Massage and Healthy Living in Cary

Before this past week, I honestly did not know the difference between an Ashiatsu, a Swedish, a hot stone or a deep tissue massage.  Ashiatsu  comes from two words:  Ashi (foot) and atsu (pressure).  Ashiatsu is a massage therapy in which the therapist walks on the client’s back, using bars for support to vary pressure and weight.  How about that for a visual?

Massage and Healthy Living Review

Massage and Healthy Living is the only place for Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy in Cary, North Carolina.  It is located on 130 Iowa Lane, Office #202.  Aside from Ashiatsu, Massage & Healthy Living offers services including pre-natal massage, foot reflexology, cupping therapy and myofascial release therapy – just to name a few.  For a complete list of services, you can reference their website .

My masseur at Massage and Healthy Living, Dre Vazquez, has practiced massage therapy for 15+ years.  He is highly knowledgeable in his craft, professional and was thorough during my initial consultation to ensure a maximum session.  Dre reviewed and discussed my completed health history questionnaire and gave me an opportunity to share the desired goals for my first session.  All clients are required to complete a questionnaire before their first massage session to ensure the therapist is aware of any ailments, current medication prescriptions and goals for the therapy session. I personally suffer from lower back pain, so that is always an area of concern. After talking with Dre,  I was surprised to learn that massage therapy not only benefits you if you are experiencing physical pain, but also helps with stress & anxiety.  Did you know that massage therapist recommended massages at least once a month???  Massage is no longer perceived as a luxury, rather therapy for both physical and emotional ailments. Although I did not have any physical pain at the moment or any specific goals, I did look forward to experiencing the art of Ashiatsu.

In the past couple years, I have had a hot stone, a Swedish & a deep tissue massage at notable spas and neither compared to the Ashiatsu therapy at Massage and Healthy Living.   It’s hard to describe the massage, but I found it more powerful in comparison to other massages I have had in the past.  My perception is the additional controlled weight Dre applied during the course of the massage coupled with the additional square area that is covered during the process (because our feet are larger than our hands) made for a more effective and therapeutic session.    In addition to the massage, frankincense and coconut oil were used in the therapy session which added  to my soothing experience.   I love the sweet aroma of coconut!  If you are allergic to essential to oils or lotions, there is a designated section in the questionnaire to make your therapist aware.   Just like any service, it is important for you to voice your concerns, needs & wants to ensure a productive session.   I allowed Dre take the lead on this one, so I could fully experience Ashiatsu and I was beyond pleased.

Typically, I am tired and somewhat lethargic after a massage, but I was quite energetic after my Ashiatsu session.  Personally, I did not experience any bruising or soreness the next day, but I did hydrate more than usual to help flush out the toxins.  I highly recommend  Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy at least once in your lifetime.   Once you try it, you may not go back other forms of massage therapy.

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