Academy for the Healing Arts
Massage School and Day Spa


Studio Hours:

Monday-Friday:
8:00am - 5:00pm

Late and Saturday appointments may be available upon request.

Closed Saturday & Sunday

Call today to make an appointment.

 

 

Home : Studio : Which Service is Right for Me?

Which Service is right for me?

Massage Services

massage Relaxation/ Swedish Massage

Swedish massage is the most common form of soft tissue manipulation is the United States. Most of the time, when we think of massage, this is what we envision. The typical goals for relaxation massage are to relieve minor aches and pains, reduce tension and rejuvenate the body.

 

Deep Tissue Massage

Frequently thought of as “rub me harder”, Deep Tissue Massage is “a skilled approach to addressing the deeper tissues of the body”. Properly applied, this does not mean “hard” and should never hurt. Deep Tissue is firmer than relaxation massage but still embraces the soothing atmosphere.
Many deeper structures can be addressed with light techniques. The therapist is attempting to gain depth into the tissues and this has little to do with the actual pressure applied. If you have experienced a deep tissue massage in the past that left you bruised or in pain (more than minor “work-out” feeling sore), it was improperly applied. Pushing too hard, too fast through the tissues will be counter productive and break blood vessels and tear the tissues & muscles being massaged. This microscopic damage leaves deeper rooted problems. If firm is what you want, be sure to tell your therapist and keep him or her posted if the pressure is too much or not enough as the session progresses. Your body feels pain as a warning that damage is happening or is about to happen. Listen to your body.

Sacred Lomi Hawaiian Massage               

This amazing service balances and integrates body, mind and spirit with full body sweeps, gliding movements and surprisingly structural work without the discomfort of other more aggressive therapies. This massage will leave you in an altered state. Emotional and physical pain patterns are addressed in LomiLomi Massage. This may be the most amazing massage you'll ever experience!

Hot Towel Massage         

Layers of hot towels are compressed in to your muscles releasing knots, tension and fatigue. Oil blends are selected and soaked in to the towels before this treatment begins to offer you a moisturizing and refreshing experience.

stone massageHot Stone Massage

Indulgence! This deluxe massage treatment is sure to top your list of favorites. We use hand selected, naturally smooth basalt stones (volcanic stones known for their propensity to hold heat). The stones are heated and applied to the body in a smooth relaxation massage. After massaging each area, the stones are placed along the spine to transfer their heat into the tissues. Each foot is massaged with the heated stones, then wrapped in a warm towel, while the legs an buttocks are massaged with the stones. The stones are tapped to transfer energy as they are being removed. While laying on your back, stones are placed along the chakras (concentrated energy points) to balance the body, mind and spirit.

Prenatal Massage

prenatalPrenatal massage is most frequently a relaxation massage for the mother-to-be. In light of all of the normal benefits of massage therapy, the baby receives benefits as well. The mother-to-be first and foremost, enjoys stress relief and reduction of common aches & pains brought about by the now unbalanced posture. The nervous system of the mother is translated to the baby, so the little one receives the same gift. Immune response is improved as the lymphatic system is help along and toxins are flushed from the body. A healthy host begets a healthy guest. The pregnancy must be a healthy one to receive a massage. If there are any complications or history of repeated miscarriage, check with your physician prior to scheduling a massage, we like to know everyone is safe. It is prudent to wait until the 10-12th week of pregnancy to receive massage since most lost pregnancies occur before this time. In fact, 1/3 of all pregnancies are lost before this time is reached. Massage has never been proven to contribute to this loss but we observe every precaution possible since all life is precious.

Foot Reflexology

Commonly though of as a foot massage, Reflexology is a much more specific practice than that. This ancient art of applying pressure to specific points on the feet, hands and ears uses the body’s energy meridians to help the body heal itself. Reflexology does not "massage" the foot. Rather, it applies pressure to specific points and work is done typicall in tender areas. This therapy should not "hurt but may be slightly uncomfortable in areas of stagnant or excessive energy/nerve activity. Try this meditative treatment and enjoy an ancient healing art.

Shiatsu

Shiatsu meaning “finger pressure” is a Japanese form of finger pressure massage. The session is conducted with the client fully clothed and laying on a padded floor mat. Pressure is applied along traditional energy meridians to remove stagnation and restore proper flow to the body’s organs and tissues. Stretches and range of motion enhance the benefits of the meridian therapy.

Thai Massage  

Nicknamed “lazy man’s yoga”, this dynamic bodyworking system comes from Thailand and is provided fully clothed on a floor mat. The body’s energy channels are compressed, rocked and stretched to balance energies and increase range of motion. The body’s ability to move is important in regaining and maintaining health. Enjoy this incredible Massage.


Therapeutic Services

Myofascial Release

MFR was developed by John F. Barnes, PT as a method of relieving long term pain patterns that tended to invade surrounding and far reaching regions of the body. MFR techniques usually begin with light compression, followed by decompression. The therapist sustains pressure and follows any motion that occurs three-dimensionally as the surrounding myofascial environment releases and eliminates or reduces the bracing or holding patterns in the subconscious tissue memory. MFR techniques are safe and highly effective in reducing pain and restoring motion and optimal function on a permanent basis treating the entire Myofascial complex.

Neuromuscular Therapy

pnfNeuromuscular Therapy is an educated approach to addressing compromised tissues. NMT employs a wide array of techniques aimed at helping the body to realign and heal itself. NMT techniques involve activating weak muscle groups and sedating over-powering muscle groups. The client is responsible for active and resistive exercises during and after the sessions. This service is therapeutic in nature and is for the individual with injuries, chronic pain patterns, structural imbalances or neuromuscular pathologies. It is recommended that the client appoints for a consultation prior to the first treatment or when a committment is made to the therapy and wellness sessions. During this consultation short term and long term goals will be set and postural analysis will be made against a chart. Frequently start and finish photos are made to chart progress. Fequency and duration of sessions and financial obligations will be discussed.

Lymphatic Drainage

Nicknamed the “Silent System”, our Lymphatic in short are our immune and “sewage” system. Most of us are familiar with the nodes around our neck. These nodes crush up large debris and are connected by vessels from our toes to our heads. They run the same path as the arteries and veins of the cardiovascular system but they only go one way, toward the heart. That means, the lymphatic system does not have the benefit of the heart’s pumping action to move lymph and pathogens through the tubes. The vessels rely on the body’s natural rhythms and movements to propel the lymph upward. The lymphatic system will bog down if a person is sedentary for too long or if it is overwhelmed by pathogens, lipids or large proteins. If the lymphatic system stops, it may only take 24-48 hours for edemas or death to occur. This light touch modality is recommended for individuals that are looking for full body detoxification, frequently ill, depressed, experiencing swelling in the extremities, battling or recovering from cancer (with doctors OK).


Spa Services

What is a Spa?

The term spa was derived from the name of a small village near Liege, Belgium called SPAU. This was a mineral Hot springs area and people would visit the area and take advantage of the waters to cure various ailments and disorders
“Taking the water” as it was called was the fashion with the elite classes of the Roman Empire. As we know, massage therapy can reduce stress, but when combined with spa treatments, clients can achieve a greater degree of stress relief and wellness.

European Facial Massage Treatment

For a quicker pick-me-up, the European mini facial treatment offers a lot of enjoyment. A warm towel soaked in essential oils is placed over the face opening the pores and relaxing the soul. Once the towel has transferred its heat and moisture, we will massage in a cleanser and replace the first towel with a fresh one. Honey Almond Scrub is used to massage the face. The scrub is removed with hot towels and followed by a massage with vitamins and a moisturizer. The mini facial treatment is concluded with your choice of a paraffin or clay mask.

foot massageFoot Polish

Relax your feet in a warm Pedi spa. Let the bubbles and salts wash away the aches and pains. Each foot and calf will be polished with a scrub, massaged, returned to the bath, rinsed and dipped into warm paraffin. The paraffin is massaged from the feet once it cools.

Paraffin Dip

Sooth tired aching joints and dry chapped skin with this warm wax dip. Apply to hands, feet, elbows…where ever you need the relief.

 

Ear Candling

The candles are long linen and paraffin cylinders with a tapered end. The tapered end is placed gently in the ear canal opening and the opposite end is lit. The warm smoke softens the wax while the flame draws the oxygen out, drawing the wax, debris or yeast from the ears. The mild vacuum created helps equalize the pressure in your ears and sinuses. This soothing treatment takes about 20 minutes. Careful: don’t fall asleep. This service cannot be provided if there is an active ear infection or perforation of the eardrum.


Essential Oil Treatments

Raindrop Technique

This essential oil application is sure to relax and unwind you. Essential oils have a variety of properties that are very powerful. The oils are dropped along the spine, massaged in and finished with a hot compress. The typical session is designed for detoxification, emotional balancing, muscular balancing or relaxation and stress relief. The options are endless so discuss your goals with your Therapist.

Aromatherapy

Essential oils have long since been known for the many benefits they offer the body. Complement any massage or spa treatment with a customized blend of essential oils to evoke a mood, relaxation, stimulation of mental activity, emotional balancing; the list is endless. Visit with your therapist to build the perfect response. All of our oils are therapeutic grade oils (GRAS) and are of the highest quality on the market. We do not use the popular store shelf brands. All of the blends we use have been made from lab tested recipes to avoid toxic combinations and to offer the best results. Please note that our licensure does not permit diagnosis or treatment of disease.


Exfoliation Treatments

vichy showerMandarin Dream Sugar Scrub

Induldge as warm brown sugar, coconut oil and mandarain essential oils are poured across your body and gently massaged in. Your senses will be stimulated as the dry outer layers are removed to reveal beautifully moisturized skin. This service is a must for your routine body care.

Salt Glow

Your body will be polished with a custom essential oil and salt blend from the Dead Sea. This polish is followed by a soothing body butter to pamper and leave you smooth and rejuvenated. This treatment is frequently received by itself or before any body wrap, mud or massage.

Swedish Body Shampoo

Dull your body's stresses with an almond body shampoo applied with natural bristle brushes. Finish with moisturizing body butter. Exfoliates and tones the skin.


Muds, Masques, and Wraps

Depending on the properties of the clays or herbs used for the treatment, benefits from can range from detoxifying, remineralizing, toning and smothing, rejuvenation, relaxation and pain relief. The benefits are many and varied. Masques are clays massaged or painted on to the body and left for a period of time to do their job. Wraps can include a multitude of different products from oils to clays to herbs. The imagination is the limit on types of products that offer benefit. Sometime even natural foods such as avacados, bananas, eggs and oatmeal. Discuss your goals with your therapist and the wrap/masques can be made to order. All wraps/masques should be preceeded with an exfoliation for maximum benefit. If this step is by-passed bene

caribbean wrapHerbal Rejuvenation Wrap

Lay back and relax while your therapist massages away your stress with an invigorating herbal poultice. You will be cocooned for 30 minutes, unwrapped, rinsed and ready to take on the world.

Moisturizing Body Masque

Escape for an hour with this detoxifying and moisturizing wrap. You will be massaged with therapeutic body clay, wrapped in a cocooned while you receive benefits from the masque. Start with a salt glow and add a Coconut Oil scalp massage while you relax in the cocoon.

mud massage Hot Towel Mud Massage

Get messy while you’re massaged from head to toe with body mud. The mud masque is massaged off with hot towels leaving you feeling pampered and refreshed. Your skin will love you for it.

 

coconut almond scalpCoconut Almond Scalp Massage

This exotic treatment will leave you with a feeling of WOW! Melt away the stress. There’s nothing g like a scalp massage…especially for half an hour. Add a facial massage treatment to this service for the ultimate indulgence.

 

Inch Loss Wrap

inch-loss wrapThis popular treatment is very effective for quick inch loss. You’re measured in specific areas, wrapped in bandages mummy-style and encouraged to move around for an hour. The products help break loose the toxins stored in your tissues. The compressive bandages push the healthy tissues into the voids left behind. You will be re-measured and a total inch loss added up before you leave. The first wrap could yield between 6-20 inches (average is 12 inches). Please drink extra water before and after this treatment to encourage the best results. The inches should still fall off for few more days after the wrap. We encourage this treatment to be kept up with a home regimen to maintain and fine-tune the results.

 

 


Ayurvedic Massage & Bodywork 

This Middle Eastern therapy system balances the energies of the subtle body system leaving the recipient feeling energized and rejuvenated. Specific therapies are selected by constitutional analysis of the recipient. Consult with your therapist for proper therapeutic selection. Eat light before the session and plan plenty of relaxation/reintegration time afterward. Ayurvedic bodywork will get oil in the hair; allow time to shower before joining the real world.

Shirodhara

The name comes from the Sanskrit words shira "head" and dhara "flow or stream". This deeply relaxing treatment using warm herbal oils, milk, buttermilk, wine, or coconut water are poured in a gentle stream over the forehead with energy meridian therapy. this procedure synchronizes brain waves and profoundly calms the mind, body, and spirit. Shirodhara enhances blood circulation to the brain, improves memory, nourishes the hair and scalp, and generally aids in the release of stress and tension. It's benefits are greatly enhanced after a massage when the body is already in a very receptive state.

Garshana

This is a dry mitt exfoliation preceding a massage, and is designed to move lymph and prepare the body for maximum benefit of the herbal oils and movement of energies through the nadis (energy channels). The blood is alkalinized during this treatment improving immune and digestive responses.

Abhayanga

Rejuvenating body massage with herbal oils. The strokes and techniques employed for this massage are light to medium pressure and are quick. Abhayanga is an ancient therapy designed to realign the physical, emotional and mental balances. Experience being present in the moment. This treatment can be provided with one or two therapists.

Vishesh

Deep Tissue abhayanga with slower strokes. Vishesh addresses the pain patterns of the physical body with an energetic twist. Ayurvedic massage is different from any traditional western massage. Enjoy the balancing change. This treatment can be provided with one or two therapists.

Swedana

This steam treatment keeps the head out and cold cloths over the heart and head. The body is steamed with herbs encouraging the release of toxins and healthy moisture balancing of the skin.


Disclaimer:

Where all of these modalities offer a great number of health benefits, they are not intended to diagnose or treat any disease unless prescribed by a physician. Furthermore, we make no claims of healing. Individual results will vary. God is the great physician and our hands are but the tools He may chose to use.


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©2009 The Massage Studio of Barbara White, LMT, MTI, NCTMB. All rights reserved.
2528 Merriman Street Port Neches, Texas 77651 409.626.1811