A week ago, my family was returning from our visit to the Okanagan Valley, and we planned a stop over in Golden (mostly to keep our sanity while traveling with our 2 year old son). When I had chosen Quantum Leap Lodges (pretty sure that it has no relation to the TV show), I noticed that they offered massage on site. I requested to have 2 sessions, one for myself, and the other for my aunt, who had been traveling with us. I was told that it would be possible, and that there was a massage room in the lodge that we were staying. It all sounded really good. I was informed that the regular massage therapist was away (vacationing with her family) and that the daughter of the owner, Jasmyn, who was taking care of the place during our stay, was also a massage therapist, and she would be performing the session. This sounded good as well.
The lodges are all "outdoorsy" style, but very functional, quaint and very well priced. We had a beautiful lodge called the Lower Lodge, which had a full kitchen, 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, large living room, and the jacuzzi was on our front porch. This is a nice property, with a large garden, chicken coop (with fresh eggs supplied), teepees, cabins, and is right along the Blaeberry River (where the glacial mud is a beautiful treat in the summer for the skin!).
When we arrived on Saturday evening, I was met by Jasmyn's husband, Stan, and he asked if it would be alright if he performed one of the massages. He explained that he was also a massage therapist, and would be glad to do a session. All right.. now as far as we can get from the information on the website, I had no idea the background of either therapist, and was a bit hesitant, but still interested to see what would come from our massages. Since both sessions would be happening at the same time now, one would be performed in the massage room in our lodge, and the other would be held in the room above the chicken coop. That's right, you read correctly... a Chicken Coop!!!! Since I was trying to provide the session for my aunt as a gift, I gave her the choice of receiving her massage where she felt most comfortable. She chose the Chicken Coop. (alright, above the chicken coop, but still!)
Once we had settled in for the night, and my son was asleep, we were ready for our massages. I met Stan in the room in our lodge, and my aunt met Jasmyn at the chicken coop. Since I can only talk about my massage experience, I will leave it up to my aunt to decide if she will create a guest blog about the chicken coop. You'll just have to wait and see.
Now, as for my session. I was surprised to see the little room, which was probably the smallest room that I have ever seen a massage table squeezed into, and the older table ready for the session. I was left to get onto the table after a brief chat about health history and my focus for the massage. I clamored onto the table, which squeeked and lurched as I lay down. The music was provided by Stan's iPhone, and was an interesting mix of lounge/new age/electronic music. Not my personal preference, but after about 10 minutes, I started to hear the subtle relaxing under tones, and got into the groove.
Despite the table creaking with certain massage techniques, this was one of the best massages of the year. The combination of joint movements, rhythmical techniques, and perfect pressure kept the massage extremely relaxing, while still being very therapeutic. A lot of the techniques reminded me of some of the Thai massage moves that we learned in Thailand (which I later learned that Stan and I had trained at the same Thailand school). This hour seemed to last forever, and with all of my main concerns addressed, a relaxing scalp massage was what ended the session. Overall... phenomenal.
So despite the initial impression and apprehension, this was a fantastic experience, and I truly hope that everyone takes the leap of faith at one time, and will try a new therapist, clinic or style, for you never know what you may encounter!!!
Stan Kachuik R.M.T
Stan's 15 year career started in a very clinical setting That involved working with Olympic Athletes that were training for the Nanago Winter Olympics, motor vehicle accident patients, and the Calgary work hard, and then play harder as weekend warriors crowd.
After several years of acquiring trainings in Myofacial Release, Strain Counter Strain techniques, and Sports Therapy. Stan's attention turned towards international therapeutic training. Learning the art of Thai massage in Chaing Mia Thailand at the prestigious Old Medicine Hospital. Followed by a rare opportunity to train with Mr. Jan, One of the last known generational Shaman of the region. Furthering his knowledge with Burmes Bodywork.
Now 40 the diversity of Stan's expertise allows him to intergrate subtle therapeutic techniques within the flow like eloquent routines of the traditional Thai and Burmese body arts. This Infusion Therapy brings communities together in a very unique way.
Yoga. Massage. Infusion.
145 Point Drive NW
phone: 403.464.2700
email: relax@buhnaun.com
Sent from Susanne S...
ReplyDeletehi robin.........your blog brought back wonderful memories of the three times i have stayed at the quantum leaps lodge and know the owners.....the woman used to live in canmore. each time i have stayed with friends at the cottage....the building on the far edge of the property. it has a fireplace, an open space that serves as both a living room and a large kitchen area......three bedroom, my favorite is the one you go out the back door to the outside entrance yet it is attached to the cottage. the greatest attraction for me is the wild creek that dumps into the blaeberry river about a mile or so from the lodge. there is a sort-of trail one wanders through the forest to get to the best outcrop of amazingly sculpted rock formations one can carefully wander over while listening to and watching the wild cascading water..........the colors of the rocks are unique. we have been there as well as other friends over the past few years. we also watched the salmon run and the eagles swarming around for a meal. it truly is a peaceful and lovely place.....did you see the tipi you can sleep in down by the river? it is a great place to stay during berry picking time (hence the scots "blaeberry"....i.e. blue berries.)......and, a black bear was in a tree just behind my friend while he was picking berries in a wooded area. he had his camera around his neck but was so astounded when he turned around and saw the bear he didn't even think to raise the camera. the bear was just as astounded that ryan was there (hence the bear part way up the tree!!). i am not surprised at the great experience you had there. a yoga group from canmore goes there i think twice a year for a week- end of yoga. we had the meals there one week- end as we didn't want to cook, and i can tell you the cooking of the great food is truly memorable. even when it is raining out we just put on rain jackets and head out for most of the day in the rain and love it. so glad you had the experience of QLL. be sure and go again.