Inuvik (Mar 20/06) - Healing the sacred places of the body is not an easy task, says massage therapist Donna Biro.

"Sometimes the work I do is short of being miraculous," Biro said from her studio in Inuvik, where she helps people overcome such problems as old injuries, back problems and dislocations.

A certified massage specialist, Biro chose her career late in life, but says her giving heart made massage therapy her calling. "People have an innate ability to sense an imbalance in themselves," she said.

Massage therapy for Biro isn't just rubbing out the kinks - it's about getting to know her clients. "You become close to an individual because you're entering their space," she said.

Biro specializes in deep tissue work and focuses on chronic pain. "I enjoy the difficult cases," she said.

"I talk to patients about their past injuries, operations and trauma."

Biro recently travelled to Tsiigehtchic to help some elders.

"They had tightness in the arms because of years of skinning and beadwork. I showed them how to loosen their muscles to help take away the pain," Biro said.