Before I even get into this article, I’d like to share with all the readers that I am a New Yorker who has lived in five different countries for 30 years. I now reside in Austin, Texas, and have called it home for 13 years. None of my stories or features involve politics, religion, or ideology. I write about life and culture and share experiences I believe women our age will appreciate.

Medical Spa + More

That said, I recently was made aware of a lovely little medical spa (which offers more than just the medical part) named Kuya Wellness.

Let me say upfront that I am not paid to write this article. I simply like what they have to offer and thought others may want to check them out as well.

At the end of 2021, Kuya opened its doors to an eager public seeking a scientific and holistic regenerative approach to health. Kuya is not your traditional wellness center; it is a haven to elevate your healing journey. With 11,000 square feet of calm spaces, one quickly and easily drifts barefoot in and out of the two-story space.

Meg Dwyer, who oversees the Neurostimulation program, talked with me about what they do at the facility.

“EEGs are taken, and a brain map is sent to Dr. Tiff Thompson, who runs NeuroField. She has a Ph.D., QEEGD, BCN, LMFT, and is a clinical neuroscientist, licensed therapist, educator, and technologist. She is the founder and owner of the Santa Barbara clinic, NeuroField Neurotherapy, where she offers clinicians quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG)-based functional brain consulting.

“Dr. Thompson reads the electrical outputs – which neurons are over and under-firing, and a report is printed and analyzed. Our customers include people with concussions, traumatic brain injuries, OCD, and social anxiety who find this therapy helpful. The course is 10 sessions long.”

So, what procedures can you do at Kuya Wellness?

Ketamine Assisted Therapy

This is a six-session program facilitated by a medical doctor to help with mental health conditions like depression, PTSD, and anxiety. You can tailor this program in a multitude of ways. Regulating the nervous system while engaging with the Kuya community brings forth a wellspring of connectivity, something people lack, which is part of the reason mental health issues occur in the first place.

IV Infusion Therapy

Kuya offers a variety of boosters, from red blood cells to mood enhancements, relaxation, and alkaline balancing.

OPUS Sound Therapy

I had the pleasure of trying out the sound bed. At first, before stepping into the chamber, I thought, ‘Sound therapy, I’ve done that before with a practitioner using a tuning fork to attune my body’s sound and Tibetan bowl music, with chanting,’ but this was unexpected. If you’re old enough to remember vibrating beds at motel rooms, the kind where you put a quarter in and for 15 minutes your bed rocked and rolled, you’ll get the gist of OPUS.

It vibrates pretty intensely, starting from your calves to your neck, and then moves to a pre-determined rhythm programmed to match the soundtracks on the iPad. I first chose a bird sound but found the vibration too hard. Then I switched to a soothing ambient track and enjoyed the movement as I lay on the bed in a dark room (my choice).

Cedar Sauna and Cold Plunge Pool

I didn’t try the latter as it was too hot outside, and I felt sticky. However, I’m looking forward to it. Besides, I once took a cold plunge at a Japanese spa in Hokkaido and didn’t know what happened to me. I couldn’t move my body and felt my eyes rolling back. I thought I was dying. So, cold plunges are not for me.

Lymphatic Massage

Lymphatic massage was the best modality I tried. Someone wraps you manually in leg and arm nylon with velcro to keep the attachments secured and well-fitted. The outfit is attached to pumps, which cause pressure up and down your entire body, like taking your blood pressure only everywhere, in a tightening and releasing motion. After the 45-minute session, I felt rejuvenated and highly recommend this for circulation and natural lymphatic drainage.

Sensory Deprivation Tank

I last experienced one of these in Amsterdam when I lived there in 1994. It was the first of its kind, so I was thrilled to try it again after such a long time. The technology may have changed. This tank was more comprehensive than I remembered, so you could almost reach a 45-degree angle as you float, depending on your height.

There was no music or sound as there was in the Dutch floatation tank. That allowed me to meditate in peace and listen to my breath. It could be a challenging experience for those who have never let the silence engulf their space. It’s probably nearly impossible to find complete stillness anywhere. Even in nature, it is quite the racket.

The tank is in a private room with a shower, earbuds, and a foam neck brace to keep your hair somewhat dry.

What Else to Know About Kuya

Kuya is a membership club. What sets it apart is the freedom to come and go and use any magnificent rooms upstairs or downstairs for meetings or just to relax, much like a co-working space. Additionally, there are events and happenings. Naturally, you can buy a day pass for $65.00.

If you are in Austin for a conference, of which there are hundreds, a wedding, visiting your grandchildren or children, or just taking a weekend to explore, I recommend visiting Kuya.

For more information, visit https://kuyawellness.com/.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Have you been to a wellness center in the past year? What was the experience like? Do you think places like Kuya could benefit us women over 60?