At Shoji Spa and Lodge, we take the utmost care to ensure that our guests can receive the care they deserve in the safest ways possible. We have taken extra safety measures for all hands-on massage to limit the chances of spreading COVID-19 in our peaceful mountain retreat. 

Extra precautions are great and have proven successful, but what about our guests who still aren’t so sure about hands-on contact at all? At Shoji, we know that you can’t fully indulge in self-care and receive the full benefits of our mountain escape without being able to feel completely comfortable, relaxed, and at ease . That’s why we’ve invested and provided a brand new hands-off medical massage experience in our new zero-gravity medical massage chairs. If you are looking for a safe way to get a wonderful massage, you’ve landed on the right blog post.

What are Zero-Gravity Massage Chairs?

They’re pretty much exactly what they sound like! In essence, they are massage chairs that hold you at a position in which the effects gravity has on the human body are minimized. While your body is tilted and stretched to this position, a full body massage is performed completely hands-free by the chair itself. The chair performs an entire full body scan to ensure massage is fit to each guest’s unique body type, and the chair has an easy-to-use remote control for any further adjustments guests may desire for their experience.

How do our massage chairs feel?

The massage experience from our zero-gravity medical massage chairs is comparable and similar to how a traditional hands-on massage would feel. The main difference is that it feels like multiple sets of hands are massaging you at once! As you’re enjoying the sweet release of pressure on your back and shoulder area, you’ll also notice an incredible sensation as the souls of your feet are kneaded and rubbed. There are air cells located on your arms, legs, shoulders, temples, and shoulders that inflate to apply the most pleasant amount of pressure, and then release. Just when you start to notice the pleasing feeling from one aspect of the massage, you find yourself indulging in pleasing massage elsewhere. 

How to have the best Massage Chair Experience

If you’re considering giving one of our medical massage chairs a try, you need to do it the right way! To maximize your relaxation and the soothing effects of this medical massage, we recommend taking a soak in one of Shoji’s hydrotherapeutic salt hot tubs prior to experiencing your chair massage. The heat from the tubs really helps loosen up any problem areas so that massage benefits are maximized and results are intensified. 

Aside from the physical aspect of soaking before a chair massage, soaking beforehand gives an incredible opportunity to connect with yourself and to check out from any mental blocks that might be causing you to carry extra stress. Come visit our beautiful mountain escape, only minutes away from down town Asheville, and practice nurturing your emotional well-being. Call us at (828)299-0999 for booking!

Besides the obvious relaxation we enjoy from soaking in hot water, have you ever wondered what is so special about soaking and relaxing in saltwater hot tubs? Here at Shoji Spa and Lodge, we take great care in giving our guests the best experience possible, down to the smallest details, that’s why we chose salt for our tubs! Our hydrotherapeutic salt hot tubs aren’t just gorgeous, private, they also have many health benefits! (And you should know, when combined with massage, you’ll feel unsurpassed joy!)

Joint and Muscle Relief

Salt water soaks are actually good for your joints, think Epsom salt! Salt water is naturally more buoyant than fresh water, think about how light you feel while floating in the ocean. What this means for you, is that you will naturally be able to float around in your own little ocean at Shoji, while gazing at a canopy of tree tops. Taking weight and stress off of your body provides much needed relief to your joints. 

Salt water is also known to have healing properties on swollen and tired muscles. If you have suffered any sort of muscle injury or are simply feeling overexertion from your daily routine, a hot soak in a hydrotherapeutic hot tub can help reduce swelling and provide relief from aches and pains.

Salt Hot Tubs are Gentle on Sensitive Skin and Eyes

Have you ever gone to the pool just to end up with dry and itchy skin afterwards? How about red eyes from the chemicals in the water? Fear no more. Salt water hot tubs are far more gentle on sensitive skin and eyes than chlorinated tubs. Interestingly, the concentrated amount of salt in the tubs produces a natural ‘chlorination’ that keeps water clean and free of harmful bacteria, all while being gentle on bathing beauties. Salt tubs are a more natural way to relax and enjoy the benefits of hydrotherapy, without all of the added chemicals.

Mental Health Benefits

Scientific studies have reported evidence of a better state of mind after taking a soak in hydrotherapeutic hot tubs (as though we didn’t know, right?). Stepping into hot water can instantly improve mental health, and has been known to reduce symptoms of anxiety. Hot salt water also improves blood circulation, relieving tension kept inside of tight, stressed out muscles. Salty body, happy mind!

Our Hydrotherapeutic Salt Hot Tubs

Shoji Spa and Lodge is the only private outdoor Japanese spa on the East coast of the United States. We offer an incredibly unique experience for each and every guest we have the pleasure of serving. Our tubs are nestled on the edge of the Pisgah National forest, in private open-air bath houses where you can feel truly connected with nature. Sink in, soak and savor the sounds of the forest, the beautiful view of the mountains peeking out from behind the trees. Breathing in the fresh mountain air and dropping deeper into your warm and steamy paradise, you might start to wonder how long you’ve been inside. That’s the beauty of our mountain escape, time seems to fade and you are able to completely relax your mind while you find peace and the true meaning of relaxation.

Whether our guests choose to spend their soak time meditating and enjoying the quiet, or with a friend sipping on a refreshing glass of wine, we receive the highest praise and feedback on our guests’ experiences here in our sanctuary.

If you haven’t been convinced of the healing benefits that heat and hydrotherapeutic salt hot tubs can bring, come experience for yourself! Stay overnight in our unique accommodations. Shoji Spa and Lodge is the perfect destination for healing the body and the mind at the same time, all while spending time in a tranquil, private, transformational, natural environment. Click here for more information, and we’ll see you soon!

Himalayan salt contains over 84 trace minerals that cause its distinctive pinkish hue, including those believed to aid in good health and vitality. To this day, Himalayan salt is used in cooking, as a form of therapy in heated salt lamps and in salt stone massages which speak to its natural healing abilities.

Some Benefits of Himalayan Salt

1. Promotes healthy blood sugar
2. Helps lower blood pressure
3. Supports a healthy respiratory system and sinuses
4. Boosts bone health and prevents muscle cramps
5. Improves circulation
6. Relieves anxiety
7. Lightly exfoliates the skin and is highly relaxing
8. Emits negative ions when heated, delivering a variety of health benefits—from higher mental alertness to protection against germs in the air

During the massage, therapists use warmed Himalayan salt stones to apply pressure, using Swedish massage techniques. Over the course of the treatment, the minerals are absorbed through the skin leaving you with a profound sense of well-being.

Himalayan Salt Stone Massage is part of our new Valentine’s Day package available through February at Shoji.

So, let’s make 2020 the year we take control of our well-being!

In light of recent scientific studies providing evidence of the mind-body connection; taking charge of our mental health should be an integral part of anyone’s 2020 New Year’s resolutions. Maintaining a positive mindset has been proven to lead to improvements in your physical health as well.

“Where the mind goes, the body will follow.”

It’s not hard to see how this is true. Our outlook on life and the world around us will define how we act – how we act will define how we feel and so on. When we have self-destructive negative thoughts and negative internal conflict, it can result in an unhealthy lifestyle. Conversely, when we have a positive mindset, it can help create a healthy lifestyle for us.

A good first step toward maintaining mental health is recognizing the importance of taking time for yourself. Whether that means a quiet walk, a soothing motorcycle ride or embracing nature with a peaceful soak in the woods; the goal is to be in the moment.

Here at Shoji we strive to offer the space and setting to allow people to truly connect with themselves. It’s in this spirit that we are happy to announce our new spa package, KASHIKA (visualization). This package combines the mental and physical aspects of maintaining well-being by starting you off with a fresh cold pressed juice to help purify the body while you soak in your private salt hot tub immersed in the Blue Ridge Mountains; followed by a 60 minute Zen massage and your choice of massage enhancements*, you will complete your spa day with a second organic fresh cold pressed juice for the ultimate revitalization. 

Whatever your New Year’s Resolution is; this year it’s time to put YOU First.

*Warm Oil Scalp Massage or Jade Stone Facial

For those looking for an eco-friendly way to give gifts this holiday season, the simple and elegant art of Furoshiki may be the answer. Literally meaning “bath spread,” the art of Furoshiki was used as early as 710 in Japan and was popular in bathhouses by 1336 as a way to carry bathers’ clothes.

Originally reserved for the wealthy and powerful to distinguish their belongings from one another, it quickly became popular among the public as a way to transport merchandise, carry tools, take as a travel bag, etc. Although furoshiki faded after the invention of luggage, handbags, wrapping paper and other modern technologies that took the place of furoshiki’s historical function; it has gained popularity again as a fashion item.

Today, a furoshiki can be used to wrap gifts, bottles, books, groceries or just about anything. Both eco-friendly and versatile this ancient art fits nicely in a modern context and is ideal for anyone that wants to add a personal touch to a gift. And beyond its usefulness as a gift wrap the furoshiki fabric can be a gift in and of itself.

Take the time to enjoy 1200 years of history through the Japanese Furoshiki wrapping:

https://wellnessmama.com/318001/furoshiki-wrap/

I used to be a night owl all the way but this year I made it my goal to become an early bird. Now I love it and feel so much more productive and ready for the day when I get an early start. 

2.  Who has influenced you the most when it comes to how you approach your work?

I would have to say my biggest influencer when it comes to how I work would be my first boss Jessie who I met when I worked at the Asheville airport. I was very nervous on my first day and throughout my entire time there she taught and constantly reminded me that it was ok to approach my job with a fun attitude even if it was serious. This has continued to help me see the light in things and be able to approach stressful projects with a better mind set.

 3.  One thing that’s surprised you about working at Shoji?

The one thing that constantly surprises me about working at Shoji is how I find myself looking forward to coming to work. We have such a great team of employees and great relaxing environment we get to be in everyday.

 4.  What is one thing that you are trying to make a habit?

I used to be an avid reader. As I got busier with work and school that hasn’t been something I have kept up with much. I would definitely love to make reading a habit again and I hope I will one day.     

 5.  If you could choose a superpower, what would it be? 

If I could choose any superpower I would choose to be able to speak every language in the world fluently. I am already bi lingual and I love being able to switch back and forth between English and Romainian. It would also make traveling all the more exciting and easy.

 6.  What is your favorite TV show?

My favorite TV show would have to be The Office. That’s a show that I’ve always got playing in the background and never fails to make me laugh.

The original temple built in the Higashiyama area in 770 completely washed away in a flood. It was reestablished in the early years of the Heian period (794-1192), only to fall into dilapidated condition again until the only structures left were the main hall, the Jizo hall and the temple gate. 

In an effort to preserve what was left, the temple’s remaining structures were reassembled in their current location in 1922 and for a third time the temple was destroyed. It was not until 1955 that the temple’s fortunes changed when Kocho Nishimura was appointed the new head priest. Not only a priest but an accomplished sculptor, he began the long process of renovating the temple.  

Teaching visitors how to sculpt in the Japanese tradition, priest Kocho Nishimura and guests created the 1200 “rakan” statues that fill the temple’s grounds. Peaceful and moss covered these statues spill down the mountain, filling the area with their serene presence. 

If you are interested in Japanese folklore, its traditions and history, or are looking for a place to retreat to when exploring Japan then the temple Otagi Nenbutsi-Ji is the perfect destination. 

The heat allows blood vessels to open up (vasodilation), increasing blood flow to our extremities and causing connective tissue to become more flexible. This promotes a reduction in joint stiffness, pain and muscle spasms. Conversely, cold therapy (vasoconstriction) causes a reduction in blood volume to our extremities and increases blood flow in the core of the body. This cycle of tightening and relaxing effectively acts as a “pump” in the lymphatic system moving stagnant lymph around the body and strengthening the core of our immune system.

The lymphatic system’s main function is to cleanse the body and protect against disease but can easily become stagnant when it is overwhelmed with toxins. This can lead to not only impaired immunity but also fluid retention, chronic pain and swollen glands. Stagnant lymph may also be the root cause of swollen ankles and eyes, arthritis, upper respiratory infections and other chronic illnesses.

Here at Shoji, our guests enjoy the benefits of contrast hydrotherapy with the use of our 180°+ wet cedar sauna and cold showers as a part of our amenities pass or in combination with salt hydrotherapy tub, our private spa pass.

As with any treatment, you should always consult your primary care physician to discuss risk and/or benefits before incorporating contrast therapy into your health regimen.

Meet Lucas Stevenson!

He is one of our world-class massage therapists, offering us another look behind the scenes. We’re excited to share with you his thoughts on his craft, favorite relaxation techniques, and all things Shoji!

Where are you from?

Northeast Kansas

What brought you to Asheville?

Business – I began working a small company here in Asheville back in 2008.

When or why did you decide to get into massage therapy?

Back in 2005. I chose to go into massage therapy as a gateway into Alternative Health, and it became my primary practice.

What do you love most about massage therapy?

I love that people nearly always leave happier and healthier than when they came in, and I love using my knowledge of the human body to accomplish that.

What do you love most about working at Shoji?

Great atmosphere, great staff, great visitors! We get to work with relaxed people and make them even more relaxed.

Can you share with us a time when you helped someone with massage?

My favorite experience was with a young woman, a really talented musician who had severe arm and hand nerve issues. Her mom brought her in a couple of times each week for specific work. It was a group effort – her Physical Therapist, her mother, myself, and most especially her determination and hard work – but she is playing professionally and is now also a conductor. That makes me smile every time I think of it.

What kind of music or sounds do you like to play during massage therapy?

Anything relaxing that helps myself and the client get into the zone. Singing bowls, chanting, New Age music, nature sounds, etc.

Favorite Japanese food?

Sashimi – all of it!!