Reiki Massage

The word "Kaya" has many meanings depending on the culture you're studying: " body" in Sanskrit, "prosperous" in Indonesian, "sacred forests" in Mendi and "enlightenment" in Rastafarian are just a few. In Chicago, the term Kaya symbolizes an urban retreat - a day spa that provides a rejuvenating, healing experience for the mind and the body. The founders of the spa look to "Kaya," also the word for a Japanese tree that's known for its strength and resistance to environmental stress, as the inspiration for its oasis that restores balance and energy to the busy lifestyles of their clients.

For the next few hours I was one of the lucky ones to be invited into this world where stress and worry don't exist. Scheduled for two of Kaya's house specialties, a Reiki Massage and a Zen Harmony Facial, I arrived to meet two gorgeous faces with flawless skin greeting me at the front desk. The receptionists checked me in for my appointments and then whisked me off to the changing area where my journey began. The stone floors, tranquil music and wood embellishments created a harmonizing effect in the women's lounge. With relaxation already beginning to take hold, I was pleased to find a big, fluffy robe and comfy spa slippers waiting for me inside my locker. After I slipped into my spa attire I went into the Quiet Room, a softly glowing waiting area where clients can relax prior to and in between treatments. I sank into an oversized chair, closed my eyes and listened to the tranquil waterfall.

Within a few minutes my Reiki Therapist arrived and escorted me into her therapy room. The space was minimalist in décor with green and espresso-brown furnishings, and aromatic candles set the mood with calming light and a cedar-musk scent. I snuggled into the therapy chair, and my therapist explained the methodology of Reiki Massage, a Tibetan energy healing technique that regulates the chakras (energy centers) and the energy flow within the body. This spiritual practice has been in existence since the early 20 th century and is recognized for healing physical and emotional pain and illnesses through the hands of the practitioner.

My therapist continued to explain how Reiki has reportedly changed people's lives, regardless of what their belief of the practice is from the outset of the massage. "People who don't necessarily believe in this practice still can benefit from it," she said. "They almost always feel an energy shift whether they feel more relaxed or happy, they usually feel something."

She told me to relax and surrender to any emotion my body might feel during the treatment, like if I became overwhelmed with emotion it was okay to let go - in other words, there is no judging at Kaya just support. She began the massage by holding her palms lightly over my eyes, the "crown" chakra. I could feel her channeling my energy with her rhythmic breathing. After a few minutes I no longer heard any external sounds; all I could focus on was the pulsating colors in my mind. A swirl of violet was streaming, almost like descending fireworks, in my dreamlike vision. As she worked her way down my body, she placed her powerful hands lightly at each charka: third eye, throat, heart, solar plexus, spleen and root.

When she finished, she allowed me to relax and slowly wake up so we could talk about my experience. I explained the colors I saw in my mind, and she described what they represented. She even asked me if I had some unresolved words or issues with someone very close to me because she felt my throat chakra, which is "the expression of self through voice and the mind," had a lot of stagnant energy. The treatment as a whole left me feeling refreshed and open-minded.

I headed back to the Quiet Room where one of Kaya's estheticians met me for my Zen Harmony facial, a holistic treatment that uses essential oils and herbal extracts to stimulate energy, relieve muscles and promote lymphatic drainage while relaxing and restoring balance and harmony. She led the way to her treatment room that had a warm cozy feel with a modern edge. The unassuming space offered chic lighting installations that offered a comfortable, soothing ambiance. She began by cleansing my face with a light cleanser by Jurlique, an organic, plant-based skincare line. Using delicate circular motions she cleansing my skin, and then she aimed a light steamer toward my face. While my skin basked in the hydration, she massaged my face using unique manipulations known as Japanese Shiatsu, which means "finger pressure." She used her intuitive fingers to enhance my body's natural healing ability by applying pressure in specific areas on my face and neck.

Next she looked closely at my face under an illuminated magnifying lens. She inquired about my water intake, laundry detergent and diet and how they might be affecting my troublesome chin. Then with further examination, she extracted my clogged pores. I felt like I must have been under a magic spell because I didn't feel a thing. After more deep cleansing and exfoliating, she brushed a beauty mask all over my face and neck in smooth, even strokes. While it dried she treated me to a neck, arm, shoulder and foot massage with rose oil that left me as aromatic as rose petals all day long. To top it off, after she rinsed away the mask, she finished my treatment with an invigorating scalp massage.

At the conclusion of the facial, the esthetician provided me with a list of skincare treatments she felt would benefit my skin, and even told me to call her if I had any questions, which I thought was a really nice, personal touch. As I left Kaya, my body felt replenished, and my skin felt noticeably smooth, clean and had a youthful, dewy appearance. I could go on and on with superlatives to describe how my skin looked and how my entire body felt, but now I just let the beauty speak for itself.

Kaya stays true to its mission: creating a spa experience that invigorates and restores balance and energy to the mind, body and soul, and the genuine smiles from the staff and gracious customer service made me feel like I had found my rightful place in the universe.

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