Introducing our brand-new Signature Treatment

Over the past few years, Stowe Village Massage has been excited to expand both our Wellness Center and our menu. We started with just two treatment rooms at the Green Mountain Inn’s Health Club and we’re now up to eight treatment rooms, two of them available for couple’s massages! Our menu has gone from the basic offerings to an expanded selection that includes couple’s treatments, wraps, scrubs, Reiki, Shiatsu and Thai massage.

You can imagine how thrilled we are to announce that we have added yet another treatment option to our menu: our new Signature Treatment. A combination of our exfoliating scrub and hydrating wrap, it is sure to leave your skin soft and smooth while your mind floats away in relaxation and bliss.

We begin with your choice of a salt or sugar scrub and combine it with one of our signature aromatherapy oil blends to heighten your experience. You have the choice of five amazing scents:

• Harmony - Lavender, ylang ylang, geranium, roman chamomile and palmarosa combine to calm and relax both body and spirit, while the floral essential oils soothe the skin and encourage healing and new cell growth.
• Elation – a blend of sweet orange, clove and grapefruit, it is a refreshing and uplifting choice that encourages a sense of joy and peace.
• Refresh – Combining basil, grapefruit, lavender, peppermint and rosemary, these essential oils work to detoxify, distress and reinvigorate.
• Tranquility – A mix of frankincense, clary sage, lavender and geranium, this blend boosts the immune system, eases nervous tension, balances the emotions and lifts the spirit.
• Impact – a warming combination of cypress, clove, ginger, coriander, peppermint and rosemary chamomile, this is one of our most popular choices and is used with each of our deep tissue massages. The oils are anti-inflammatory in nature and work to relieve tired, sore muscles and increase circulation.

After you receive your scrub, you are escorted to a private shower to rinse off. Upon return, your hydrating wrap begins with a massage using soothing body butter, again combined with the aromatherapy of your choice. You are then wrapped up in a heat-trapping blanket, designed to let the body butter penetrate deep into your skin. While you are cocooned in the warmth, we focus on your head, neck and feet. You will leave feeling pampered, relaxed and ready for your day.

We are currently offering this treatment in 90-minute and 120-minute sessions. Click here to book online now.

Due to what can be an intense warming nature of this treatment, those who become over-heated easily and pregnant women are invited to choose a different treatment off our menu.

We are excited to share this new treatment option with all of you, and look forward to seeing you in the near future!

Spring Special

From now until May 16th, we are offering a 60 minute Relaxation Massage for $65! If you have been waiting for the right time to shake off the winter blahs and get ready for Spring, this is the perfect opportunity. We hope to see you soon!

Tell Me More About: Reiki

“Tell Me More About:” is an on-going series that highlights types of bodywork and treatments in an effort to let you become an informed and curious consumer. Hopefully it will encourage you to explore some of these modalities and see if they are right for you.

Today we will be discussing Reiki. Pronounced “RAY-key”, it is increasingly found in spa and wellness centers across the United States. But what is it, exactly?

The word itself is actually a combination of two Japanese words: “Rei”, meaning spirituality or higher power, and “Ki” meaning life force. Reiki is not a religion, although some practitioners will say they feel connected to something higher than themselves when practicing. Reiki is, to put it very simply, “Universal Positive Energy.”

There are many different types of Reiki being practiced in the Western World today. One of the most common is Usui Reiki, named after Mikao Usui who developed the technique in 1920’s Japan. A student of his student, Mrs. Hawayo Takata, brought the healing technique to the United States.

Reiki falls under the category of “energy work.” Essentially, a Reiki practitioner will either rest their hands gently on you or slightly over you to affect your subtle energetic body. The treatments are highly relaxing and completely safe for all body types, illnesses and conditions. There are no contraindications when it comes to Reiki; the energy goes where it is most needed and will do what will help the client the most.

What does it feel like? Well, it feels like different things to different people. Many experience Reiki as a feeling of warmth. Clients will often report feeling their practitioner’s hands becoming very warm. It can also be a tingling sensation, a chilled sensation, an emotional or physical response, or even nothing at all.

Clients will sometimes say: “I didn’t feel anything, I don’t think it worked.” The nice thing about Reiki is, it always works. The effects can be very subtle, and it can take a while to notice the change. Reiki can trigger a muscular release, an emotional release, or just an over-all feeling of well-being and relaxation. It can be profound or subtle, depending on your needs in the moment.

Reiki is performed with the client fully clothed, though the practitioner may offer you a blanket as your body temperature can drop during your time on the table. Depending on the length of your session you might remain just face-up or face-down for the entire time, or you may experience both positions. Reiki can also be performed with the client comfortably seated.

If you would like more information on Reiki, we suggest you follow the link to The International Center for Reiki Training for more information.

The Season is Almost Upon Us!

It has been spitting snow on and off all day here in Stowe. So excited for the season to begin!

The Benefits of Massage

Human beings are tactile creatures; not only do we crave touch, we need it in order to survive and thrive. Massage as a healing practice has been around for thousands of years. Virtually every culture on Earth uses massage in some form or another to facilitate the healing process. In our Western culture, massage is often considered a luxury: a once-a-year treat for special occasions or the ultimate in pampering. But is it so much more than that!

As we re-discover massage therapy, it is becoming an accepted treatment option in physical rehabilitation and medical doctors are finding it to be a useful tool in managing chronic conditions such as arthritis, high blood pressure, depression and more. In addition to finding massage therapists in spas, you may also discover them working in conjunction with chiropractors, physical therapists, and even your local hospital.

Massage can:
·    Help alleviate pain
·    Help expectant mothers shorten and ease labor
·    Stimulate the body’s lymph system, increasing immunity
·    Increase joint flexibility
·    Lessen stress, depression and anxiety
·    Reduce and relieve migraine pain
·    Improve circulation
·    Relax and soften tired, over-used muscles

Today’s Western culture is built on stress. We are always rushing to work, to school, to here, to there. We have short deadlines that require us to work long hours, and what little vacation we take we find ourselves checking in with the office. The human body was designed to deal with short bursts of stress in order to get us out of immediate danger. This is called the “fight or flight” mode. Our modern society keeps up in a near-constant state of fighting or fleeing, and our bodies simply cannot handle it. So many of our illness and diseases are directly related to the fact our bodies are over-taxed. Massage helps bring us from “fight or flight” to “rest and digest.” It gives our bodies time to reset and heal so they are better equipped to handle what life throws at us.

If you would like to learn more about the benefits of massage, the American Massage Therapy Association has an informative Research page that can give you more information and statistics.

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Sources:
  http://muskingum.edu/~psych/psycweb/history/harlow.htm
  http://www.massagetherapy.com/learnmore/benefits.php
  http://www.massagetherapy.com/articles/index.php/article_id/796/The-Visible-Effects-of-Stress

Frequently Asked Questions

Are you new to massage therapy? Do you often hear friends, family or coworkers rave about a treatment yet find yourself hesitant to try bodywork because you don’t know what to expect? We’ve compiled a list of questions we as therapists are often asked, and given you the answers in order to ease some of your concerns. Hopefully these answers will encourage you to make the leap from curious to client.

Do I have to get naked?
While traditional massage is typically done directly on the skin, a good therapist will be able to work with your needs. You will be given privacy to disrobe to your comfort level (underwear is fine) and get between the sheets on the table. The therapist will knock before entering the treatment room. At Stowe Village Massage our Reflexology, Reiki, Thai, and Shiatsu treatments can be performed fully clothed.

Will I be Exposed?
Legitimate massage wellness centers have strict policies regarding the draping of the sheets. The breasts, gluteal cleft, and genitals should never be exposed. If you feel uncomfortable, request a more conservative drape. If the therapist cannot or refuses to adjust the sheets, you are within your rights to end the massage.

What Can I Expect During the Massage?
Every massage is different. A typical relaxation massage often starts with your back then moves on to your legs. After turning over, the therapist will work their way around your limbs, neck and feet. If you are receiving specific work due to pain or injury, your massage may be very different. You are encouraged to ask your therapist his/her plans.

What if it Hurts?
In massage, “no pain, no gain” does not apply! Muscles stretching after long periods of being stuck can be intense, and if you are not used to the feeling it can be overwhelming. Intensity is okay; pain is not. If you find yourself tensing up or cringing as the therapist works, request that the therapist use a lighter pressure. If you experience intense, sharp pain or feel something going numb, let your therapist know immediately.

What if They Touch my Butt?
Some of the body’s most powerful muscles are in “the butt”. When clients indicate lower back discomfort or sciatic issues, the problem is often coming from tight gluteal muscles. If you are not comfortable with work in the area just let your therapist know. If exposure is of a concern you are welcome to keep your underwear on during the massage.

What if I Have a Question in the Middle of the Massage?
Feel free to ask any questions you might have. Some people have an easier time relaxing if they can talk a bit during the first part of the massage. However, if you find that your therapist is a bit more verbal than you would like, it is okay to say “if you don’t mind, I’d prefer to focus on the massage and not chat today.”

I hope these FAQ’s answer some of your questions. If you have another question that you don’t see here, please leave a comment and we’ll be sure to answer it for you. If you’d like more information on our massages here at Stowe Village Massage, feel free to give us a call or email.

Our New Space

Over the past several months, we've undergone an extensive renovation project. Initially located on the first floor of our Depot Street house, in March of 2013 we took over the entire building and began our transformation. We have updated our lobby and reception area, and added a beautiful new staircase, an upstairs seating area and three new treatment rooms. Here's a look at our new space:

49 Depot Street, Stowe Vermont. Although it looks like the same place
on the outside, the inside is very different.

Our new lobby. We will continue to expand and update this space, including
offering a hot and cold beverage selection.

Originally a treatment room, this new reception space is bright and welcoming.

Originally the reception area and lobby, our new staircase is a beautiful addition.

Our new second floor seating area is a homey little nook, a perfect place
to relax before your treatment.

The first of our second floor treatment rooms is a bright, roomy space that looks
out into the trees in our front yard.

Our next new treatment room is a couple's room, perfect for honeymoons,
anniversaries, or any special occasion.

Our last new room on the second floor is cozy and inviting.

We are very proud of our new space, and invite you to come in for a tour (and a treatment!) soon.