Being from the south, and growing up in the north, I just can’t seem to keep this” east meets west”, secret to myself any longer … and you, are the lucky one to hear it first.

Who would have known that located next to the infamous landmark, East West Books and Cafe, is this 2nd Floor, East West Living and healing studio, a soothing peacefilled haven that all on-the-go New Yorkers need to visit. But don’t tell everyone ..only your most stressed and cherished urban friends in need of body awareness and energy revitalization . Chuckle, Chuckle…. that should include just about everyone you and I know. For example, my friend Alfred, this is for you.

Mark Thomas, manager and gentle giant masseur, lead me to a candlelit room ,immersing me in quiet beginning with the sound of flutes permeating the air. This asian inspired high ceiling room, was filled with serenity and a sparse, clear atmosphere. As if the walls whispered, I could almost hear a soft eastern wind swirl by in the stillness of this space. Here, I learned certified practitioners are able to give their clients more than just the physical benefits of massage, by incorporating accupressure, crystal healing and an array of chinese healing arts in combination with massage therapy. The international staff from a dozen different countries, make available their extended services of tai chi, chigong, shamanic alignment, ayengar, restorative and core strength yoga sessions in the open rooms throughout the floor.

Mark’s history as a trained, “Pa Kua sword and martial arts master” (8 changes -The Martial Arts of the I Ching) wasn’t apparent but worked it’s quiet will through his graceful walk and attentive manner that seemed to unarm me into ease. I couldn’t sense and didn’t know till afterwards, that his wrist was completely reconstructed with titanium, as a result
of a snowmobiling accident that turned this island Warrior into a Healer.

A warrior is a noble and heroic opponent but the ultimate opponent in a warrior’s life, is himself.  “I learned to balance the Ying and the Yang energy through this experience and became a healer” he said calmly. Through his own challenging process he learned more about the healing arts and was trained in various ancient chinese energy techniques that allow the release of energy blocks. One of his specialties is an hour and twenty five minutes of “Sky Energy Reiki” namely a “Chren Chi Kua” session, where the unlimited energy of the omnipotent sky is channelled through him to heal and rebalance your chakras and meridians. Oh!, you say …he can do all that? Just try it, once a month for three months, and I’d be curious to know what your closest friends notice that has changed about you. You can leave your comments right here below, to entice the rest of us.

During this precious time with lucky me as the recipient, he dropped warmed rosemary, mint oil into the fluid sweeping motions of a soothing Chinese Energy massage treatment, lingering and moving to open the meridian pathways. increase the directional energy and clean flow throughout the entire length of my torso. I asked him where he felt the blockage on my body and he located the midsection around my ribcage and back that always holds my stress load.  Pretty good in one hour, I’d say. In completion, he incorporated gentle reflexology on the hands and the feet. As I drifted off on a slow boat to China , i recalled an old saying,” the fragile body is a matrix for the mind and soul”.

You can visit the studio for an array of unique healing products and books. Where else can you find “Ganga Water” straight from the holy Indian river, or watch a special film screening , participate in monthly reiki gatherings and up to the minute energy treatments. In February, exchange your Whole Foods receipt for samplings of classes and services…You don’t need a compass to get here cause they are very close to Union Square at 78 5th Avenue— just ring Mark ahead of time and bring a friend along for an exotically healing Chinese Energy Healing Massage, to be remembered by all your chakras.

East West Living Yoga and Healing Studio
78 5th Avenue Second Floor
New York, New York 10011
mark@eastwestnyc.com
212 243 5995