Wittenberg massage therapist wins chamber award

Down to Earth Healing and Massage named Member of the Year
By: 
Miriam Nelson
News Editor

BIRNAMWOOD-Each year at its annual banquet, the Wittenberg Area Chamber of Commerce presents a Member of the Year award to a business that has shown growth and enhancement to the economic health and quality of life to the area.

Kristy McRae, owner of Down to Earth Healing and Massage in downtown Wittenberg, received the 2019 award Saturday, recognizing the growth of her business and her interest in and attendance at other community events. McRae has worked with several businesses to offer her healing services.

“She brings a big city health benefit to a small town area,” said Sally Jo Stevens, chamber president.

“I’m deeply honored and humbled by the award and makes me feel even more welcomed by the community,” said McRae, who moved to the area about 20 years ago from Upper Michigan.

She started her practice in 2014 while transitioning to working part-time in a dentist’s office. McRae noted that her business grew incredibly fast through word of mouth and the referrals from loyal clients.

Trained in a variety of massage styles, McRae is able to incorporate several techniques to best help her clients. She offers massage cupping, which involves placing cups on the skin to create suction and help reduce pain and inflammation. Neuro-muscular release is retraining the muscle memory so the feeling of a muscle “knot” goes away. Ashiatsu massage involves her standing on top of the massage table and, with the assistance of railings attached to the ceiling, she walks on the body, offering better control and a deeper massage.

“I’m honored every day that the community has trusted me to offer these unique services. I’m grateful for all the friendships I’ve made,” said McRae.

Recently she took the opportunity of renovating an existing building. She received a grant from the Wittenberg Area Development Corp. to help with some of the cost. McRae acknowledged she was also grateful for all the time and effort her husband, Scott, provided in the renovation project.

“He worked tirelessly to help me get the building ready, on top of working his full-time job at Greenheck in Schofield,” said McRae.

McRae is always looking to meet the needs of her clients by hosting classes and bringing in guest speakers and teachers. She said she would like to do even more work with the young and the elderly.

McRae lives on a hobby farm in Birnamwood with Scott and their two daughters, Madalyn and Vivian.

AT A GLANCE
WHO:
Kristy McRae, owner
WHAT: Down to Earth Healing and Massage
WHERE: 105 W. Vinal St., Wittenberg
FYI: 715-581-4510 or Facebook to book an appointment