​Optimizing health, recovering from injury, healing from disease--throughout our lives we change our focus. Most of us want to find ways to attain our health goals outside of a physician's office and without a visit to the pharmacy. Read about some of the benefits provided by the services we offer at our spas and visit the links to the research pages below.

Reflexology (offered at both spa locations)

​​Reflexology is a joy to receive! Taking care of the feet that carry us through our lives is profoundly impactful--emotionally and physically. If you have ever noticed how your feet hurt when you are ill or when you are in pain, you are experiencing the body's connection to the feet. The philosophy behind the effectiveness of this therapy is that there are points on our feet, (hands and ears, too) that represent our entire body and working these points can promote healing and optimize our health. Research supports the use of reflexology to strengthen the body's ability to respond to stress and bring itself into balance. ​Visit the following link to our page summarizing some of the research supporting the use of reflexology as a wellness therapy:

Infrared Sauna (offered at both spa locations)

One way to understand the benefits of the sauna is to look at how the body boosts the immune system in response to viruses or bacterial invasions. Heating up, just as in a fever, can promote healing processes such as increased blood flow, lymphatic activation, muscle relaxation, and endorphin release. Our sauna features near, mid, and far infrared wavelengths, which target specific body layers for a profound experience. Visit the following link to view our benefits and precautions page: ​

Massage Treatments (offered at our North Portland location)

Massage works to relieve tension and increase circulation in the muscles and other tissues. Each technique has special qualities and each works to restore tissue health and open blockages in the body. Read more about these practices below:
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  • Tui Na Massage: ​This age old technique has been practiced in China for more than 3000 years where it is greatly respected as a way to support health and is believed to enhance the flow of Qi or Chi. Much like acupuncture, Tuina massage works through energetic points to bring the body into balance. Much more research is to be done in comparing this technique to other forms of massage, but the timelessness of this ancient practice is testimony to its effectiveness.​
 
  • ​Swedish Massage: Firm, yet gentle, this technique focuses on relaxation of the muscles and works to improve circulation and lymphatic movement.  A feel-good modality, research has shown the use of this therapy provides measurable health benefits.
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  • Deep Tissue Massage: ​This technique has a deep penetration into the body, even stretching the fascia to promote the release of adhesions and contractures. Deep tissue work is often used for athletes and persons with chronic muscle pain, injuries, and poor range of motion. Often, the goal of deep tissue work is preventing injury, keeping muscles and tendons in top shape. Research supports the use of deeper pressure to promote improved health and well-being and can limit exposure to the risks associated with pain medication.
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Check out our page citing a sampling of research on massage techniques by following this link: ​

Cupping Therapy

Cupping therapy uses negative pressure on muscle groups and energy points to promote relaxation and increase circulation. ​Cupping is used in Chinese medicine to promote the flow of good energy in the body and for the treatment of some diseases. The cups are often placed on the same energy collection points used in acupuncture, and there are indications that it may share or surpass its effectiveness. Many people find this therapy relaxing and experience positive results. Visit the following link to our page exploring some of the research: ​

Note: Alternative Health Research

Many alternative health practices have not earned the respect they deserve, and there is a strangely simple explanation for part of the problem. With certain modalities, researchers have difficulty in creating a comparison, or control, group. For example, while it is easy to provide a placebo medication, it is not really possible to administer a placebo sauna or a placebo reflexology or massage. Nonetheless, there are many convincing studies showing clear benefits. Most of these have looked at symptom improvement and compared outcomes of the group receiving the treatment with those who did not.
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