It seems like everyone is coughing and sneezing during this time of year and wellness is at the forefront of our minds. From juicing to cupping, we continue to seek ways to pep our step + boost our immune systems.
Interested in exploring health practices that go outside those of Western Medicine?
GVL is home to some amazing holistic practitioners + lairs of wellness that may just cure what ails you. (Cue: ‘Dr. Feelgood’ by Mötley Crüe)
From reducing pain + inflammation to stomping out allergies, these pros have been known to work small miracles.
Cryotherapy
Originally developed by Japanese doctors to ease the pain of rheumatoid arthritis, this cool practice has caught on stateside. Step inside a chamber that can get as cold as -250º Fahrenheit to reduce inflammation, minimize migraines, + leave you with more energy (plus you can burn 500-800 calories post-freeze).
Frigid Cryotherapy | 8540 Pelham Road + they are opening a second location downtown at 21 Augusta Street, Unit D (behind Cocobella and beside Eggs up Grill) in May.
Do I need to tip? No.
What should I wear? Normal clothes because you won’t be wearing anything in the chamber.
Pro tip: Move around while you are in there so the cold doesn’t keep hitting in one spot.
Jordan’s thoughts: It was cold at -200º but definitely not unbearable for 3 minutes. Highly recommend the leg compression after for Netflix and chill (but in a warm room post-freeze).
Bonus: Call 864.246.2796 to snag one of their lowest priced memberships before they open to the public.
IV
A variety of à la carte vitamin drips and Hyperbaric Ozone Therapies will leave you feeling refreshed when the effects of your Sunday Funday aftermath creep into Monday or when you’re fighting off sickness.
Wellness By Design | 850 S Pleasantburg Rd
Do I need to tip? No.
What should I wear? Comfy clothes work.
Jordan’s thoughts: I haven’t tried this one yet but it’s on my list.
Bonus: Patients can get up to 10 times the nutrients in one treatment as they could get orally in one day.
Reiki
This Japanese practice consists of using ‘hands-on healing’ to transfer universal energy through the palms. Reiki is a precise, ancient system of healing, harmonizing and balancing energy. It was rediscovered in the late 1800’s by a Japanese man, Dr. Mikao Usui.
Dove’s Healing Touch | 1 Chick Springs Road, Suite 111
The Wind Institute of Healing & Meditative Arts | 500 E Lee Rd, Taylors, SC
Do I need to tip? It depends.
What should I wear? Comfy clothes. No tight jeans.
Pro tip: Hydrate well and bring water to drink after the session + don’t eat a heavy meal. Call for appointments so the reiki therapists can understand needs.
Jordan’s thoughts: I didn’t totally understand it at first but the reiki therapist gathered that I have lower back pain just from feeling energies, which was pretty amazing.
Bonus: Dove’s Healing Touch offers Reiki classes by request + will make hospital calls for post-surgery patients.
Drifting
The tanks are filled with water that’s about the same temperature as an average body temperature combined with 1000+ pounds of Epsom salt, which allows the person to float peacefully and effortlessly. There’s even a little neck support cushion for extra comfort.
Helps improve sleep, fibromyalgia, and pain relief.
Drift Float & Spa | 644 N. Main St, Suite 105
Do I need to tip? No.
What should I wear? Normal clothes to the spa. Nothing in the tank. A swimsuit can be worn but can cause pressure points and distractions.
Pro tip: Go for the waterproof ear plugs for ultimate relaxation but be sure to put them in before showering so they stay secure.
What to know before going: Don’t have hair colored right before + individuals must have doctor authorization to float if pregnant
Jordan’s thoughts: It’s like a giant bathtub with quiet music and low (to zero) lighting, which was so peaceful I fell asleep.
Rolfing
A system of soft-tissue manipulation, this technique works to improve pain management, posture, + an individual’s relationship to gravity.
Upstate Rolfing | 1204-B E Washington St
Acupuncture
From depression to nausea, this time-honored practice has been known to help alleviate a number of both emotional + physical symptoms.
Key Acupuncture | 600 E Washington St, Suite 614
If you’re wondering how people don’t get frostbite during cryotherapy... the cold only penetrates 1/2 mm of the skin (and wearing proper attire during the service prevents frostbite as well).
What other offerings would you like to see catch on in town? Fish Pedicure? Beer Spa?
Here’s to your health, GVL! (*raises a Kombucha*)
– Jordan
