I have been spending this week trying to tie up some loose ends before I join the ranks of the employed next Monday and one of those loose ends was an expiring Groupon for a Palm and Sole Reflexology Massage at Native Hands. I found the number and made an appointment for Tuesday at 11:00AM with Jason who is a Reflexologist, a Licensed Massage Therapist and I believe the owner of the business.
Native Hands offers several treatment options:
Sacred Oils - "Combining sacred oils with traditional gliding strokes, this therapy enhances the body and the senses."
Aztec Facial - "An ancient technique once practiced by the Aztecs, this facial uses therapeutic techniques for precise stimulation of reflex points, nerve points and zones on the face and scalp."
Deep Native - "Far from your traditional deep tissue or sports massage, Deep Native is a specialized form of integral alignment and pnf stretching where pressure is used to release areas of strain called Trigger Points."
Healing Stones - "Healing stones warmed by fire were first used by Native Americans to treat aching muscles."
Palm and Sole Reflexology - "Reflexology is the application of appropriate pressure to specific points that correspond to different internal body organs."
Reiki - "A Japanese technique for stress reduction, relaxation and healing."
Sacred Sounds - "Vibrational Medicine looks at the energy anatomy within and around the physical body. We create healing frequencies by playing instruments used to treat these imbalances and disharmonies."
Scraping - "Scraping is an ancient treatment that breaks down adhesions and uric crystal acid deposits that get lodged between the joints and underlying muscles."
Packages start at $75 for 60 minutes, $125 for 90 minutes and $145 for 120 minutes. Paying a monthly membership of $20 with get you 15 percent off all packages, priority scheduling and complimentary add-on treatment each month.
I arrived at Native Hands ( https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/native-hands-vibrational-healing-lake-forest?select=CBClrgWDC_i6eO5WEM-lEg ) 15 minutes prior to my appointment and made my way upstairs ( https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/native-hands-vibrational-healing-lake-forest?select=jcdtH4DtewTUYD5vtsJptA ) to the second floor of CoreneticGym where the sitting room ( https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/native-hands-vibrational-healing-lake-forest?select=e81O704NuOQQBu9SZZ-j0w ) Native Hands is located.
Upon arrival, the receptionist asked if I was Jason's 11 o'clock and was told he would be with me shortly when I answered in the affirmative. I arrived early because most places have you sign some release forms saying if something bends the wrong way / that if you keel over dead, it isn't our fault. No forms were given to me, so I just Yelped until Jason was ready for me (he was running 10 minutes behind).
When Jason was ready, he showed me into a room ( https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/native-hands-vibrational-healing-lake-forest?select=g54vzHMSFscwfAvzHS9B5Q ) and told me to take off / leave on the amount of clothing that made me feel comfortable. The thought crossed my mind to hop under the sheet completely clothed just so I could gage his reaction, but decided against possibly antagonizing an individual who could turn me into one giant knot!
Rohlinism: Never anger anyone who handles your food or your body!
The massage is a combination of Gua sha and hot stones. Gua sha involves repeated pressured strokes over lubricated skin with a smooth edged instrument. Hot stones are placed at various locations to help the muscles. Jason did a great job of working out the kinks and never approached the point where I would have to ask for dinner and a couple of drinks before continuing the massage. I was half expecting him to jump on my back and kneed me with his feet! Another element of the massage was three Tibetan Singing Bowls being placed on my back and each one being struck which produced a sound similar to what you hear from a gong. I am glad my face was stuffed in a towel, because I am sure this was supposed to be soothing, but I was snickering as the bowls were being struck. The second striking of the bowls either meant lunch was served or my massage was over ... since no one brought me a sandwich ... it was time for me to get dressed and leave.
Jason handed me a glass of water and his business card after I exited the room and I headed home. The Groupon was a really great deal paying $39 plus tip opposed to the usual $75 for an hour treatment. I can't afford the luxury of regular massages, but I would consider coming back here in the future if I get too knotted up! read more