Southcenter Health & Wellness - Calming to the Touch

Today I went for a massage at a clinic found in a mall.  Sounds silly, but I have always thought that massage therapists who worked in malls were extremely overpriced and under-trained. What a huge mistake that was. I completely admit that this was a very over-zealous exagerration, and I was totally schooled today.

I had the pleasure of visiting one of my former students at her clinical space in Southcenter Mall, in southern Calgary.  It was very easy to find, once in the mall, and has quite a spacious location. After filling out my very brief health history form, I was welcomed by Danielle, and given a brief tour around the office.  The Southcenter Health & Wellness clinic is found in the lower level of the mall, and is quite beautiful with the full window front to the office.  i was informed of the recent renovations to the clinic, including new carpet, underlay, painting and decorations. I discovered that there are several Chiropractors on site, one specializing in ART, lazer hair removal, and 2 Massage Therapists.  Danielle's room, as well as the others, were quite spacious, with lots of room, and very comfortable seating (her room had a recliner in it).  Each room had sinks for easy accessible hand washing.

After our initial health interview, I explained that I was looking for a general relaxation massage, and I was left to get on the table. The room was quite well set up, and had some very nice features.  There was some beautiful, yet simplistic art on the walls, a large floor to ceiling mirror, and a nice side table with the music and various items for sale.  The table was not heated, but a heating pad was used to warm the chest area of the table prior to me arriving, and then was used throughout the session to keep me comfortable.

If I were to use one simple word to explain Danielle's massage, it would have to be "calming". I don't think that I have ever had a massage where I started to instantly relax and feel a general sense of calm as soon as the therapist's hands touched my body.  I know that I generally get to the point of relaxation, but it was pretty much instantaneous with Danielle.  She did some wonderful compression techniques before and after having massaged a body area, and that really created a sense of initiating touch and closing each massage section.  There were moments of conversation throughout the session, but overall, it did not hinder the calmness of the hour, nor did it carry on for long periods of time.   I also wish that I could say more about this session, but I am feeling so calm, and relaxed, that this is what remains in my memory, even after only a couple of hours.  Wow... massage haze!!

I really enjoyed my session overall with Danielle, and would strongly recommend this clinic, and this therapist, to anyone looking for a great massage in south Calgary.

                                                           Suite 173-100 Anderson Rd SE

                                                               CALGARY, AB T2J 3V1   

 

 

                                                                         403-271-1081

Dharma Studios - Thai-rrific

Since the beginning of this project, I have been seriously searching for a Thai Massage therapist. And even more specifically, a Thai therapist who has 2200 hours in training. I did not know then, that it would would be such a difficult task.

After meeting a great therapist at our school, I was introduced to an absolutely beautiful oasis in Dharma Studios.  Over the past decade, I have always had a dream of opening my own clinic, and this was brought to life in the Dharma Studios space. Located just west of 14th street SW, and south of 17th ave, it was very impressive that I was that close to downtown and major roads.  Found in a beautiful and charming  redesigned turn-of-the-century home (don't quote me on the age of the home), this was a truly unique experience.

I entered the corner lot house, and was instantly taken back in time. A nice little entryway led to the main "living room" area, which had been cleverly converted into a seating area with a reception desk. Despite the light creaking on the original hardwood floor, the overall feel was ultimate comfort.

I was greeted by my therapist, Amber, and after filling out a short health questionnaire, I was led upstairs to the treatment room.  This room felt like it had been created to be a treatment room, as well as having the little details expected in older homes.  Because I was going to have a traditional Thai Massage, there was not a massage table in the room, instead, just a mat on the floor.

For those of you who have not had the amazing experience of a Thai Massage, you need to go out and try a session, and soon. The massage is usually between 1 hour and 90 minutes long, and is quite a thorough session. Some call it "Faciliated Yoga" and is also termed to be "Thai Yoga Massage". Both are great descriptions of the stretching that you receive, as well as the techniques that are used.  I have been practicing Thai Massage for the past 6 years,  although it has been a while since receiving one. Just like any other modality, the therapist really does bring their own style and touch to the session, which is what makes each experience so unique. This session was a bit deeper and more intense than the session that I provide, but was very relaxing.

I was initially a bit concerned that I was going to be a bit cold during the treatment, and then was quite relieved to lay on the mat and feel the heating pad sending warmth from the mat. Beautiful!!  The session was quite thorough, and I felt very comfortable with Amber, as she was very intuitive and was aware of tender spots and areas that needed more work.  She created a special aromatherapy blend which she introduced to me initially with a scalp massage, and then the scent was carried around my body throughout the entire session.

Most Thai Massages will include a very detailed work of the energy lines of the body, which can be quite sensitive, but are critical in balancing the body's energy. Similarly to Chinese/Japanese meridians, these energy lines can be blocked or stagnant, and Thai Massage is designed to help normalize the energy in the body.

I was very happy with my session with Amber at Dharma Studios, and hope to be able to refer many of my Thai Massage inquiries to this clinic (as well as returning for another session... hopefully in the near future).

Well worth the travel, and the beautiful downtown traffic of Calgary!!!

Dharma Studios

www.dharmastudios.ca
info@dharmastudios.ca
403.508.9921