Cryo Spa Natural Healing Center in the Holland Shopping Center, Holland, PA, is a holistic…read morealternative health services center at the intersection of Holland and Buck Roads. It can be a little challenging to reach if coming down Buck Road, but with patience the traffic and red lights can be overcome. It is well worth your effort to find your way there.
Although cryotherapy (exposing your body to extremely cold temperature for a short period of time to deal with autoimmune conditions through the release of endorphins and anti-inflammatory proteins) is the main attraction, I was there on a first visit for a full body massage to address lingering lower back issues. I was greeted promptly by the front desk person, who asked me to complete three pages of information regarding my medical history and reason for coming. Before I was finished, my masseuse Marla was introducing herself with warm smile and firm handshake.
Before starting the massage, I was also introduced to Lucy, the owner of the facility. She offered to give me a quick tour. She showed me the cryotherapy equipment, shiatsu and mediation rooms, and finally the massage chamber where Marla would attempt to loosen my lumbar/sacral spine and take my discomfort away. The place is bigger than it looks from the outside, and Lucy was very knowledgeable about all the modalities offered.
When it was time to start my massage, Marla directed me to disrobe and get under the sheets on the table, face down on the headrest. She left the room while I did so. Upon returning, she asked a few questions about the strength of the massage desired (strong), and instructed me to tell her if I was experiencing pain (Don't worry. I don't deal with pain in silence.) She explained that she would be doing a combination of stretches, deep tissue, pressure point and Swedish techniques which she labeled as, "Sports Massage."
She was amazing. Her hands intuitively found the discomfort in my back and legs, and dug, kneaded, lifted/stretched my joints, and actually moved the muscles, tendons and ligaments around to release their tension and help them find their proper place in my body alignment. She had incredible strength, and was able to lift each leg, pull it further upward, while manipulating the musculature and joints. All the while, we conversed quietly about how I was feeling, giving me directions to help her, and informing me about her experience in massage and healthcare. Fascinating woman. Excellent healer.
After my hour, I arose slowly. I felt looser and longer. More significantly, a sense of wellbeing and mild euphoria surrounded me. I was extremely relaxed and felt a limberness and flexibility that had been absent for a long while. I slept very well last night.
This morning, even as I write this review, my body feels like it is glowing. I know I will return to CryoSpa regularly to maintain and improve this sensation of health, strength and vitality.
Marla did great work. I also want to give the Shiatsu a try, and if brave enough, go into the cryospa itself to see what that can do.
Totally positive first impression.
