The Massage Center in Wilmington, Delaware

Photo Index Click HERE for photos of The Massage Center Contact The Massage Center • Address: 4001 Miller Road PO Box 7596 Wilmington, DE 19803 • Phone: 302-761-9095 • Toll Free: 866-623-7737 •Email: r.eppes@verizon.net • Web Site: www.demassagece.com Information regarding Convention & Continuing Education in DE and surrounding states for Massage Therapists: 302 765-CEUS (2387) Or toll free at 866-313-8333 Music Played in The Massage Center Bali - Reflections of a Tranquil Paradise by Midori (Ronni) Waters Edge by Tim Janis (Helen) Natural Sleep Inducement (Kathleen) More Spas In Delaware • Day Spas in Delaware • Spa Resorts in Delaware

Owner Rob Eppes, LMT, NCTMB does not call The Massage Center a spa. He describes it as a place that attracts people from all professions and backgrounds who have all made themselves a higher priority in their own lives. According to Rob, "The Massage Center is often a meaningful step for our clients who are seeking some relief, some solace, some refuge, some encouragement, some peace. Our services range from medical intervention to pampering. But even our pampering is genuine." Whatever they come for, Rob says The Massage Center can help them meet their needs. Hmmm...sounds a lot like my idea of a spa.

While The Massage Center does not offer body treatments (wraps, scrubs, etc.), facials, manicures or pedicures, it does offer a variety of massage therapy modalities (Swedish, maternity, intention, shiatsu, hot stone, aromatherapy, soft-fascia release & cranio-sacral rhythm), energy treatments (energy balancing, sound energy dynamics) and ear candling. The therapists are all highly qualified, skilled and caring.

I had the opportunity to visit The Massage Center on three different occasions to try three different therapies. Before I describe them, I want to point out one definite difference between The Massage Center and most spas. Most spas create a menu of spa services then extensively train their staff to perform a treatment the same way. The goal is for the treatment experience to be the same for the client regardless of who performs it. Consistency from therapist to therapist is of prime importance. In contrast, The Massage Center has created its treatment menu around the therapists' special skills, talent and training. The Massage Center celebrates their unique abilities. In fact, The Massage Center encourages its clients to try different therapists to experience their different styles.

My first treatment at The Massage Center was Soft-fascia Release & Cranio-Sacral Rhythm with Ronni Yaskin. Ronni invited me to relax on the treatment table in Treatment Room 4. She explained that the treatment combined Craniosacral Therapy and Soft Fascia Release. The craniosacral system is a self-contained hydraulic system that consists of the bones of the skull, neck, spine and tailbone, plus the cerebrospinal fluid. It has a rhythm with a frequency between the rate of the heartbeat and the breath. With gentle touch, Ronni can sense, follow and at times direct this rhythm, so it can become more vibrant and harmonious. The result of this fluid rebalancing is better health and a stronger, more resilient body. Soft Fascia Release is another gentle, light touch with a deep, profound impact on the rest of the body. Fascia is a 3-dimensional web that surrounds all tissue in the body. It is a medium for transmission of electrical impulses and information throughout the body. When a part of this web becomes constricted, the effects can be felt a distance away from the original site. When the constrictions released through this gentle touch, electrical impulses, and other types of nourishment flow more quickly and with more strength throughout the body. This treatment did not require me to undress and there were no oils used. Ronni applied light pressure on my head and body. I found the whole experience to be quite relaxing.

My second treatment at The Massage Center was Energy Balancing with Kathleen MacKenzie. Kathleen invited me to sit in Treatment Room 1. We spent a few minutes talking about what was going on in my life at the moment. Kathleen explained that Energy Balancing is five energetic healing modalities (Therapeutic Touch, Magnified Healing, Reiki, Intuitive Healing and Hands on Healing) and is particularly helpful to those going through any major change in their lives. Energy work is a subtle, yet effective, way to achieve balance. By working with the human energy field, parts of an individual that have been neglected or ignored due to stress or disease can be accessed. Areas that hold blocks in the field can manifest in different ways, affecting the client physically, mentally, emotionally or spiritually. Practitioners, having learned to attune to the universal field through a conscious intent, help clients assimilate energy by releasing congestion and balancing areas where the flow has become disordered. The end result can be a feeling of connection, peace and a calmer mind and spirit. I got on the treatment table fully clothed and began to relax. Kathleen placed her hands over or gently touched various parts of my body. When she was done, we again sat and talked. She discussed what she felt during the treatment - which areas she found had energy blocks. Most of it related to the discussion we had before the treatment, and I found it quite moving. One of the "tools" she suggested I use to "protect" my energy is the following visualization:

1. Take a deep breath and visualize bright, white light entering the top of your head and going right through you.
2. Exhale and visualize that light's energy spreading throughout your entire body and filling you to the skin.
3. Take another deep breath and visualize bright, white light entering the top of your head and going right through you.
4. Exhale and visualize the light's energy extending through your skin and surrounding your entire body like a bubble.
5. Take a final deep breath and visualize bright, white light entering the top of your head and going right through you.
6. Exhale and visualize the light's energy creating a protective coating around the energy field you have created around your body.

I have actually used this visualization a number of times since my session with Kathleen and have found it very helpful. (I took an Energy Basics class from Kathleen three years ago and learned the basic principles and some techniques of energy balancing. You can read more about that HERE.)

My third treatment at The Massage Center was a Full-Body Massage with Helen Baker. Helen escorted me to Treatment Room 3 and instructed me to undress and get on the massage table face-up with my legs elevated on the high foam block while she left the room. The block was quite comfortable, and I liked it better than the usual pillows or bolsters. It was, of course, removed when I turned on my stomach. The massage that followed was excellent. Helen used a combination of aromatherapy, Swedish, neuromuscular, deep tissue, reflexology and craniosacral therapy (and possibly more modalities - those were the ones I recognized). Helen also applied Biofeeze to my neck and shoulders that gave a lingering feeling of hot and cold.

Whether The Massage Center is technically a "spa" or not, I certainly had three very good "spa experiences" there.

Photos copyright 2003, Julie Register
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