A Hidden Oasis In Montclair: Wellness Center Makes Grand Debut Friday

As I entered 33 Plymouth Street in Montclair, I was a bit confused. I had scheduled a therapeutic medical massage with Terry Andino, owner and director of the Montclair Massage Therapy and Wellness Center. The building is part of the Academy Square Wellness Center and is the first Gold LEED Certified building. It's also the former Catherine Gibbs building. What was a wellness center doing in a place that seemed so, well, square?

My question was quickly answered as soon as I found the studio, located on the lower level. Andino warmly welcomed me and explained how the building is all green so it made sense for her to establish a wellness center in the location. She and I spoke about my health and where I tended to feel stress (my lower back). Andino led to me into a sound-proof room. I could not wait to lay down on the table. A friend had highly recommended Andino and, therefore, my expectations were high.

Thankfully, I was not disappointed. The pressure was deep which is exactly how I like it. She seemed to know precisely what trigger points to press to help me relax.  Andino also mentioned certain stretches I should implement in my life to reduce the tightness I was feeling in my shoulders. Who knew? For some reason, the massage felt extra special, I think, because it wasn't just a "regular" massage.  Andino trained for years with a well-known kinesiologist, Aaron Mattes, who developed and pioneered a therapy technique called active isolated stretching, which she incorporates in her work. The massage felt like it was getting to the root of the problem as opposed to merely relaxing the muscles.

The hour passed way too quickly. As I got up to change, I immediately noticed how flexible my back felt. The tightness was gone.

As Andino and I were chatting, she mentioned the other wellness practitioners that share the space including Shere, a Usui Reiki II practioner. I was also able to meet Dr. Reynolds, a Chiropractic Physician. I learned that in addition to his chiropractic services, he also offers something called EB Pro, an ion therapy device that is used to detox the body of chemicals. Dr. Reynolds explained how we come across toxins every day and our bodies need to release them or else we may get ill. According to him, this device is supposed to enhance the body's natural detoxification process.

The EB Pro looks like a pedicure basin. I saw Dr. Reynolds put regular, warm tap water into the basin. He added a bit of salt. He placed something called an "array" which looked like a small fan of sorts inside the basin. I placed my feet inside and he turned it on.

Initially the water was clear. Within a few minutes, the water started turning blue. I figured that the array was releasing the color but Dr. Reynolds assured me that was not the case. After about 10 minutes, the water started turning brown and I saw black flecks in the water. Part of me wanted to get up and run out but another part felt something (very strange) was going on. Dr. Reynolds explained that the black flecks signified metal toxins were being released. The brown color meant that my kidneys needed help detoxing. He asked if I drank a lot of water. I pulled out a water bottle from my bag bashfully. It was full.

I am not sure if I believe the EB Pro works to detox my body although Dr. Reynolds said he has countless patients who are amazed at its effectiveness. He has had people stop suffering from allergies, lose weight, increase their libido, and enhance their skin. He did admit that most people need anywhere from 10 to 15 sessions to see benefits.

All in all, I left the Montclair Massage Therapy and Wellness Center a lot happier and a lot more relaxed than when I had entered. I took the advice of Andino and drank a ton of water the rest of the day. I felt amazing and slept like a log that night. I cannot wait to go back!

Montclair Massage Therapy and Wellness invites you to celebrate the awarding of their Gold LEED Certification and the Grand Opening of Academy Square on Friday, September 24, 2010 , 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. For your entertainment there will be smooth jazz and an art exhibit provided by the Partners of Academy Square.

To RSVP, please call 973-655-9811.

 Do you have ideas for upcoming columns, know an athletic enthusiast, want to ask a question, or can put me in touch with people who are inspiring or creating a healthier Montclair? Post a comment or email Judie Hurtado. Hurtado is an enthusiastic fitness and wellness expert with years of experience. She blogs about her health and fitness adventures at www.judiesjuice.wordpress.com. Her articles have been published in magazines such as Time Out New York and Park Place.