Business Details
26 Years
experience
Trusted Massage Therapy in Taos, NM
Founded in October 2000, Essential Massage & Spa Therapies has served the Taos community for over 24 years, offering professional and caring therapeutic services. Our team of licensed massage therapists specializes in a range of modalities, including CranioSacral Therapy, deep tissue, Swedish, sports, and prenatal massage, tailored to meet individual client needs. We utilize FDA-approved Biomat technology to enhance healing through infrared warmth and negative ion therapy, ensuring a safe and effective experience.With a commitment to quality and client satisfaction, we provide personalized sessions by advance appointment, maintaining a welcoming environment that prioritizes comfort and well-being. Our therapists bring decades of combined experience, with some holding specialized certifications in biodynamic craniosacral therapy, Thai massage, and oncology care. We adhere to strict health protocols, ensuring a safe space for all clients while fostering a deep connection to the healing traditions of Northern New Mexico.
Services
Therapeutic Massage
Sports Massage
Deep Tissue Massage
Swedish Massage
Prenatal Massage
CranioSacral Therapy
Thai Massage
Shiatsu
Oncology Massage
Myofascial Release
Details
- Year established: 2000
Highlights and features
- We offer 25 years of dedicated massage therapy experience in Taos.
- Our Biomat technology provides FDA-approved infrared healing benefits.
- Certified therapists trained in specialized modalities like craniosacral therapy.
- Personalized sessions tailored to individual wellness goals and pressure preferences.
- Commitment to maintaining a safe, clean environment for all clients.
Associations and certifications
- American Massage Therapy Association
Services
Therapeutic Massage
Our therapeutic massage addresses chronic pain, muscle tension, and stress through customized techniques. Therapists combine deep tissue work with Biomat infrared therapy to enhance circulation and recovery. Sessions adapt to individual needs, focusing on specific areas of concern while promoting overall wellness through hands-on care.
CranioSacral Therapy
This gentle, specialized treatment focuses on the craniosacral system to relieve migraines, TMJ disorders, and nervous system imbalances. Using light touch techniques developed over 33 years of practice, our therapists facilitate deep relaxation and structural alignment to restore natural healing rhythms in the body.
Prenatal Massage
Designed for expectant mothers, this service alleviates pregnancy-related discomforts using side-lying positioning and specialized support. Therapists trained in prenatal care address swelling, back pain, and emotional stress while ensuring safety and comfort throughout all trimesters through gentle, effective techniques.
Thai Massage
Performed on floor mats with clients fully clothed, Thai massage combines acupressure and assisted yoga postures to improve flexibility and energy flow. Our practitioners use rhythmic compression techniques to release tension patterns and restore balance to the body's energy pathways.
Biomat Therapy
Integrated with amethyst crystals, our FDA-approved Biomat delivers infrared heat and negative ions during massage sessions. This technology penetrates deep into tissues to reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and enhance cellular repair without emitting electromagnetic frequencies, supporting accelerated healing.
People
Kyoko M. Hummel
Founder & Licensed Massage Therapist
With 33 years of experience, Kyoko founded Essential Massage in 2000. A certified CranioSacral Therapy specialist and licensed instructor, she introduced Biomat technology to enhance healing outcomes. She remains actively involved in client care and professional development.
Manuela Maeder
Massage Therapist
A graduate of New Mexico School of Natural Therapeutics, Manuela offers 30+ years of experience in customized massage. She specializes in Thai, Shiatsu, and prenatal techniques, combining nurturing touch with therapeutic effectiveness to address individual client needs through holistic bodywork approaches.
Veronica Sandoval
Massage Therapist
Veronica brings biodynamic craniosacral expertise and trauma-informed care to her practice. Trained in multiple modalities, she integrates Swedish massage, myofascial release, and energetic touch to create intuitive sessions that honor each client's unique healing journey through grounded, compassionate bodywork.
Questions
What types of massage do you offer?
We provide therapeutic, deep tissue, Swedish, sports, prenatal, craniosacral, Thai, Shiatsu, oncology, and myofascial release massage therapies tailored to individual needs.
What is Biomat therapy?
Biomat delivers infrared heat and negative ions through amethyst crystals during massage. This FDA-approved device enhances healing by improving circulation and reducing inflammation without emitting electromagnetic frequencies.
How do I book an appointment?
Call us at 575-751-4040 to schedule. We return calls within one business day Monday-Friday and require advance reservations for all massage sessions.
What payment methods are accepted?
We do not accept credit or debit cards. Payment can be made in cash or by check during your in-person appointment.
Are your therapists certified?
All our massage therapists hold active New Mexico licenses and maintain specialized training in modalities like craniosacral therapy, prenatal care, and biodynamic techniques.
What safety protocols do you follow?
We maintain strict hygiene standards with regular equipment sanitization and use of protective coverings. Clients receive care in private treatment rooms with enhanced ventilation and social distancing measures.
Reviews (5)
Krista
Mar 14, 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.
Melanie Anania
Aug 24, 2019
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I have serious and complex back issues. Manuela is a phenomenal massage therapist, she is conscientious, gentle and knows when to add deep pressure to work my twisted muscles. I appreciate quality body work and Manuelas expert touch. The prices are super reasonable and the space is inviting. They also text appointment reminders.
Nancy Davis
Jul 31, 2019
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Massage was good but receptionist didnt book my treatments correctly when I called so didnt get what I wanted. Didnt know it wasnt 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 didnt feel like a relaxing place. Crystal cocoon was definitely not worth the money.
Todd Cail
Jul 14, 2019
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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.
