Massage therapists celebrate their pain management system - Beckley Register-Herald

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Pain management is a chronic issue that plagues the Appalachian mountains – from pharmaceutical companies rolling out prescription pain medication in our area to the over-prescribing of misidentified ailments.

While solutions to these problems seem few and far between, local massage therapists Lee Forbes and Katrina DuMonceaux are hoping to apply their experience, passion and insights into a holistic system of treatment called Arukah Touch. With years of education in massage therapy and structural balancing therapy – which addresses chronic pain through structural adjustments – the therapists just recently celebrated their second grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce.

"I became one of North Carolina’s first paramedics nearly 45 years ago," Forbes said. "Later, I started roofing on the side, but in 2012, I had a catastrophic fall while working on a house at The Greenbrier."

This fall would change his life forever as he was paralyzed from the neck down afterward and required extensive physical therapy while being told he would never work again. It was around this time that DuMonceaux was on her own recovery journey while looking for relief from her chronic pain.

"My mom, who lives in North Carolina, told me about this guy, Kyle Wright, who has a modality called structural balancing bodywork," DeMonceaux explained, "and I felt immediate relief within just two hours of being on his table."

It was when DuMonceaux discussed the new modality with Forbes that they decided to give it a try while incorporating their own insights and perspective into a new system called "neuromuscular balancing therapy" that supposes pain doesn’t always originate from the place where it is manifesting.

"For instance," DuMonceaux said, "shoulder pain often originates from the pelvis so a twist in the pelvis causes tension up the back, which eventually affects the shoulder blade and shoulder."

With this approach, combined with their specialized knowledge, they have been able to help many clients find relief where traditional methods have failed.

Since opening Arukah Touch in Beaver in 2020, the business has steadily grown by drawing clients from across the region.



"It was said we wouldn't grow because we actually heal people," said DuMonceaux.

The services they offer include massage therapy, neuromuscular balancing therapy, and a grounded copper table, all tailored to individual needs.

"We take the time to understand where the pain is really coming from, and that makes all the difference," Forbes added.

Each session is designed to not only alleviate symptoms but also provide long-term solutions by addressing the root cause of pain.

The ribbon-cutting event was a celebration of their resilience and dedication to helping others.

"We’re grateful to be a part of this community and to provide an alternative path to healing for so many," DuMonceaux said.

Looking ahead, the therapists at Arukah Touch hope to expand their reach and offer educational workshops to teach others about their techniques.

Arukah Touch is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday. Appointments can be made through their website or by calling their office located at 308 George St., Beaver.