Lisa Kammerud, LMT

I became an LMT in 2016 after a long career in international development, working with community organizations to support peace and conflict prevention. Now, I offer bodywork in my private practice based in Inglewood, supporting individuals who are seeking peace in their own lives – through relaxation, change, or healing. 

My journey to this career began after receiving energy healing - and realizing it might be the missing piece in my personal work. I wanted to know more, and attended massage school at Cumberland Institute of Holistic Therapies from 2015-16. I was licensed in TN in November 2016. In my own experience and healing journey, bodywork has been life-changing. It continues to be essential to bridging the gap between "knowing" that trauma is held in my body, and feeling my body, its story and its needs in a way that creates new possibilities for being in the world. Learning to listen to my body allows me, with guidance and witnessing, to shift my energy and physical tensions to rediscover my authentic self and live more fully - and joyfully!

Seeing the changes in my life, and wanting to deepen them as well as be able to offer such work to others, I pursued specialized training to support those recovering from trauma and addiction, including becoming a Registered Jin Shin Do® Practitioner*, through classes taught by Steve Sommers, LMT, LMFT. In 2020, I completed the Certification in Somatic Regulation and Embodiment taught by Linda Thai, LMSW, ERYT-200, CLYL, who studied with Bessel van der Kolk, MD. I also completed all 4 modules of SomEx, offered at the Experiential Healing Center in Memphis in 2018, and have since offered bodywork at several EHC Somatic Integrity programs. I joined the team at Hazel House Holistic Healing Center in 2018 to be a part of a team of like-minded professionals and to ensure that I keep up to date on the latest research and practice in understanding trauma and the body. I went into full-time private practice in 2023, and look forward to adding more workshops and group offerings.

With my practice, I also want to devote volunteer hours providing bodywork to communities in need and individuals in service to others. Self-care should not be a luxury, and I am always looking for opportunities to spread this message and educate the public about the benefits of and opportunities for affordable, tailored bodywork.

Outside of work, I enjoy music, gardening (or, watching a lot of things planned and unplanned grow in my home and yard), and frequenting the ever-burgeoning number of coffeeshops and microbreweries in East Nashville. Originally from Mt. Juliet, I am incredibly happy to be part of the growing holistic and wellness community in middle Tennessee.

*“Jin Shin Do” means “The Way of the Compassionate Spirit.” Jin Shin Do® Bodymind Acupressure® uses gentle yet deep finger pressure on specific acu-points and verbal Body Focusing techniques, to help release “armoring” or chronic tension, balance the “Qi” or energy, and improve vitality. This clothes-on method helps relieve stress- and trauma-related problems. A unique synthesis of a traditional Japanese acupressure technique, classic Chinese acu-theory, Taoist philosophy, Qigong (breathing and exercise techniques), Reichian segmental theory and principles of Ericksonian psychotherapy, Jin Shin Do® acupressure was originated by Iona Marsaa Teeguarden. Jin Shin Do® Bodymind Acupressure® is not intended for the diagnosis, treatment or cure of disease. It is a relaxation therapy, and a useful adjunct to licensed, qualified medical or psychological care. For any persistent pain or symptom, even a seemingly minor one, the reader is strongly encouraged to consult a medical doctor. When used in conjunction with standard medical treatment, the Jin Shin Do® Acupressure technique can assist the healing process by releasing tension, decreasing stress and encouraging a sense of increased well-being. For more information, see http://jinshindo.org.