With a deep passion for the healing arts, Gwen is a licensed massage therapist specializing in holistic wellness. They believe in a mind-body-spirit connection and tailor each session to meet the unique needs of every client. Gwen incorporates a variety of modalities, including Swedish, deep tissue, sports healing, prenatal, and aromatherapy, hot stone, and cupping techniques to create a truly restorative experience.
They are dedicated to helping clients find balance and harmony in their lives. Through a compassionate and intuitive approach, Gwen guides individuals on their journey to well-being. By fostering a safe and nurturing environment, Gwen helps clients release tension, reduce stress, and restore vitality.
Gwen is committed to helping clients reconnect with themselves and feel good in their bodies. They are excited to partner with you on your path to holistic healing and a more vibrant life.
With a deep passion for the healing arts, Gwen is a licensed massage therapist specializing in ho...
Read More
I studied at NUNM and the Moving Mountain Institute, where I learned advanced needle techniques, shiatsu, qi gong tui na, cupping, ortho bionomy, cranial sacral therapy, visceral manipulation, myofascial release, moxibustion, and the application of herbal formulas and topicals. This strong foundation has inspired and enabled me to co-found a medicinal herbal company, East West Topicals. This company bridges natural Chinese herbs with modern culture by creating classical formulas in an easy to use salve. My aim in establishing East West Topicals is to provide accessible healing for all.
I aim to work with you and apply any or all of these techniques to help you be at your best.
I have been an avid soccer player since a young age and as many know, with sport comes injury. Battling with multiple knee injuries led me to become frustrated with western medicine’s ineffective approach of icing and prescription pills. Masking the pain did not help with healing. This led me to acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, which made beneficial, lasting structural changes.
Through my own personal healing journey and aiding others on theirs, I’ve learned to respect the body’s innate ability to heal. Listening to my patients requires more than hearing their words. In my studies I have been trained to listen to patients’ internal landscape by taking pulse, facial diagnosis, palpation, and asking diagnostic questions. My philosophy as a health practitioner is to work in collaboration with my patients. The keys to this are consent, communication, and respect. We will be working together to optimize your health. Through teamwork, I am excited to achieve your healthcare goals and Vitalize Wellness is our place to do this together.
I studied at NUNM and the Moving Mountain Institute, where I learned advanced needle techniques, ...
Read More
Christy Jacobo, RN, offers extensive nursing expertise with a focus on holistic health. With specialized training in naturopathic health, IPL treatments, injectables, and natural skincare, she strives to boost confidence and promote skin wellness. In 2023, Christy acquired Vitalize to further the mission of healing through education, expertise, and well-being. By championing body positivity, inclusivity, and education utilizing eastern and western ideologies, Christy supports the community with her profound commitment to natural aesthetic, health, and beauty.
Christy Jacobo, RN, offers extensive nursing expertise with a focus on holistic health. With spec...
Read More
Julie Lee is a licensed acupuncturist and board-certified herbalist in the state of Oregon. She is also nationally certified by the NCCAOM.
Julie strives to achieve balance between the body, mind and spirt, leading to complete harmony within each person. Her specialties include but are not limited to, women’s general health concerns, menstrual irregularities and PMS, menopausal symptoms support, digestive diseases and complaints, anxiety and other mood disturbances and sleep disorders.
Julie was born and raised in Seoul, South Korea and speaks fluent Korean. She comes from a family with a long history in Oriental Medicine. Her father is a notable MD, PhD, and professor of Oriental Medicine at Kyung Hee University of Oriental Medicine in South Korea. Since childhood, Julie has learned much from her family, especially her father, and is thankful for the knowledge that has been instilled in her.
As a young woman, Julie spent ten years as a figure skater in Seoul. During her training, she worked with an acupuncturist, and a massage therapist. Through the use of these modalities, she was able to improve within the sport and maintain a healthy body and weight composition. When becoming a figure skater instructor, she continued the use of these modalities, especially acupuncture, with her students, observing positive changes within their athletic abilities.
In 2001, Julie graduated from the University of Seoul Women with a bachelor degree in Natural Science, specializing in Human Movement. In 2003, Julie met, fell in love, married her husband, and moved to Portland shortly after.
In 2009, Julie graduated from the masters program at the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine (OCOM). Post graduation, Julie continued her education through completing numerous internships. In Korea, she studied at Kang Nam Kyung Hee Oriental Medicine Clinic. In Seoul, South Korea, she had the opportunity to observe, work and further her education at the University of Kyung Hee hospital, completing additional experience and training in weight loss, and gynecology.
She is currently pursuing her PhD at Pacific College of Health and Science, conducting research on aspects of health from a variety of perspectives.
Today, Julie pursues more natural approaches that can be approached in our daily lives, as well as the Western medical aspect, for various ailments.
In her free time, Julie enjoys playing golf and tennis with her two lovely children and wonderful husband, as well as traveling domestically and internationally to experience different cultures.
Julie Lee is a licensed acupuncturist and board-certified herbalist in the state of Oregon. She ...
Read More
Riley Newman is an Advanced Esthetician devoted to nurturing the skin, body, and spirit through a holistic approach to beauty and wellness. With a deep belief that healthy, radiant skin begins from within, Riley combines modern skincare science with mindful, intuitive touch. Each treatment is thoughtfully customized to honor the individual’s unique needs—restoring balance, glow, and confidence from the inside out.
Rooted in warmth and compassion, Riley’s practice is more than skincare—it’s a space for renewal, self-care, and connection. She integrates advanced techniques with natural therapies to support long-term skin health while creating a calming, restorative experience that invites every client to slow down, breathe, and feel at peace in their own skin.
Riley Newman is an Advanced Esthetician devoted to nurturing the skin, body, and spirit through a...
Read More