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It's the Ancient WayBy Autumn Rhea
A variety of treatments are offered, ranging from mainstream services to the more exotic. The massage therapy includes Swedish, deep tissue, hot rock, and the Shiatsu treatment.
The facility has six massage rooms, (one is designated for couples) and a nail salon. The massage rooms exude a calm demeanor while the nail room shares a more upbeat atmosphere. “It’s definitely more of a chatty place,” said Miller. “If I want to know where to go to get my car fixed or the name of a reliable plumber, I go there. We keep these rooms separate, so the client can choose their own experience.” Miller discussed the contract each of her staff members must sign before joining her spa. “I have a clause that states that they cannot be prejudiced against anyone to work here,” she said. “I’m not just talking about race or religion, I’m talking about the whole person. It’s important that the clients feel safe and comfortable. Our goal is to present an unpretentious environment. Even our mailman’s wife comes here!”
For more information:Ancient Way Day Spa Pine Canyon B&B and Spa Images by Autumn Rhea www.innerchicken.net |
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“Our philosophy is that after we treat one person, they
in turn will leave our spa with a more relaxed and positive attitude,” said
Alisa Miller, Ancient Way Day Spa owner. “Then, they’ll connect with nine
more people and treat them differently, by giving them a smile or letting
them go ahead of them in traffic. Our goal is to nurture people and help
them spread that feeling to others.”
Ancient Way Day Spa, located in Austin, Texas, has been
in operation since 1997 and its philosophy stems from the Belizean culture.
Miller explained how she got into the industry and the history of her spa.
“I’ve been in this industry for about 17 years,” she said. “Originally, I
worked in a more clinical environment and always felt like there was
something missing.” “I took a trip to Belize in the early nineties and found
the missing link. The Mayans used herbs for healing and had such a soothing,
holistic approach. They treated the whole person and didn’t treat their
illness as a separate entity.” She decided to bring that idea back to Austin
and implement it into her facility.
Ancient Way is located in a shopping center, which
brings to mind hustle and traffic and not the calming peace just described.
“I had a spa called Alisa Spa Therapies previously that was very esoteric
and you had to know someone who had been there just to find it, because it
was located in a neighborhood,” she said. “I intentionally went straight to
a shopping center this time, because I want people to find us easily.” When
I entered the facility, I felt the outside world melt away as the staff
greeted me in calmed, relaxed tones and eased me into the mood of the spa.
Various herbal wraps offered are the Mayan mud wrap,
tropical island seaweed wrap and the detoxification body wrap for hydrating
and cleansing. There are several facials available, including a customized
renewal facial, a back facial, and the express facial, with dual cleansers,
herbal steam and hydration. There are numerous packages available, tailored
to fit the client’s needs.
The spa plans to offer more exotic treatments soon,
once the staff is properly trained. The Shiradira is one, which is hot
sesame oil that drips slowly onto the third eye, after traveling through
three metals. The oil then streams down the forehead and is massaged into
the scalp. The Ancient Way originated with the Mayan healing principles, but
has branched into other cultures, including Asian, Egyptian, and East
Indian. Each treatment roomed is named after a philosophy or study,
including “Celestial,” “Zen,” and “Egyptian.” 
Miller has also opened the Pine Canyon B&B and Spa,
located in Smithville, Texas. (30 minutes from Austin airport.) Miller runs
this facility and offers her massage and spa services there as well. The B&B
is an eclectic mix of an English country cottage and a Mexican hacienda.
Miller explained how she hopes it also makes people slow down, connect with
nature and relax. “You know how so many bed and breakfasts are so Victorian
and fancy? Well, that’s not me. It’s just not sexy to be in grandma’s house
with your lover. This place is makes you feel more relaxed and at home.”
Some of the services offered at the B&B include facial
treatments, foot reflexology, lavender body wrap, aroma body scrub, and
massages. There is also a Jacuzzi, bicycles, and exercise room, large
swimming pool, and a private seven-acre pine forest.