Offering Women’s Holistic Wellness Services to restore vitality, calm, and restore the central nervous system.

Training & Experience

Training & Experience

Gina Saka, LMT – Licensed Massage Therapist Since 1999

Professional Education & Certifications

Massage Therapy – The Chicago School of Massage Therapy (CSMT), 1999

  • Graduate, Class 45, December 1999

  • Extensive training: Anatomy, Physiology, Clinical Massage Therapy, Therapeutic Movement, Stretching, Sports Massage, Pre/Post Event Massage, Kinesiology, Acupressure, Musculoskeletal Pathology, Seated Chair Massage, Career Development, First Aid & CPR

  • Student clinic: 30 hours/week each semester

Shiatsu & Thai Massage – The Ohashi Institute / Zen Shiatsu

  • Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced Shiatsu Levels 1 & 2

  • TCM, Moxibustion, Hara & Face Diagnosis, Masunaga Extensions, Flying Shiatsu, Cupping Therapy 1 & 2

  • Thai Massage (Northern & Southern Style), Teacher’s Assistant for Southern Thai workshops

  • Adjusted senior teacher’s yoga classes

Manual Lymphatic Drainage

  • Certified Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapist (Vodder Method)

  • Certifeid MLD,- Jones Spa Training Academy

Other Certifications & Training

  • Decolonization workshops within trauma-informed training and individual self-study of anti-racism and social justice training

  • Reflexology, Acupressure, Shoshin Shiatsu, Chinese Medicine, Aromatherapy, Indian Head Massage, Zero Balance Therapy, Polarity Therapy

  • Professional Training in Trauma-Informed Care Healing Sexual Trauma,

  • Professional Training in Trauma-Informed Yoga and Meditation for Sexual Assault Survivors

  • Integrative Healthcare Studies: Stress Reduction, Cancer Care, Anxiety Management, Digestive & Endocrine Systems

Yoga, Wellness & Fitness Training

  • Temple of Kriya Yoga – 200-hour Teacher Training, 2007 (Alignment, Restorative & Yin Yoga)

  • Yogaview – 200-hour Teacher Training, 2008

  • Taught yoga, meditation, and bodywork workshops at: Namaskar Yoga Studio, Yogaview, Yogaview WP, Shri Yoga Center, One Key Yoga, Spring Wellness, Equinox Gold Coast & Lincoln Park

  • Lululemon Ambassador – 2011

  • Group Fitness & Yoga Instructor – Chicago Athletic Clubs, Lincoln Square, Lakeview Lincoln Park, , Bucktown, and Webster Place, Equinox Lincoln Park & Gold Coast.

  • Yoga in the Park for Lulu, Chicago and Free in store yoga class at Lulu– circa 2010

  • Taught guided breath work and Meditation class-designed to help students tap into breath work to regulate

    nervous system.

  • Styles of yoga taught: Vinyasa Flow, Asthanga Power Flow, Yoga for

    Runners, Hatha, Hatha Flow, Yoga Basics/Beginner and Advanced, Yin yoga, Pranayama

    (guided breath work), Restorative Yoga and Meditation.

  • Certified Personal Trainer -circa 1998. Not practicing.

Workshops & Teaching Highlights-Thai Massage & Bodywork Workshops

  • July 2008 – Yogaview: “Thai Massage for the Table” for massage therapists

  • July 2008 – Chi-Town Shakti: “Thai Massage for the Table” for massage therapists

  • January 2010 – Yogaview: “Intro to Thai Bodywork” for all levels

  • January 2010 – Chi-Town Shakti: “Intro to Thai Bodywork” for all levels

  • July 2010 – DePaul University: Thai Massage Workshop

Additional Studies

  • Intuitive & Energy Development Trainings – 10 years of study

  • Reiki I & II Certifications – Completed, not currently practiced or offered professionally.

  • My background also includes studies in intuitive and spiritual development, which have deepened my ability to listen, hold space, and support clients with presence and care.