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Andalusia local Dawn Dozier got into therapeutic massaging because of her need to help people.

The owner of Andalusia Massage and Bodywork said received her license as a massage therapist from LBW Community College and has been working in the field for nine years.

“I actually had a lot of neck and shoulder pain myself,” Dozier said. “I got regular massages and it helped me through it. My calling is helping others and the Lord is really the one that I give all of the praise to for leading me to this profession.”

Dozier worked with Oasis Salon for a year before moving to The Silver Locket for the rest of her career.

“I started praying for God to give me a place of my own,” Dozier said. “I had just grown out of that place. I found this place here in April, we closed on it in May and we opened June 17. I have really come a long way.”

The greatest feeling, to Dozier, is when she receives text messages from her client, saying that their lives are changed.

“I have clients call me and say that they have had intense migraines that have kept them in bed for several days and now they are gone,” Dozier said. “Or they tell me they thought they were going to have neck surgery, or I have seen people in wheelchairs that couldn’t even walk and I have treated them and got them to where they were walking again. To me, that is the greatest blessing in this business. It’s all about being able to help others and help them get out of pain they thought they would never escape.”

Dozier said several people are coming to her because they are trying to get away from medicinal treatments.

“They are looking for something besides a chemical to help them ease their pain,” Dozier said. “I feel like people are trying to get away from the opioid epidemic because it is such a big thing right now. People have been through pain management and now they are looking to find other methods of treatment.”

Although she does all types of massages, one main thing she has become known for is the style of massage called guasha.

“Guasha is basically where I take a jade stone and I scrape the client’s skin,” Dozier said. “What we are dealing with is the fascia. This style of massage breaks up fascia adhesions and scar tissue. I have had big success with this. Word has gotten out and it has helped a lot of people.”

The store also sells CBD oil, which Dozier said is very beneficial.

“I know it is a big controversy right now,” Dozier said. “But it has helped thousands of my clients.”

Being born and reared in Andalusia, Dozier said she is blessed to be able to serve the community she grew up in.

“I feel so blessed to be in a small town like Andalusia,” Dozier said. “I’m excited to be able to help the people of my community. It is a blessing to me to see the people of Andalusia get non-medicinal help, plus them supporting me. I really am grateful for that.

For a 30-minute massage at Andalusia Massage and Bodywork, it is $40. For an hour massage, it is $70.

The store is open Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m., until 7 p.m., and Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m., until 6 p.m.

Dozier does offer a CBD oil massage for $10 extra, as well as CBD oil in pill form and cream form.