Iridescence Healing Arts | Manual Lymphatic Drainage & Therapeutic Massage in Northampton, MA

Welcome to Iridescence Healing Arts, where thoughtful care begins with listening to what brought you here, what your body has been navigating, and what you hope to feel or understand differently through our work together.

Located in downtown Northampton, Massachusetts, Iridescence is a trauma-informed practice with a specialized focus on Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) and lymphatic health. Therapeutic massage, sound therapy, and Reiki are also offered as distinct approaches to care, with trauma-informed principles thoughtfully woven throughout the practice. Together, these offerings create an integrative approach to care without asking every body, or every session, to follow the same path.

Whether you're preparing for surgery, recovering from a procedure, navigating swelling or chronic symptoms, learning more about your lymphatic system, or simply recognizing that your body could use some additional care, you don't need to arrive knowing exactly where to begin. Care is collaborative and individualized, with education and body awareness helping you better understand and participate in your own care.

Meet Mary: Your Northampton-Based Manual Lymphatic Drainage & Therapeutic Massage Therapist

Mary Gabis, M.S. Ed., LMT, C-MLDT, is a licensed massage therapist, Certified Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapist, certified trauma-informed practitioner, NASM-certified personal trainer, and 200-hour yoga teacher. With over 20 years of experience in dance and somatics, she brings an intuitive understanding of anatomy, movement, and body awareness to each session.

Her practice blends experiential and evidence-informed techniques with a compassionate, grounded presence, creating care that feels both restorative and empowering. Education is also an important part of Mary's approach, helping clients better understand their bodies, lymphatic health, movement patterns, and supportive practices they can carry with them beyond the treatment room.

Mary's own healing journey began in 2018, when massage therapy and lymphatic work became part of supporting her nervous system and overall well-being. That experience helped inspire Iridescence Healing Arts: a space where clients receive thoughtful, individualized care through gentle yet effective hands-on approaches.

Her work has been recognized with Best of the Valley honors in 2024, 2025, and 2026, CWE's 2024 Women Entrepreneurs Who Lift Up Massachusetts Award, and she continues to pursue advanced education in lymphatic care, body mechanics and corrective movement, as well as therapeutic bodywork.

Specialized Care at Iridescence Healing Arts

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD), sometimes referred to as lymphatic drainage massage, lymph drainage massage, or lymph massage, is a gentle, rhythmic hands-on technique designed to support healthy lymph flow and fluid movement throughout the body.

People seek MLD for many reasons, including swelling and fluid retention, surgery preparation and post-surgical recovery, postpartum recovery, chronic inflammatory conditions, sinus and head congestion, TMJ-related symptoms, and times when the body feels congested, heavy, or in need of additional recovery support.

At Iridescence Healing Arts, Manual Lymphatic Drainage is provided as a dedicated 90-minute, whole-body treatment and is not blended with therapeutic massage, Reiki, sound therapy, or other modalities. This allows the session to remain focused on the lymphatic system and follow the principles of MLD while adapting the treatment to your individual presentation and goals.

The whole-body approach recognizes that the lymphatic system functions as an interconnected network. Treatment therefore supports overall lymphatic circulation before giving additional attention to areas where congestion, swelling, or other concerns may be present. The gentle rhythm of MLD may also encourage relaxation and nervous system regulation as part of the experience.

If you're new to Manual Lymphatic Drainage and aren't sure whether it's appropriate for what you're experiencing, you're welcome to reach out before booking. Mary is happy to help you determine whether MLD or another type of care is the most suitable modality for your needs.

Therapeutic Massage

Professional therapeutic massage sessions are tailored to your individual goals. Whether addressing muscle tension, improving mobility, recovering from injury, supporting postural changes, addressing repetitive movement patterns, or seeking relaxation, Mary draws from therapeutic, myofascial, somatic, and nervous system-informed techniques using a range of light to moderate pressure.

Sessions support greater comfort, mobility, body awareness, and recovery while honoring your body's pace and responses. Clients may also receive guidance in body awareness, mechanics, and movement so the benefits of treatment can extend beyond the massage table.

Trauma-Informed Care

As a certified trauma-informed practitioner, Mary approaches bodywork with an understanding that our experiences can influence how we feel, move, respond to touch, and experience care. Sessions prioritize communication, consent, choice, and pacing, with space to adjust treatment according to your comfort and body's responses. This approach is woven throughout her practice rather than treated as a separate modality, creating care that is collaborative, respectful, and grounded in your sense of agency.

Sound Therapy / Sound Bathing

Sound therapy uses Himalayan singing bowls, tuning forks, and harmonic instruments to encourage nervous system regulation, deep rest, and relaxation. This modality may be especially supportive during periods of stress, life transition, or when creating space for rest and grounding is an important part of care.

Reiki Energy Healing

This light-touch or touch-free energy modality offers a quiet space for relaxation, grounding, and emotional or energetic reflection. Reiki may be offered independently or incorporated into appropriate non-MLD integrative sessions.

Why Choose Iridescence Healing Arts?

A core belief at Iridescence Healing Arts is that healing is not one-size-fits-all, but a collaborative process. Each session is approached with compassion, intention, professionalism, and skill.

Whether you're new to Manual Lymphatic Drainage and therapeutic bodywork or already familiar with holistic practices, Mary's goal is to create an experience that feels safe, informative, empowering, and individualized. You are met with respect, presence, curiosity, and thoughtful care.

People collaborate with Mary for:

• Manual lymphatic drainage following surgery or injury to support swelling reduction, fluid movement, and recovery
• Lymphatic drainage for ongoing lymphatic health, fluid retention, chronic or inflammatory concerns, and periods when additional recovery support may be helpful
• Surgery preparation and post-surgical lymphatic care
• Therapeutic massage for tension relief, injury recovery, mobility, postural support, and repetitively overused or fatigued areas
• Nervous system-informed and trauma-informed bodywork
• Sound therapy and Reiki for relaxation, grounding, and emotional well-being
• Education and practical guidance that help clients better understand and participate in their own care
• A space where healing is personalized and the body's messages are met with compassion

Whether you're seeking Manual Lymphatic Drainage in Northampton, MA, lymphatic massage for post-surgical recovery, therapeutic massage in the Pioneer Valley, or a thoughtful approach to nervous system regulation and whole-person care, Iridescence Healing Arts offers a space for restoration, education, and reconnection.

Serving Northampton, the Pioneer Valley & Beyond

Iridescence Healing Arts is located inside Sanctuary at Thornes Marketplace in downtown Northampton, Massachusetts.

Mary works with people from Northampton, Amherst, Florence, Easthampton, Hadley, Hatfield, Sunderland, Greenfield, Holyoke, Springfield, Central Massachusetts, Northern Connecticut, Southern Vermont, and throughout the Pioneer Valley.

If you're looking for skilled, compassionate Manual Lymphatic Drainage or therapeutic care grounded in education, trauma-informed principles, and nervous system awareness, you're welcome to explore available services and book the care that feels right for you. If you're not quite sure where to begin, the FAQs below may help answer some of your questions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How is it determined if Mary is the right fit?
The intake process includes a thoughtful discussion about your goals, preferences, and health considerations. I offer a complimentary phone consultation before your session to ensure my services align with your needs. If we decide your goals are outside my scope, I will happily refer you to or recommend other trusted professionals.

2. Which service is right for me?
If you’re unsure where to begin, I can guide you through the benefits of each service. You’ll also find detailed descriptions on the service menu for further insight. Whether you're interested in Manual Lymphatic Drainage, therapeutic massage, sound therapy, or Reiki, I'm happy to help you determine which approach may be the best fit for your current needs.

3. What can I expect at my first appointment?
Iridescence Healing Arts is located inside Sanctuary on the third floor of Thornes Marketplace in Northampton, MA. I'll meet you in the hallway across from the elevator and welcome you into the space.

Your session begins with a check-in about what brings you in, your current goals, relevant health considerations, and any questions you may have. If you're coming in for your first Manual Lymphatic Drainage session, we'll also spend time discussing your health history, lymphatic concerns, and what to expect from MLD before beginning treatment.

For therapeutic massage and other hands-on services, we'll discuss comfort, positioning, clothing or draping considerations, and any preferences that may help support your experience. Communication remains open throughout your appointment, and treatment can be adjusted according to your comfort and body's responses.

4. What does trauma-informed massage therapy and bodywork mean?
As a certified trauma-informed practitioner, I approach bodywork with an understanding that our experiences can influence how we feel, move, respond to touch, and experience care. Trauma-informed care emphasizes communication, consent, choice, pacing, and respect for your body's responses throughout the session. Rather than being a separate technique or modality, these principles inform how I approach care across my practice, with the intention of creating a collaborative experience that respects your comfort, boundaries, and sense of agency.

5. What does it mean to undress to my level of comfort during a massage?
You can choose to remain fully clothed, wear minimal clothing, or disrobe completely, whichever feels right for you. I’ll adapt the session to your choice, ensuring that only the specific area being treated is uncovered at any time.

6. How do I prepare for my appointment?
A little preparation can help you arrive feeling comfortable and ready for your session. I recommend eating normally beforehand, staying comfortably hydrated throughout the day, and wearing clothing that is easy to change or move in as needed. Arriving a few minutes early also gives you time to settle in so we can begin your appointment without feeling rushed.

New MLD clients will receive a pre-session email with additional guidance specific to their upcoming appointment, so you'll know what to expect and how to prepare before we meet.

7. What aftercare is recommended?
After your session, I’ll offer personalized aftercare suggestions. In general, staying hydrated and allowing yourself time to rest are helpful. Gentle activities and quiet environments are especially beneficial following energy work and lymphatic massage.

8. What are the payment and gratuity options?
Cash and check are preferred methods of payment; credit and debit cards (through Square), PayPal, and Venmo are accepted. Gratuity is appreciated but not expected. Sharing positive experiences through reviews on Massagebook.com and Google or referrals to your loved ones is a wonderful way to show your appreciation. 

9. Does Mary accept insurance?
I don’t accept insurance at this time, but I can provide an invoice for those seeking reimbursement from their insurance provider. Policies vary, so it’s best to confirm details with your provider.

10. How can I get in touch with Mary before an appointment?
Feel free to reach out via email at iridescencehealingarts@gmail.com, by phone at (413) 437-0898, or through messages on MassageBook.com. I’m happy to answer questions or provide additional information.  Se habla español.  

11. Cancellation, Late Arrival & Refund Policy

Your appointment time is thoughtfully reserved just for you. Because availability is limited and appointments are often in high demand, I kindly ask for at least 24 hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your session.

Appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours' notice, missed appointments, and no-shows are charged the full session fee. Whenever possible, 48 hours' notice is sincerely appreciated, as it often allows the time reserved for you to be offered to someone else in need of care.

If you begin feeling unwell before your appointment, please reach out as soon as possible so we can determine the best next step together. Your health, as well as the well-being of other clients, is always a priority.

If you arrive late, your session will still conclude at its scheduled end time to honor the appointments that follow. Arrivals more than 20 minutes after the scheduled start time may be considered a missed appointment and charged the full session fee.

Refund requests are considered on a case-by-case basis. If a refund is approved after payment has been processed, any non-refundable payment processing fees retained by the payment processor will be deducted from the refunded amount. If preferred, the full amount may instead be applied as an account credit for a future session, with no processing fee deducted.

12. Miscellaneous logistics: There is an elevator in the building to the third floor and and an electric lift table to accommodate a range of diverse needs.  A scent free space is intended but not guaranteed due to the nature of a larger shared professional space.  If you do not see a time that works for your schedule or have worked with me prior and are in need of a short notice appointment, please feel free to reach out - I will do my best to try and accommodate you!  Logistics on parking and locating the office inside Thornes are sent in the confirmation email upon booking.

Begin With the Care That Fits You

If you've found what you're looking for, you're welcome to book your session when you're ready. If you're still unsure which service is the best place to begin, please feel free to reach out.

I'm happy to answer questions and help you determine whether Manual Lymphatic Drainage, therapeutic massage, or another offering may be appropriate for your current goals. You don't need to have everything figured out before getting in touch.

I look forward to welcoming you to Iridescence Healing Arts.

Additional Resources (copy and paste links into your web browser)

For information and research on the benefits of massage therapy and its impact on the mental/physical experience, please visit: 

• https://www.amtamassage.org/resources/massage-and-health/mental-health/
• https://www.amtamassage.org/publications/massage-therapy-journal/research-massage-for-pain/

For more information and research on the benefits of manual lymph drainage, a basic overview of the lymphatic system, aftercare, and related resources, please visit: https://www.amtamassage.org/publications/massage-therapy-journal/research-update-lymph-drainage/?_zs=tfmfQ1&_zl=xw787 *and* https://madisonlymphatics.com/therapy-options/mld-aftercare/