Clients will feel like they're a world away with Maria "Mapi" Irizarry, a travel-loving bodyworker who has picked up massage techniques from all over the globe.Mapi has a lifetime of knowledge of natural health care and recalls learning remedies and massage techniques from an early age. Growing up in Mexico at the knee of her grandmother, who taught her home remedies and ancient Mayan massage, Mapi went on to work as a nurse's assistant before earning her certification in massage therapy in the U.S. Today, Mapi offers massage therapy out of her private practice, based in Naperville, Ill. "I work hard to ensure my clients are satisfied and left full of energy after their session," she says. "My clients always know that after a massage with me, they will find relief from the pain of stress and aches." Educating herself in multifarious locations, from Japan to Costa Rica, Mapi picked up a plethora of massage techniques she now employs during bodywork sessions. She focuses on the treatment of the nerves, tendons, ligaments, joints and muscles, using massage techniques suited to all stages of life, from prenatal to geriatric. "I combine different techniques and incorporate them into each massage for a unique and comforting experience," Mapi explains. When she's not utilizing the principles of Mayan massage, reflexology and other techniques, Mapi can be found researching natural remedies, gardening or dancing. She makes a consistent effort to be the best at what she does, and believes that the pursuit of knowledge is an ongoing process.