by Christen DiClaudio
Tired of searching for justification for splurging to pamper yourself? This holiday season, save your inhibitions for the cut-out cookies ‘cause you never need an excuse to pamper your health. Meet Nikki Remic, Holistic Health Practitioner, and the ladies at The Pittsburgh Center for Complementary Health and Healing. When it comes to feeling good—guilt-free—they really know their stuff.
From the moment I set foot into this “spa” in Regent Square, I immediately felt the metaphorical arms of health and healing cradling themselves around my body. Of course I was thrilled for the massage I was about to be given, but more significantly, I was completely comfortable in the cheerful and welcoming setting. The delicate aroma, the classic soothing wind music, the soft colors, the kind faces—it all relaxed me more than I had anticipated. Everyone in the room greeted me with a warm smile and I was offered a glass of water to accompany the tray of cheese and crackers that were laid out in front of me.
When I was ready, Nikki lead me into her “office,” a calmly decorated room with fair blue walls and the daylight’s glow presenting two lush seats and a bed of sorts. We sat down together for a few minutes and chatted about what I hoped to take from my session. She learned a bit about me while teaching me the basics on the methods she would perform as well as some insights on easy ways to keep healthy that pertained to my body’s needs. Our conversation was yet another trigger for my relaxation; knowing how incredibly friendly and sincere Nikki is, boosted that comfort level even more. This exchange was a key factor in my satisfaction with the whole experience, a preface that is rare, but worth it.
She left the room for several minutes to allow me to get situated on the table—a dream-bed made of heated water bags. My session began with a process called Cellular Expansion. I laid still as she placed her hands on specific spots on my body, moving to the next position once she could feel a shift in me. The technique provoked sensations I had never thought possible. As I lost my bearings as to the placement of Nikki’s hands, I also lost awareness of my body itself. The “intention” I chose for my session was stress-relief and indeed, it was the perfect setting to fully forget about the busy life I join the rest of the world in leading.
After about an hour, Nikki finished up the Cellular Expansion and switched tracks to the massage portion. She took her time focusing on each area of the massage and granting special care to the more tense parts of my body. After being at perfect ease for over two hours, I realized that for the first time, I just had a massage treatment that effected my body and my soul. Every part of my being felt amazing. I accepted a large glass of water and took it easy for the rest of the day. Now I am just biding my time until I get the opportunity to go back.
The Pittsburgh Center for Complementary Health and Healing offers remedial services ranging from chronic pain to pregnancy, care for patients with cancer to your traditional massage. They also offer classes and workshops that anyone can attend. To find out more about Nikki Remic’s services, visit her website at www.pghhealthandhealing.com.