A Touch of Therapy

A Touch of Therapy We offer acupuncture, moxa, & herbal medicine in a comfortable, relaxing environment in Austin, TX

A Touch of Therapy believes in treating every person as a unique individual who deserves a specific, holistic treatment. We offer acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and massage in a comfortable, relaxing environment in Austin, TX. Rachel Snyder, LAc, LMT is the chief practitioner and founder of A Touch of Therapy.

There are many, many kinds of gua sha tools out there & I have tried a lot of them! These tools vary greatly in the type...
06/02/2026

There are many, many kinds of gua sha tools out there & I have tried a lot of them! These tools vary greatly in the type of stone used (bian stone, rose quartz, jade, etc) and shapes (simple like a heart or a fish or more complex like the one pictured from ).

I personally use this one from as well as one that is slightly larger from - I just love all the edges and curves on them. I have been using them for a while now and they just feel like an extension of my hand.

Here's a quick guide about the uses of the edges:
💫Long flat edge = for long muscles of neck + shoulders
💫Short flat edge = for smaller muscles along jaw + face
💫U curve = for boney areas, particularly jaw
💫Comb Edge = for wrinkles + lines + stimulate the scalp for hair growth

If you'd like to experience the effects of these amazing tools, schedule an AcuGlow™️ facial or a gua sha add-on to an acupuncture session ✨ Book through the link in my bio.
Do you have a favorite gua sha tool?
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There are a lot of people in this world that know exactly what they are feeling, what they want, and what they need at a...
05/29/2026

There are a lot of people in this world that know exactly what they are feeling, what they want, and what they need at any given moment. Then there are many others (hello empaths and helpers! 🙋🏻‍♀️) who can't separate their own feelings from those around them.

There was a period of time years ago when I set an alarm 3x/day to ask myself - How do I feel? & What do I need right now? It felt silly to do but a mentor suggested it and I quickly
realized how often I was tired because I needed a snack. Or how overwhelmed I was when I just needed a few minutes of quiet and stillness to process it all. I realized how unaware I was of my own feelings, emotions and needs.

It's time to check in with yourself (and you may need an alarm to remind you!!) to see how you really feel and to give yourself permission to do something to help you feel better.

Acupuncture can be amazing to give you that time and space to check in with yourself, to feel your own feelings, and get clearer on what you need.

If you are curious about how acupuncture can help with your mental health, please reach out or schedule through the link in my bio.
📸: .serenity.movement

Spring is connected to the Wood Element and the color green 💚 It is the season of renewal, growth, and regeneration in T...
05/11/2026

Spring is connected to the Wood Element and the color green 💚 It is the season of renewal, growth, and regeneration in Traditional Chinese Medicine 🌱 The wood element is associated with the liver and gall bladder, the organs of detoxification, blood, connective tissue, and our eyes. Anger, frustration, stress and indecision are signs of an imbalance in this element.

Adding more green food and sour flavors to your diet during this season is a wonderful way to bring more balance to the liver & gall bladder. Read my newsletter through the link in my bio or schedule an acupuncture appointment for more tips to support your liver and gall bladder during Spring!☀️🌻

📸: Peruvian pepper tree in

Oh, hello! 👋🏼 Just trying to get a little paperwork done while you all have graduations, end of school parties and celeb...
05/08/2026

Oh, hello! 👋🏼 Just trying to get a little paperwork done while you all have graduations, end of school parties and celebrations galore this month! 🎓🎉🥳 I will be out of the office May 23-27th which will include celebrating my parent's 58th wedding anniversary 🍾

If you need help managing stress or pain this month, or need support with grief or loss while others are celebrating, or just want a relaxing facial to prepare your skin for summer, please schedule an appointment through the link in my bio or reach out - I would love to hear from you 💗
📸: .hernandezphoto
ceramic mug by 😉

I love the skincare line by . Founded by two acupuncturists and led by a less-is-more approach (my kind of philosophy!),...
05/06/2026

I love the skincare line by . Founded by two acupuncturists and led by a less-is-more approach (my kind of philosophy!), this non-toxic, holistic skincare line uses botanicals that adapt to your skin's changing needs.

They developed an Essential System for a simple yet complete skincare routine with everything your skin needs in four easy steps:
✨ Rejuvenating or Balancing Cleanser: Rejuvenating for dry skin or Balancing for oily skin.
⚖️ Exfoliating Cleanser: Used 2x weekly, this refreshing cleanser gently resurfaces and revitalizes dull skin.
💧Replenishing Mist: This toner hydrates and preps skin to absorb your next skincare steps.
🌱Bioactive Regenerating Oil: Formulated with 19 luxurious plant oils to deeply nourish and repair.

I use the Replenishing Mist in almost all of my skincare treatments as well as their lightweight Sculpting Treatment Oil during my facial sculpting treatments.

Click the link in my bio to check out these amazing products from or to schedule a Facial Sculpting Treatment (with or without a tutorial!) to experience them! 💫

The Facial Sculpting Treatment got an upgrade! ✨Everyone loves receiving facial cupping and gua sha but when I suggest d...
05/03/2026

The Facial Sculpting Treatment got an upgrade! ✨

Everyone loves receiving facial cupping and gua sha but when I suggest doing it at home in between sessions, there are so many questions and hesitations! 😁

Consistency with facial cupping and gua sha is key so I have a new offer that includes a tutorial in addition to the facial sculpting treatment 🙌🏼 Essentially, I explain the treatment while performing the facial and give you time to replicate the techniques so you feel confident implementing the routine at home. We will discuss your goals and develop a routine that fits best for you.

I know many of my clients already have these tools at home but for those that don't, I'll show you some of the differences in tools and facial oils. You will also receive 20% any facial oil or facial tool you would like to purchase following the tutorial treatment.

I'm so excited to be teaching more of you these amazing techniques! If you are curious about facial cupping and gua sha, schedule a Facial Sculpting Treatment or the Facial Sculpting Treatment Tutorial if you want to learn more about techniques for you to use at home. Book through the link in my bio 💫
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I use a lot of essential oils in my office but these are by far the ones I use most often. Bergamot is a bright citrus o...
04/24/2026

I use a lot of essential oils in my office but these are by far the ones I use most often. Bergamot is a bright citrus oil that people immediately love. Because citrus oils cause sensitivity to sunlight, I use the Bergamot FCF from ☀️
FCF (furanocoumarin-free) refers to the chemical constituent(s) responsible for extreme sensitization of the skin to sunlight that has been removed from the essential oil. With Bergamot FCF, you can apply this oil to your skin without worrying about causing a sunburn 🏖️

Marjoram is a common spice in the kitchen but not as common as an essential oil. People always ask me about this oil when I use it and are drawn to its pungent but warm and sweet aroma. It blends especially well with lavender to massage into tight shoulders and neck.

Eucalyptus is a must have for those of us living in Austin with year round allergies. Place a few drops into the shower to open up your sinuses in the morning.

What is your favorite essential oil to use?
📸: Slide 3: Marjoram plant from
Slide 4: Eucalyptus from

It was 13 years ago last week that I arrived in Beijing, China with a group of classmates from for a study abroad progr...
04/16/2026

It was 13 years ago last week that I arrived in Beijing, China with a group of classmates from for a study abroad program and a life changing adventure! 🇨🇳 We spent the first few days being tourists in Beijing before heading to Chengdu to spend 3 weeks doing rounds at the Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Seeing the integration of Western and Eastern Medicine in a hospital setting was bittersweet. It was so amazing to see what was possible through integration but also disheartening to see how far from that we are in the United States. Still, it solidified for me how powerful this medicine is.

Stepping into Tiananmen Square in Beijing was surreal since my knowledge of it was from images of the protests in 1989 as a teenager.

We saw people practicing Tai Chi in the parks & the Temple of Heaven. We walked along part of the steep Great Wall of China. We ate mung bean popsicles at the UNESCO Heritage site of Mount Qingcheng (where my obsession with mung bean began!).

We visited the Giant Buddha in Leshan on our way to the sacred Buddhist mountain of Mt. Emei where we spent a week doing Tai Chi and eating delicious homemade food 3x/day at a magical bed and breakfast.

In Chengdu, we visited the Chengdu Chinese Herbal Medicine Market as well as a TCM Museum with acupuncture needles from the Han Dynasty (206 BC).

We went to Tibet after a week of preparing for the altitude by taking Rhodiola, which was just known to us then as the "Tibetan herb" or Hong Jing Tian. It is a place of breathtaking beauty in the midst of so much struggle.

Many people haven't seen these pictures or heard my stories from this time (pre-social media days!) but as with all travel, it has shaped me into the person and practitioner that I am today. I am so grateful.

Spring is here! 🌿 In Traditional Chinese Medicine, springtime is associated with the liver and gall bladder. The liver i...
03/31/2026

Spring is here! 🌿 In Traditional Chinese Medicine, springtime is associated with the liver and gall bladder.
The liver is responsible for keeping the flow of Qi moving in the body - free, easy, relaxed, and unrestricted 💃

"When Qi and Blood flow harmoniously, the ten thousand diseases will not arise. Once there is constraint, all diseases may arise" - Chinese Medicine Master Zhu Dan-xi in 14th century.

Liver 3, the 3rd point on the liver meridian, is one of the best points when there is stagnation anywhere in the body.
This stagnation can express as stress, tension, or frustration such as tight muscles, PMS symptoms, and sighing loudly or often (I have been hearing a lot of sighing lately!).

Liver 3 also helps to nourish blood and tonify yin.
The liver channel ascends to the top of the head so it is also used to treat dizziness and headaches.

To find this point, place your finger on the top of the foot between the big toe and the second toe and gently slide up the foot until you feel a depression between the bones.
Press and hold for 30 seconds to a minute or place an on the point and leave for 3-4 days.
Is this point tender on your foot? Schedule an appointment through the link in my bio for a spring tune up!🌻

Springtime is a great time to incorporate bitters into your routine! 🌱 In Chinese Medicine, spring is associated with th...
03/28/2026

Springtime is a great time to incorporate bitters into your routine! 🌱 In Chinese Medicine, spring is associated with the liver and gall bladder which makes it the perfect time to focus on liver health and digestive support with bitters.

Bitter herbs increase saliva & stomach acid production and stimulate the release of digestive enzymes. They also help balance blood sugar levels and detox pathways in the liver. They can be helpful before and/or after a meal, depending on your specific digestive needs.

Take some digestive bitters like these from or 10 minutes before a meal or if you have overindulged, try it after a meal. You can also take them both before and after meals - just play around with what works for you and your digestion!

Pick up some digestive bitters at or stop by the office for some by
Experiment with them to see which ones you like the best!
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Address

4131 Spicewood Springs Road, Building I, Suite 2
Austin, TX
78759

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 7pm
Tuesday 4pm - 7pm
Thursday 10am - 7pm
Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 3pm

Telephone

+15126985738

Website

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