Business Details
26 Years
experience
Your Trusted Massage Therapist in Taos, NM
Founded in October 2000, Essential Massage & Spa Therapies has served the Taos community for over 24 years, dedicated to providing professional and caring therapeutic services. Our team of licensed massage therapists specializes in a range of modalities, including sports massage, deep tissue, Swedish massage, prenatal massage, and CranioSacral Therapy. We incorporate advanced tools like the FDA-approved amethyst Biomat, which delivers infra-red warmth and negative ion therapy for enhanced healing. With a commitment to both local residents and visitors, we expanded our facility in 2014 to include additional treatment rooms, ensuring a personalized and comfortable experience. Our therapists are trained to deliver firm to medium deep pressure, with select practitioners offering specialized services such as Thai and Shiatsu massage. We maintain strict adherence to health and safety protocols, including Covid-safe practices, and operate by advance appointment to prioritize client convenience.Our founder, Kyoko Moriyasu Hummel, has over 33 years of experience in the field and remains actively involved in CranioSacral Therapy sessions. We emphasize transparency in our services, with no hidden fees, and ensure our team remains deeply attuned to individual client needs. Our location, just 1.2 miles north of Taos Plaza, offers easy access while maintaining a serene environment. We pride ourselves on fostering a culture of continuous learning, with therapists maintaining memberships in professional organizations like the American Massage Therapy Association. Every session is designed to promote relaxation, alleviate tension, and support overall wellness through expert, client-centered care.
Services
Therapeutic Massage
Biomat Therapy
Prenatal Massage
CranioSacral Therapy
Deep Tissue Massage
Details
- Year established: 2000
Highlights and features
- We have over 25 years of experience serving the Taos community with personalized care.
- Our therapists use FDA-approved Biomat technology for enhanced healing sessions.
- All practitioners are licensed and trained in diverse massage modalities.
- We prioritize client comfort with private treatment rooms and flexible scheduling.
- Our founder maintains active involvement in advanced CranioSacral Therapy practice.
Associations and certifications
- FDA approved medical device
Services
Therapeutic Massage
Our therapeutic massage sessions combine multiple techniques to address individual needs, including stress relief, muscle tension, and chronic pain management. Therapists tailor pressure and modality to each client's preferences, ensuring optimal comfort and effectiveness. This service promotes circulation, enhances flexibility, and supports overall physical and mental wellness through personalized care.
Biomat Therapy
Biomat therapy utilizes FDA-approved amethyst technology to deliver infra-red heat and negative ion therapy during massage sessions. This non-invasive treatment penetrates deep into tissues, promoting cellular healing, reducing inflammation, and improving circulation without emitting electromagnetic frequencies. Clients experience enhanced relaxation and accelerated recovery from physical stressors.
Prenatal Massage
Specially designed for expectant mothers, prenatal massage addresses common discomforts associated with pregnancy, including back pain, swelling, and joint stiffness. Our therapists use safe, supportive positioning and gentle techniques to improve circulation, reduce stress hormones, and prepare the body for labor while ensuring comfort throughout all trimesters.
CranioSacral Therapy
CranioSacral Therapy focuses on gentle manipulation of the craniosacral system to alleviate pain, release tension, and enhance central nervous system function. This subtle, non-invasive approach addresses migraines, chronic neck/back pain, and stress-related disorders by restoring natural rhythms in the body's fluids and connective tissues.
Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue massage targets chronic muscle tension and knots through sustained pressure on deeper muscle layers and connective tissues. Therapists address postural issues, sports injuries, and repetitive strain by breaking down adhesions and improving mobility. Sessions balance therapeutic benefits with client comfort, ensuring effective yet tolerable treatment.
People
Kyoko M. Hummel
Founder & Licensed Massage Therapist
Kyoko founded Essential Massage in 2000 with 33 years of experience. She specializes in CranioSacral Therapy and introduced Biomat technology after personal healing success. Active member of the American Massage Therapy Association since 1991.
Manuela Maeder
Massage Therapist
Manuela graduated from the New Mexico School of Natural Therapeutics in 1992. She offers customized relaxation massage, Thai, Shiatsu, Oncology, and prenatal massages. Her approach combines nurturing deep work with addressing specific client concerns through years of dedicated practice.
Veronica Sandoval
Massage Therapist
Veronica trained in Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy for two years. She integrates Swedish massage, myofascial release, and prenatal/postnatal techniques. Raised in a New Mexico healing community, her intuitive, trauma-informed sessions focus on energetic touch and individualized care for deep relaxation.
Questions
What types of massage do you offer?
We provide therapeutic, deep tissue, Swedish, prenatal, CranioSacral Therapy, Thai, and Shiatsu massage. Most sessions include Biomat infrared therapy for enhanced healing.
Do you accept walk-in appointments?
No, we operate by advance appointment only to ensure personalized scheduling and adequate preparation for each session.
What payment methods do you accept?
We do not accept credit or debit cards. Payment options include cash or check for your convenience.
Are your therapists licensed?
Yes, all our massage therapists hold valid licenses and undergo specialized training in multiple modalities to ensure professional, safe treatments.
Can I request a specific therapist?
Yes, you may request a specific therapist when booking your appointment based on availability and your preferred treatment style.
Is parking available at your location?
Our facility at 824 Paseo del Pueblo Norte provides convenient on-site parking for client accessibility and comfort.
Reviews (6)
Paige Williams
Jun 05, 2022
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I recieved one the best massages today- Ginger is an amazing massage therapist, I highly recommend her. It was relaxing, yet so therapeutic. I can't wait to book another massage.
Lizzie King-Hall
Apr 21, 2022
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Excellent in every way. Doug has found his calling, and it was a pleasure to meet him. What a calm, trustworthy presence. I wish I lived here and could buy appointments with him in bulk.
Krista
Apr 23, 2021
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Doug was awesome I had an amazing 90 minute message and highly recommend. It was a wonderful experience!
Corliss De La Garza
Dec 16, 2020
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Manuela was fantastic and I loved the massage outdoors in a tent setting. We will be back in Taos in October and will be sure to book early with Manuela.
Todd Cail
May 14, 2020
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My girlfriend and I got a couples massage at Essential while on vacation in Taos. The gentleman who worked on my girlfriend was excellent, relieving some serious neck pain she had been suffering with for a few weeks. I was very happy with my massage as well. Everyone we met during our visit was genuinely friendly and welcoming.
Nancy J. Davis
Mar 14, 2020
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Massage was good but receptionist didn't book my treatments correctly when I called so didn't get what I wanted. Didn't know it wasn't correct until after my treatment was complete. Wish the staff had gone over my expectations prior to starting treatment. Definitely not a spa atmosphere. Facility was clean but didn't feel like a relaxing place. Crystal cocoon was definitely not worth the money.
