This is a bit of a harder blog to post. I am not quite sure how to describe my session with Tara at BodyKnots Massage. So far, the hardest to breakdown and explain to others... but I will try.
I found Tara LaRochelle via one of my favorite on-line sites... Kijiji. She had posted an advertisement to promote her Thai Hot Stem Massage session, and I was sold. I remember traveling in Thailand, and having a Thai massage in Bangkok, and observing the details of the Hot Stem treatments. I was always so intrigued, and yet, have not found anyone here who provides the treatment.
Maybe that memory tainted my feelings towards the treatment...
After the typical communications to arrange the appointment and directions, I made my way to Tara's Copperfield home, in SE Calgary. I arrived at her home about 5 minutes prior to our start time, and was shown into her main floor den, which had been conveniently and creatively decorated. Despite having many windows in the room, the feel was quite cozy and calm. Each window was covered with thick roman blinds, and with a splash of color on the one wall, the room was quite comfortable. A large fountain was running in the corner, and gave quite a background bubbling water sound, that added to the unique feel of the room.
And onto the treatment.
What is Thai Hot Stem Massage anyways??
This is a table based treatment. Unlike Traditional Thai massage, where you are on the floor, on a mat, and completely dressed, this is similar to how you would receive a Swedish massage. You are undressed, on the table, with linens that are draped when an area is massaged. There are some similarities to traditional Thai, as there were some compressions, energy lines and gentle stretches. However, going into the session, I was definitely thinking that it would be more like the traditional thai, so the stretches were minimal and the compressions and energy lines were quite soft in comparison. After some basic thai moves, there was a general swedish effleurage done to each area of the body with oil, and then came the Hot Stems. These are herb pouches that are heated in hot water, and then used to compress all areas of the body. This part was quite enjoyable, and yet, I think I was expecting more. I was expecting more depth or overall feeling of being worked over, and yet, it really was enjoyable simply due to the heat.
The session began on my arms, then onto my neck and chest, abdomen, legs, and then to the back.
During the first 10 minutes, we discussed a bit about both of our practices, our backgrounds and then filling out my health history questionnaire. What I wasn't aware of, and am not really comfortable with, is that I was paying for a 90 minute session, and was having minutes chissled away, and when you have been looking forward to that time on the table, those minutes are precious. I then also found out that we would be ending out session 10 minutes early so that I could get off of the table slowly, and not feel rushed as I could be tired and feeling wiped after the treatment. I do understand both of these principles, I can't agree with the business practice. I still paid for the whole 90 minutes, and yet only received 70 minutes. I have never quibbled with anyone's fees, but this practice seemed unfair, and just unreasonable. I believe, and think that this is a common belief, that when a session is advertised as a length in minutes, that your session, on the table, with hands on treatment, is as long as advertised. If not, then the price is adjusted accordingly I know a lot of clients will check the clock, just to make sure they were given their money's worth. Tara's fees are higher than mine, however, I believe that you are entitled to set your own rates, and it is up to your clients to decide if you are worth the cost. Not sure if the treatment, or it's length, justified the cost.
Having said all of this, there is a great possibility that my preconceived notions about the treatment have tainted my review of the session. Maybe trying another massage would be a more effective way of comparison, as I am sure that there are many happy and satisfied clients from BodyKnots Massage. I really enjoyed visiting with Tara, and believe that her intention with massage is sincerely genuine, and I know that she has a a gift in her hands.
Tara LaRochelle is a RMT who has trained with the Alberta Massage Training Inc, and has expanded her practice to include Hot & Cold Stone Massage, Thai Hot Stem Massage, and Pre and Post-Natal therapies.
Body Knots Massage
www.bodyknotsmassage.com
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