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 Our Therapists:


Ben Willems, M.S., L.Ac.
Ben spends quality time with every patient and provides the highest level of care. By taking the time to not only treat the symptoms but also take a look at the root causes he treats the "whole" person, body, mind and spirit. Using acupuncture, acupressure, Chinese herbal medicine, cupping, and other treatment-methods he tries to bring the body to a balanced state. Because when one is in balance the body, mind and spirit will be able to heal itself.

Ben spent many years in research but during that time was starting to feel more and more dissatisfied with the way Western medicine approaches people's health. Most of the time physicians have very little time to engage with a patient and therefore can only address the most pressing symptoms, often having to mask them with medication.

Originally from the Netherlands, Ben has been living in the U.S. since 1997. Ben and his wife Melissa have made Asheville their home since 2001.
He holds a Master’s degree in Environmental Health Sciences and Traditional Chinese Medicine and is fully licensed by the State of North Carolina and NCCAOM (National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine).
Ben used to work as a scientist for NIH (National Institutes of Health) in cancer research. He was a Professor at Daoist Traditions in Asheville, NC, Yo San University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Emperors College (both in Los Angeles, CA). He has been working in the field of Healing Arts for over 10 years.



Michael Rhine, L.Ac., OM
Michael Rhine is a graduate of Atlantic University of Chinese Medicine, where he earned his Masters-level Diploma in Traditional Chinese Medicine. He is licensed by the State of North Carolina to practice acupuncture, and is a Nationally Board Certified Diplomate of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbology via the NCCAOM (National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine). Michael also specializes in dietary and sports therapy.

Michael was drawn to Asian medicine because of its effectiveness in treating the whole person with a non-invasive approach. In addition, he finds great value in treating the root cause of illness, and not merely the symptoms. Such depth of treatment prevents recurrence of disease and discourages new illness from occurring. He is committed to providing the highest quality of care and working with his patients to achieve optimal health.






Grace Shen, P.T.
Grace has been practicing Physical Therapy for over 18 years. Her primary focus has been on treating the body in its totality as she sees the interrelationship between the physical body and the emotional and spiritual bodies. She enjoys the diverse backgrounds of clients that come to her to share their journey of healing.

Grace's physical therapy repertiore includes:
1) Total Motion Release- an exercise approach that works through the layers of fascia to self empower the individual to greater awareness of one's body by utilizing tools to regain balance, strength, and flexibility.
2) Craniosacral Therapy- a gentle hands-on technique that rebalances the spinal fluid system of the body to facilitate the body's own self-healing and self-regulating capabilities. This involves the practitioner "listening through the hands" to the body's subtle rhythms and any patterns of inertia or congestion. Through the development of subtle palpatory skills, the practitioner can read the story of the body, identify places where issues are held and then follow the natural priorities for healing as directed by the patient's own physiology.
3) Myofascial Release: Deep tissue work that releases patterns of holding and tension resulting in greater freedom and a suppleness to how "form fits function."

Modalities: 1) TurboSonic -Whole body vibration training that targets even the smallest muscles of the body to increase strength and availability of use. It also stimulates each cell of the body to vibrate at a healthy range, increasing immune system function and vitatlity. Benefits include fat loss, increased balance and coordination, oxygenation of cells and an overall sense of well-being.
2) Ultrasound - Using sound waves to increase tissue heat and circulation. Beneficial for toughened and adhered scar tissue. Also highly effective in decreasing healing time for sore/injured muscles.


Cassee Cunningham, NCLMBT #7407
After enjoying a life full of intense athletic and physical activities, including gymnastics and diving as a young person, and competitive running, biking, swimming all throughout my life, I suffered a severe shoulder injury while serving in the U.S. Coast Guard at a Search and Rescue Station. Although the injury has/will continue to be a challenge for my body and strength, it is a constant reminder of the gift of health and well being. It also changed my focus for my life’s work. After serving eleven years in Search and Rescue for the U.S.C.G. I resigned my commission as a Lieutenant and enrolled in massage school. In April 2006 I completed a 1000 hour massage program, including 6 hours of cadaver lab, from arguably the most complete and comprehensive massage program in the country, Brain Utting School of Massage in Seattle Washington. Since graduating and earning my National certification I have had private practices in both Seattle WA. and Asheville N.C. I have also completed additional courses in Thai Yoga massage and injury treatment. I fully subscribe to the holistic medicine school of thought, opening up the entire body and spirit to the idea of its own ability to heal. I am now working with the team of healers at Asheville Healing Arts. I am very excited at the prospect of working with like minded practitioners providing a wide array of modalities with the ultimate goal of guiding each of our clients to their own ability to heal.





Thomas Horne, NCLMBT, Skin Therapist, Reiki Master
Thomas Horne is a graduate of The Academy of Somatic Healing Arts in Atlanta, Ga. in 1995. He has been practicing massage for the last 13 years and is nationally certified and licensed. A native of Asheville, Thomas moved back to his roots in 1996 after graduating. Prior to that time Thomas worked professionally in the theatre, commercial work and modeling which required him to relocate often. After 18 years of that hectic lifestyle and looking for a new direction, Thomas decided to become a massage therapist after receiving massages himself and grew to understand the importance of the mind, body and soul connections.

Thomas is trained in many modalities such as: Swedish, Neuromuscular, Sports, Reflexology, Aromatherapy, Shiatsu, Hot Stones, Lomi Lomi, and is a Reiki Master.

Massage is much more than relaxation, but a healing and nurturing event that is shared by both the client and practitioner. The energy transference is very healing and spiritual even if the client is not aware that it is happening.

Thomas is also a licensed Skin Therapist (Facials). Thomas has been an Esthetician since 2004. Just as massage helps blood circulation, facials help concentrate and bring nutrients to the face by cleansing and applying a variety of masks (depending on the individual's needs), and applying a moisturizer and toner. While the client is in the chair in their personalized masks, arm massage and hand and foot reflexology is enhancing the experience. After all, your face is your first introduction.





Lauren Hickman, NCLMBT #6761
Lauren graduated from the North Carolina School of Natural Healing in Asheville in September of 2006. In 2007 Lauren completed additional training in Fertility, Pregnancy, and Postpartum massage with Claire Marie Miller and has a passion for working with new and expectant mothers. Lauren believes that massage can help support a peaceful beginning for both baby and mom, as well as relieve some of the discomforts of pregnancy. Lauren also offers Reiki energy work, as well as Swedish/Deep Tissue integrative massage to meet the individual needs of each client. She feels that massage increases body awareness, which can awaken the body’s innate ability to heal itself. Lauren encourages self-care techniques to enhance the benefits of massage.








Debbie Jones, N.D., R.M., CMEP
Deborah Brown-Jones is a Traditional Naturopath and Reiki Master. Her focus for many years has been to provide a healing place where people can come with questions and needs and find answers and support. Deborah's passion has been to teach others how they can gently heal with an inspired mindset, whole foods and natural supplements, looking within at emotional issues, learning to let stress flow on past, and connecting to the heart's desire and self love. Having FUN during the process and learning to tap into the richness of life is also part of the prescription. She utilizes Iridology, Specialized Kinesiology and Voice Bio Vibeprints as assessment tools to tap into the wisdom of the body and to formulate a program for her clients. She incorporates as needed herbs, vitamins & minerals, homeopathics, flower essences, essential oils, improved diet, detoxing, Reiki therapy, & stress management instruction.

Deborah is a Certified Practitioner of Matrix Energetics, the science and art of transformation taught by Dr. Richard Bartlett. Matrix Energetics is a unique approach to transforming imbalances with just a 2-point touch. At the state of quantum possibility, imbalances are photons whose pattern can be changed with focused intent...very often within minutes.

For more information visit www.matrixenergetics.com


William Hall, NCLMBT #6742
William graduated from Atlanta School of Massage in June of 2005 with a degree in Neuromuscular Therapy & Deep Tissue Integration. William moved from Atlanta to Asheville directly after receiving his certification because it is such a place of natural beauty and healing.

William believes that massage is more than just a session for relaxing. His belief in the mind, body, and spirit connection lead him to help each client effectively release deeply held emotions that cause tensions thereby resolving many chronic pain patterns. In addition his ability to work on injuries and the resulting compensations in other areas of the body can result in a re-balancing of the body’s systems.

His ability to remain present and adjust his technique for each individuals needs provides an optimal treatment for each client. His training, soothing and intuitive touch will fill you with an over-all feeling of well-being and peace.


Copyright, 2008 Asheville Healing Arts, LLC, All rights reserved
780 Hendersonville Road, Unit 9 Phone: 828-274-3888, info@ashevilleclinic.com
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