About

Cristina Parente

Cristina Parente is a licensed and highly trained massage therapist with a lifelong dedication to the healing arts. She began her formal education at the Swedish Institute in New York City, where she specialized in both Eastern and Western massage techniques. Her passion for holistic wellness led her to Pune, India, where she studied Ayurvedic medicine at the Indian Institute under world-renowned doctors, and to Chiang Mai, Thailand, where she trained in traditional Thai massage at both the Thai School of Massage and the Loi Kroh Massage School.

Cristina studied Craniosacral Therapy at the Upledger Institute, expanding her skill set with this gentle, deeply therapeutic modality. She has also been a devoted student and practitioner of yoga for many decades. Her deep immersion in Ayurveda and yoga led her to serve as Co-Director of the National Institute of Ayurvedic Medicine in New York from 1995 to 2002. She is recognized as one of the earliest and most experienced Ayurvedic massage therapists in the New York City area.

Born and raised in Brazil, Cristina moved to the United States in 1986, where she discovered her natural gift for healing through massage by helping family and friends. Her approach is deeply personal: she believes every individual requires a unique path to healing – one that honors both body and mind.

A passionate animal rescuer and environmental advocate, Cristina finds joy and renewal in nature – especially during her beach walks with her beloved rescue dog, Maya. Her work is guided by compassion, intuition, and a profound respect for the body’s innate wisdom.