Where do the massages take place?
Waves Spa has three treatment rooms for massage and one treatment room for facials. The minimum for an in-room treatment is a 30 minute session. We also offer in-room sessions for 60 minutes and 90 minutes. All massages less than 30 minutes are offered in our chair massage circles in 5, 10, 15 or 20 minute sessions or in our spa capsule.
What kind of massage do you offer?
Our licensed massage therapists do not perform predetermined routines. Each therapist has a foundation in Swedish massage and most are trained in Deep Tissue Massage. They call on a combination of techniques and knowledge from all of the modalities they have been trained in to give you the massage that will best meet your needs. These modalities may include Neuro Muscular Therapy, Deep Tissue, Myofascial Release, Lymphatic Drainage, Shiatsu, Tuina, Thai, Reflexology, Cranio Sacral Therapy, Reiki and Energy Healing. It is important to express to your therapist what you need from your session so they can best determine which modalities to incorporate.
Does The Rolf Method hurt?
The Rolf Method can be very intense as it is a powerful type of bodywork. However, our certified practitioner, Dave Marino prepares your physical body with energy work first so that your body is better prepared to receive the physical intensity of The Rolf Method. This way it is far less painful and at times even painless.
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What is the difference between The Rolf Method and Massage?
Massage works to relieve tension from the belly of your muscle and to release muscular knots while The Rolf Method works on your fascia. Fascia is the protective layer which surrounds your muscles and covers your entire body much like your skin but on the inside in the form of connective tissue. Fascia gives muscles their shape and the body its structure. By manipulating your fascia our certified practitioner, Dave Marino, restructures your body and aligns you in space and gravity. He goes deep within to lengthen your fascia where it has become shortened and stuck together as well as to shorten your fascia in areas where it has become stretched and overburdened. The results of Massage are a release of tension, relaxation and pain relief while the results of The Rolf Method include improved alignment and posture, improved breathing and oxygen flow to organs, improved athletic performance and more permanent relief from chronic pains and conditions.
What is the difference between Brennan Healing Science and Reiki?
Reiki training and certification is primarily obtained by receiving attunements during weekend workshops held by a variety of Reiki Masters while Brennan Healing Science training consists of four years of professional training in personal growth, characterologies and hands on healing skills at The Barbara Brennan School of Healing – a University licensed by the State of Florida with both Diploma and Bachelors Degree Programs. While Reiki’s focus is to simply serve as a medium for universal energy and allow the energy to go where it goes, a Brennan Healer is trained to clear, charge and restructure chakras and organs and the first seven levels of the Human Energy Field (Aura). The Brennan work was developed by Dr. Barbara Brennan a former NASA physicist and psychologist. It incorporates detailed healing skills and techniques along with a solid foundation in psychological contributions that help facilitate clients through self empowerment and personal growth which often times leads to the healing and resolving of long term held patterns and non-serving belief systems.
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Do your facials include extractions?
Yes! Our facials do include extractions. We often hear how clients are unsatisfied with spa facials because they feel like these services do not include a real cleaning of their pores but rather just a lot of products rubbed on their face. We understand and in no way is that what our facials at Waves Spa consist of. During our facials you will receive cleansing, toning, moisturizing, specialty masques along with steam and a deep pore cleaning. Yes, the aesthetician will get rid of all those black heads around your nose and chin. No worries. You’ll be in great hands with our aestheticians. Please note that our EXPRESS Mini Facial does not include extractions. Although not as popular as our complete facial we do offer the mini facial for those few clients that do not want extractions.
Do you offer full body massages?
Yes, we do offer full body massages! Although what you see from the front windows is primarily our two chair massage stations, we do have three treatment rooms for full body massages and an additional room for facials. In fact, full body treatments make up over 70% of our demand for services.
What is the difference between an in-room massages and a chair massages?
An in-room massage offers you the opportunity to relax more deeply on a massage table in the privacy of your own treatment room. Chair massages are offered in semi-private circles in the front area of the spa. It’s important to know that in selecting a chair massage over an in-room session your therapists are limited in the work they are able to offer you due to the position of the chair. For example, if you prefer a deep tissue massage you are better off selecting an in-room massage so that your therapist is able to apply the appropriate amount of pressure and give you the depth that you desire. In general, your results will be best with an in-room service.
Can you do a full body massage in a half hour?
No. For half hour treatments it’s best to select an area of concern for the massage therapist to focus on. For example, you can ask that the half hour session focus on alleviating stress in your upper back, soreness in your legs or relief of a headache. If you want a full body massage then you need a minimum of an hour massage or better yet select an hour and a half massage.
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Why would I need a massage? What are the benefits of massage?
It surprises us how many people have never received a professional massage and actually believe they don’t need one…EVERYONE needs a massage especially in this day and age of high stress and non-stop living. We always know when it’s the client’s first massage because they tend to express how they wish they had known how beneficial massage is and started receiving massages earlier. Benefits include:
- Alleviate low-back pain and improve range of motion.
- Enhance immunity by stimulating lymph flow—the body’s natural defense system.
- Exercise and stretch weak, tight, or atrophied muscles.
- Help athletes of any level prepare for, and recover from, strenuous workouts.
- Improve the condition of the body’s largest organ—the skin.
- Increase joint flexibility.
- Lessen depression and anxiety.
- Promote tissue regeneration, reducing scar tissue.
- Pump oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, improving circulation.
- Reduce post-surgery adhesions and swelling.
- Reduce spasms and cramping.
- Relax and soften injured, tired, and overused muscles.
- Release endorphins—amino acids that work as the body’s natural painkiller.
- Relieve migraine pain.
- Decreased anxiety.
- Enhanced sleep quality.
- Greater energy.
- Improved concentration.
- Reduced fatigue.
- Assist with shorter, easier labor for expectant mothers.
- Ease medication dependence.
- Massage acts as a “mechanical cleanser” stimulating lymph circulation hastening the elimination of wastes and toxic debris.
- Increased number of red blood cells especially in cases of anemia.
- Has a sedative, stimulating or even exhausting effect on the nervous system depending on the type and length of the session.
- Stretching of connective tissue, improved circulation and nutrition and break down or prevention of the formation of adhesions and reduction in the danger of fibrosis.
- Increase in excretion (via the kidneys) of fluids and waste products of protein metabolism, inorganic phosphorus and salt in normal individuals.
- Arthritis sufferers note fewer aches and less stiffness and pain.
- Asthmatic children show better pulmonary function and increased peak air flow.
- Burn injury patients report reduced pain, itching, and anxiety.
- High blood pressure patients demonstrate lower diastolic blood pressure, anxiety, and stress hormones.
- Premenstrual syndrome sufferers have decreased water retention and cramping.
- Preterm infants have improved weight gain.
- Makes you feel good!
Research continues to show the enormous benefits of touch—which range from treating chronic diseases, neurological disorders, and injuries, to alleviating the tensions of modern lifestyles. Getting a massage can do you a world of good. And getting massage frequently can do even more. This is the beauty of bodywork. Taking part in this form of regularly scheduled self-care can play a huge part in how healthy you’ll be and how youthful you’ll remain with each passing year. Budgeting time and money for bodywork at consistent intervals is truly an investment in your health. And remember: just because massage feels like a pampering treat doesn’t mean it is any less therapeutic. Consider massage appointments a necessary piece of your health and wellness plan, and work with your practitioner to establish a treatment schedule that best meets your needs.
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I’ve never had a massage before. I’m nervous…
If you are considering having your first professional massage and have some questions about what it’ll be like just come on in and we’ll do our best to walk you through a session showing you where the massage will take place (if we have a room available for showing), what your experience will be like and how we use professional draping to keep you covered at all times. We will happily answer any questions you have and give you time to think it over. Feel free to come in for information even if you are not yet ready for a massage. We just ask that you speak softly while in the spa as to not disturb clients who are in session. Make sure to turn off cell phones before entering the spa. Also be sure to read our policies section which may help you become more familiar with the process.
What do I wear during a massage?
Many of our services are provided with the client fully clothed. And even for those services that do require clothing removal you will be provided with professional draping and will not be fully naked at any time. Current FIU policy requires that you maintain your undergarments on during treatments. Waves Spa provides disposable undergarments if necessary for your convenience. See the chart below for details:
Chair Massage = Client remains fully clothed.
Spa Capsule = Client remains fully clothed (remove shoes) and dry.
Facial = Client removes shirt and is provided with a facial robe.
Brennan Healing = Client remains fully clothed (remove shoes).
Rolf Method = Female clients wear sports bra & shorts. Male clients wear shorts.
Massage = Clients maintain undergarments on and are professionally draped.
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Why does it look empty when I walk by?
Although we have a steady stream of clients you will hardly ever see clients in the front area of the spa. Often times we are fully booked but the reason you don’t see anyone when you walk by is because the majority of our clients choose to have in-room treatments which are done inside our treatment rooms. Think about it…if you are inside a room receiving a treatment and someone walks by they have no way of knowing that you are even in the spa. We intentionally designed our space to provide complete privacy to our treatment room clientele.
Is Waves Spa only for FIU students/staff or can I bring someone who doesn’t come to school here?
Waves Spa welcomes everyone. You can absolutely bring your family and friends. Many clients are already bringing their moms, siblings, spouses and other family members as well as co-workers and friends. We also have a high volume of clients who are not from the FIU community that come to Waves Spa specifically for our Rolf Method, Brennan Healing, Eminence Organics Facials and Detox services.
Do you have gift certificates available?
Yes! We have gift cards available for purchase at the spa and we also have gift certificates available for purchase right here on our site 24 hours a day. Just click on the “Buy Gift Certificate” link and you can design and email your own unique gift certificate at any time. You decide how much you want to put on the gift certificate and pay at time of purchase. We ask that you use your Gift certificates within the first six months from the date of purchase. They are not refundable but are transferable. Lost or stolen gift certificates cannot be honored as you must have your gift certificate present for redemption – no exceptions.
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I’m a student with a limited budget so what can I do if I don’t have a lot of money to spend?
Not a problem. We offer a wide range of services and price ranges. Our Chair Massages are only $1 per minute (choose 5, 10, 15 or 20) and our Spa Capsule services go for even less than that! We also run specials throughout the year so be sure to sign up for our emails and accept our postcards with these offers when you see our staff distributing them in the Graham Center hallways.
Insider tip: Waves Spa runs 25% off for final exams during Fall & Spring semesters. Waves Spa also offers 25% off during the Fall back to school season and has great specials during the month of February for Valentine’s Day. Other specials emailed throughout the year so make sure to sign up for our emails. Also look into a prepaid series or a spa package for great savings.
How can I save money?
Purchase a Series! Our series offers are unquestionably the smartest buy. Purchasing a prepaid series of single treatments offers you a savings ranging from $70 to $250 (see Our Services for details). Please note that a series must be prepaid in full. It is well worth the savings and convenience. This truly is the best option if you want to pay less per service year round. In addition, look into our Waves Package offers which also provide great savings.
Insider tip: If you cannot afford a complete series on your own then split a series with a friend. Series can be split in half by a maximum of two individuals. Both individuals must be present upon purchase. Series must be pre-paid in full so that each individuals account can be credited with half of the series.
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What forms of payment does Waves Spa accept?
Cash, Visa, Mastercard, AMEX and Panther Card.
Are sessions and files kept confidential?
Yes. We value your privacy as much as you do. From time to time we may privately discuss your sessions with a supervisor in order to gain clarity and guidance on how to further assist you. In these cases your name will remain confidential.
Where exactly are you located?
We are located right on the campus of Florida International University (South) in the Graham Center along with the bookstore, food court and several other businesses. You can find us on the first floor in suite 1241 right next door to Santi’s Hair Salon. MAKE SURE TO ENTER FIU at the 107 Ave and SW 16 St ENTRANCE. This entrance will leave you closest to the parking lot for the Graham Center and will make finding us a lot easier than choosing another entrance. Please be aware that MAPQUEST will NOT direct you to the correct entrance so take our word for it and come in on 107 Ave and SW 16 st. It’ll be much easier for you. See our Directions link for more details.
Why did you choose the name Waves Spa?
We named our spa Waves to represent the constant ride of fully experiencing the natural rhythm of life moment to moment. We recognize that life consists of expansions, stasis and contractions. At Waves we explore how our choices and interactions both externally and within ourselves affects our life and our health. Our greatest life lessons have shown us to surrender and to stay present throughout the waves of our own lives and our intention is to facilitate and support our clients as they experience their own waves. This is especially true for clients who are on a conscious path of healing and transformation.
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