spacious lobby and private bathroom, the new location allows for the expansion of future services and the opportunity to add an additional licensed massage therapist in the coming year. 

Parking is available on all sides of the building. The most direct access to my office is from the lot in between the Riverwalk Center and Boardwalk Bar & Grill. The most ample parking is in the back of the building. Through the back doors, you walk past several businesses, and my office will be down the first hallway on your right. I’m across from the smaller set of theatres. 

Northern Mandala Lobby in East Grand Forks

Sales Tax & Rate Update

The Minnesota Department of Revenue requires sales tax to be collected with massage therapy. Because of this, and to remain competitive, there will be slight increase in prices.  Each service will go up by $10.  

Memberships purchased prior to August 1, 2021, will remain at their current prices.  They will only see a price increase upon renewal. 

Prices available on the website or when you schedule online.

I’m excited to share this new location and look forward to seeing you soon!

Massage Therapy after Covid-19 Vaccination

How long should you wait to receive massage therapy after receiving the Covid-19 vaccination? Industry experts suggest at least two days to ensure any post-vaccination reactions have time to subside. If you have more flu-like symptoms after the vaccination, wait for massage therapy until after the symptoms subside. Read more from industry expert, Ruth Warner, here in the latest issue of Body Sense magazine from Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals.

DeAnn Gietzen, LMT, participates in ABMP CE Summit

DeAnn Gietzen, Licensed Massage Therapist, successfully completed the CE Summit hosted by the Associated Bodywork and Massage Professional.  The Summit, held over the course of three days, offered massage therapists from across the country the opportunity to learn from and interact with leading industry professionals. 

Gietzen successfully completed the following: 

  • Massage Therapist’s Guide to COVID-19:  Pathology expert focused on current understanding of COVID-19, including the pathophysiology, communicability and complications of the infection.  Course included discussion on how to make safe, effective, evidence-informed decisions with clients
  • Balancing the Shoulder: Practical Clinic: This interactive course provided four mini-sessions including visual assessment to treatment strategy to technique. It included techniques for balancing the myofacia of the shoulders, arms and hands. Participants learned to recognize ideal and compensated patterns resulting from shoulder issues.
  • Plantar Foot Pain: Interactive session sharing insights about relevant anatomy, research, mechanisms, assessment, strategies and hands-on techniques for effective work with plantar foot pain.
  • A Detailed Approach to General Neck Pain: Expert-led session discussing the most common complaint from clients: neck pain. Several techniques demonstrated to alleviate neck pain. 
  • Addressing Health Disparities in Communities of Color with Wellness Approaches: Course highlighted the factors contributing to health inequalities for Black, Hispanic and Native American Communities and explored the role the wellness industry can play to address the inequalities.
  • Presence, Boundaries and Emotional Resiliency: Industry leaders discussed the benefits of modifying definitions of boundaries, serving and what it means to be a health partner. 
  • Touching Trauma: Participants engaged virtually to learn to work effectively and safely with clients experiencing trauma and empower them to use bodywork sessions as a tool in the healing process. 
  • Connection and Courage in Times of Uncertainty: Industry-leading facilitator explored how to connect to others in ways that fill deep needs and how to have brave conversations when the outcomes cannot be controlled. 

The CE Summit was presented virtually over the course of three days with live and interactive sessions in an effort to support massage therapists and bodyworkers in their dedication to continually staying abreast of important topics in the industry. Regularly completing continuing education courses is a stringent licensing requirement of North Dakota Board of Massage Therapy and proves a therapists commitment to staying abreast of industry best practices and modalities.


DeAnn Gietzen is the owner and licensed massage therapist with Northern Mandala, LLC.  Northern Mandala has locations in Grand Forks and Minot, North Dakota.

Through a 750-hour training program at Josef’s School of Hair, Skin and Body, DeAnn received advanced training in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology and pathology. The course also included clinical practice, practical application and certification in CPR, first aid and AED. DeAnn has successfully completed the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) offered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards.  She is licensed in massage therapy by the state of North Dakota. DeAnn has also achieved Functional Movement Therapy Certification in Cupping and Muscle Flossing. Schedule your massage with DeAnn today.

Schedule your appointment online today.

Therapeutic Cupping and Muscle Flossing

Ever feel pain after getting up from bed in the morning or sitting at your desk? After a hard work out, run or even long-distance walk, do your joints feel tight or you feel overall tension? Pain doesn’t always have to be caused by a single knot or two in your muscles. Beneath the skin and around all muscles, organs, blood vessels and nerves are interconnected fibers called fascia (pronounced fash-ee-uh).

Unlike our skin and muscles, fascia doesn’t stretch. It responds to how we regularly use our bodies. Sitting for long periods of time, bent over gardening, or repetitive movement such as painting, typing or lifting weights causes the fascia to respond by adapting in ways that hold that shape. Then, as we stand or stretch from that position, the adjusted shape of the fascia, lessens the ability for fluid to move freely and can cause discomfort or pain.

Various bodywork modalities to compress or decompress the skin affects the tissues beneath to enhance how we feel overall. Hard foam rolling or deep tissue massage helps push fluid through layers of fascia. Movement coupled with decompression or compression further hydrates the tissue to reduce pain and improve mobility.

Cupping

Cupping therapy is an ancient form of alternative medicine in which a therapist places special cups on the skin for a few minutes. The most common form are dry cupping and massage cupping. Dry cupping places a cup on the body using suction where it remains in one location for a period of time. Massage cupping, known as glide cupping, involves moving the cup over the affected area to more effectively cause release. It decompresses layers of tissues to create a better environment and space to improve glide of fascia and allow systems to best do their job within the body.  

Muscle Flossing

Muscle flossing is a newer technique available. Often used to speed recovery for athletes after competition or intense training, muscle flossing is also highly beneficial for anyone seeking a non-pharmaceutical option for pain reduction and improvement in movement.

Muscle floss is a reusable mobility tool to improve range of motion, reduce pain and help improve joint and muscle movement. Flossing uses a compression band with a specialized wrap technique and a series of movements to enhance the glide of fascia. Target areas often include shoulders, elbow, wrist, hips, knees, ankles, legs or arms (never use muscle floss on your head or neck).

Increase Glide, Decrease Pain

Both modalities coupled with the benefits of massage therapy promotes blood flow and circulation, loosens adhesions, releases trigger points and flushes toxins in order to promote healing to issues in tissues.

DeAnn Gietzen, licensed massage therapist with Northern Mandala, has achieved functional movement therapy certification in both cupping and muscle flossing.  Specialized therapeutic sessions are available with either cupping or cupping combined with flossing to get you back to feeling your best and moving with more ease.

Learn more about sessions available or schedule your appointment online.


DeAnn Gietzen is the owner and licensed massage therapist with Northern Mandala, LLC, based in East Grand Forks, Minn.

Through a 750-hour training program at Josef’s School of Hair, Skin and Body, DeAnn received advanced training in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology and pathology. The course also included clinical practice, practical application and certification in CPR, first aid and AED. DeAnn has successfully completed the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) offered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards.  She is licensed in massage therapy by the state of North Dakota. DeAnn has also achieved Functional Movement Therapy Certification in Cupping and Muscle Flossing. Schedule your massage with DeAnn today.

Schedule your appointment online today.

Reopening with North Dakota’s Smart Restart

Aligned with the North Dakota Smart Restart protocols for Personal Services announced by Governor Doug Burgum on April 28, Northern Mandala has planned to reopen starting May 4. At the same time, all wellness membership accounts will be reactivated.

Your care and wellness has always been my highest priority. It has always been my practice to use in-depth sanitation and hand hygiene procedures before and after every client.  Recently, I was given the opportunity to provide input into the enhanced protocols set out by the state of North Dakota.  A full list of Northern Mandala safety protocols are available online.  The following are a few new elements based on the ND Smart Restart guidelines that will add to your experience.

  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): I will be wearing a mask during your session.  Per CDC guidelines, you are encouraged to wear a mask, however it is not required. Together we will evaluate your breathing comfort while laying face down.
  • Advance Online Screening: All clients will be asked to complete screening forms online prior to appointment.  Those with fever in the last 24 hours, with respiratory or flu symptoms, sore throat or shortness of breath will have their appointment rescheduled without penalty. Those in contact with anyone in the last 14 days who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 or with coronavirus-type symptoms will have their appointment rescheduled without penalty.
  • Temperature Check: Upon arrival to your session, all clients may have their temperature checked to ensure it is under 100F.
  • Linens and surfaces: As always, all linens and surfaces will be sanitized and disinfected prior to use. Additional time will be used between clients to ensure all surfaces meet expectations.

My schedule is now open for appointments. If you have any questions about the new procedures or schedule, or have questions regarding your membership account, please feel free to contact me at 218-791-0704 (call/text) or email dmariegietzen@gmail.com.


IMG_6837 (2)DeAnn Gietzen is the owner and licensed massage therapist with Northern Mandala, LLC, based in East Grand Forks, Minn.

Through a 750-hour training program at Josef’s School of Hair, Skin and Body, DeAnn received advanced training in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology and pathology. The course also included clinical practice, practical application and certification in CPR, first aid and AED. DeAnn has successfully completed the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) offered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards. She is licensed in massage therapy by the state of North Dakota.

Schedule your appointment online today.

Be Calmer through Breathing

Our breath is such a simple and essential thing. Each inhale and exhale ebbs and flows throughout the day and we barely give it a second thought. And yet, something as simple as the way you breath can improve your health.

Just Breathe with Mandala

Use your breath to calm anxiety and stress

Deep breathing when anxiety hits can make the difference between an unmanageable situation and an unwelcome blip in your day. It naturally lowers your heart rate, improves blood flow and helps you think more clearly.

Even more, when tempers flare, it seems almost impossible to think about anything other than the current situation. Simple breathing techniques can encourage calmness and help reverse the physical symptoms of anger.

To lessen anxiety and increase calmness

  • Isolate yourself from everyone for 15 minutes
  • Inhale slowly for the count of 4.
  • Exhale slowly for the count of 8.
  • Notice the space in between your inhale and exhale.
  • Repeat until you feel yourself calm.

 Breathing and Meditation

Focused breathing is an excellent addition to a meditation practice.  It allows more open hearts and minds.  Even more, it can move energy that is stuck.

During meditation

  • Quiet your body and mind
  • Slow your breathing to a calm steady level
  • Inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth
  • Concentrate on the air that moves in and out of your lungs
  • Feel each inhale as it rises from your feet to your head and each exhale as it descends from your head through the bottoms of your feet.
  • Focus on how your body feels and moves as you inhale and exhale

Much like massage, breathing encourages relaxation and healthy habits. It keeps your mind and body functioning well and curbs your stress. Through focused breathing, your muscles naturally relax and may help you feel as if you go through your day a little easier.


IMG_6837 (2)

DeAnn Gietzen is the owner and licensed massage therapist with Northern Mandala, LLC, based in East Grand Forks, Minn.

Through a 750-hour training program at Josef’s School of Hair, Skin and Body, DeAnn received advanced training in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology and pathology. The course also included clinical practice, practical application and certification in CPR, first aid and AED. DeAnn has successfully completed the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) offered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards. She is licensed in massage therapy by the state of North Dakota.

Schedule your appointment online today.

Client Sessions Related to COVID-19 Pandemic

AllShallBeWellAfter reviewing recommendations by national massage therapy boards, the CDC and trends of local and national leaders, it is with thoughtful consideration that all massage therapy sessions be suspended temporarily for Northern Mandala clients.  Your care and wellness is my highest priority. It has always been my practice to use in-depth sanitation and hand washing procedures before and after every client. At the same time, because of the nature of direct hands-on work with clients, it’s in the best interest to put sessions on hold for both Grand Forks and Minot locations.

Clients in the wellness program will continue to have all sessions honored in coming months. You may also take the option of deactivating your wellness membership until I re-open so you are not charged for sessions I’m unable to fulfill. Those with appointments scheduled in the coming days will be contacted to reschedule. For those of you who’d like to schedule in the coming weeks, my schedule is available online. I will work to be as flexible as possible to meet your needs. Thank you, in advance, for being flexible to this new and ever changing situation.

In the meantime, I plan to develop and distribute self-care online that you can use at home until your next session.

Thank you for understanding as we navigate these trying times. Your wellness is my priority.   Be well.

Making Time for Me

Time is precious and yet it slips away as the moments pass. We all make time for different things based on our current priorities.  And, usually, we tend to take care of ourselves last. We get caught in phrases like: After I mow the lawn, I’ll relax on the patio. Or, when that big project at work is perfect, I’ll take a vacation. Really, it can be anything:  Once I [insert any chore, etc.], I’ll take time for myself.

We see the signs all around us of things to be done to improve something else. When was the last time we really took a look at the signs meaning that we need a little recharge and rejuvenation in our lives? The signs are more simple than you think.

Benefits of MassageYou’re stressed. 

Work, kids, relationships, family, money. Any number of things cause stress and it can make you feel frustrated, angry, or nervous. Short bursts of stress can be positive helping you avoid danger or meet a deadline. Long-term stress, however, can be harmful leading to lack of energy or focus, frequent aches and pains, or causing chronic diseases. During stress, our bodies produce more cortisol which triggers

inflammation. Studies have shown a significant decrease in cortisol levels after massage therapy leading to great health and wellness benefits.

You’re not getting enough sleep.

At rest, your body is best fit to recharge itself. Plenty of sleep is important for learning and memory, weight control, mood, health and safety. Lack of sleep leads to errors in judgement or even clumsiness. Massage increases production of the serotonin hormone which also increases the melatonin in our systems and improves our ability to sleep.

You have neck, shoulder, hip or back pain.

Find yourself grabbing your neck, wincing when you turn your head one direction, or struck by a twinge of pain when you get up to walk after sitting for long periods? A short-term effect of massage therapy is an increase in endorphins, our bodies’ natural pain-killer.  A long-term benefit is how our muscles are stretched during massage which leads to the reduction of overall tension.

You’re putting extra stress on your body.

Does your job require you to lift heavy things?  Or, you have a small child needing to be carried. Maybe you or stand for long periods of time. The simple act of our joints carrying our body weight in one position for extended time adds stress to joints. Or, you could have started a new work-out routine or taken up a hobby such as golf or cross-country skiing. These can add stress to areas of your body are not usually worked. Massage can stretch and relax these muscles reducing the tension you feel.

You’re feeling down.

During massage, cortisol levels are lowered in your body. At the same time, serotonin levels are increased leading to your body’s ability to reduce anxiety and feelings of sadness.

Regular headaches have become a thing in your life.

There are so many potential causes of headaches: stress, lack of sleep, muscle tightness. The list goes on. Not only does massage help relieve headache pain by enhancing relaxation, it can also prevent headaches from occurring.

You haven’t had one in over a month.

Maybe you’ve never had a massage at all.  A 60-minute massage is only 4% of your day.  Try this perspective: in an average month, that 60-minute massage only accounts for .01% of the month.

These are just a few of the many signs meaning you should take time for a massage. Most of all, you deserve it.


IMG_6837 (2).JPGDeAnn Gietzen is the owner and licensed massage therapist with Northern Mandala, LLC, based in East Grand Forks, Minn.

Through a 750-hour training program at Josef’s School of Hair, Skin and Body, DeAnn received advanced training in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology and pathology. The course also included clinical practice, practical application and certification in CPR, first aid and AED. DeAnn has successfully completed the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) offered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards.  She is licensed in massage therapy by the state of North Dakota. Schedule your massage with DeAnn today.

Schedule your appointment online today. 

Which Massage is Right For Me?

Your back hurts. Your muscles are tense. You know you want a massage, but aren’t sure which to choose.

With nearly a hundred different modalities and specialties, it’s hard to know where to start. Fortunately, the vast majority of us will benefit from one of a handful of modalities.

Which Massage is Best for me_First, ensure the massage therapist you are working with has the appropriate qualifications for the technique used.  Some methods – cupping, dry needling, shiatsu – are trendy, yet they require additional certification beyond the initial training a massage therapist receives.  Even more, ensure your massage therapist is appropriately licensed and have received appropriate education in the location where they are working.

A skilled massage therapist can use the following methodologies to help most people find the most benefit.

Swedish (a.k.a Relaxation) Massage – This technique is the core massage. It uses gentle, slow, rhythmic techniques designed to calm the body and mind.  Swedish is typically a full body 30-, 60- or 90-minute method used to relieve everyday stress and general aches and pains.

Deep Tissue (a.k.a. Therapeutic) Massage – This restorative technique breaks through muscle tissues allowing greater flexibility and range of motion. It increases nutrients to muscles and flushes toxins. Typically this technique focuses on a particular area of pain. Deep Tissue is often used in 30-, 60- or 90-minute massages and is best indicated for various acute or chronic pain conditions.

Sports Massage – This technique enhances physical performance. It brings nutrients to muscles and prepares for activity or can help muscles stretch and relax after activity.  This is good for athletes in all stages of play or training or to help heal an injury.

Prenatal (a.k.a. Prenatal) Massage – This method relaxes tenses muscles caused by the strain of carrying a baby. It prepares the mother for labor, birth and aids recovery. As the name implies, this method is best for pregnant women or new moms.

Hot Stone Massage – This technique is an enhanced version of the Relaxation Massage.  It  incorporates various sizes of smooth stones, which are heated to around 105F and places in various positions around the body. At the same time, a skilled massage therapist will utilize a lubricated hot stone directly in the massage maneuvers to manipulate the tissues.  The purpose of the hot stones is to warm the tissues enhancing relaxation for the client. Hot Stone is often incorporated into 60- or 90-minute massages.

Trigger Point Therapy – Trigger Point Therapy uses sustained pressure on specific muscle knots and addresses pain, numbness and tingling.  Skilled massage therapists are able to integrate this technique into either Swedish or Deep Tissue massages.  Trigger Point Therapy is best for sciatica, headaches, numbness and tingling.

These are just a few options of massages techniques. By visiting with your massage therapist, you can work together to find one technique, or a combination of several, that will work best for your unique needs.

Most important, incorporating massage into your lifestyle will give you both short- and long-term benefits. Don’t wait until your muscle pain is unbearable. Make time for yourself today and schedule your massage.


IMG_6837 (2) DeAnn Gietzen is the owner and licensed massage therapist with Northern Mandala, LLC, based out of East Grand Forks, MN.

Through a 750-hour training program at Josef’s School of Hair, Skin and Body, DeAnn received advanced training in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology and pathology. The course also included clinical practice, practical application and certification in CPR, first aid and AED. DeAnn has successfully completed the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) offered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards. She is licensed in massage therapy by the state of North Dakota. Schedule your massage with DeAnn today.

Schedule your appointment online today.