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dayspamagazine.com/freeinfo [ 62 ] • DAYSPA • may 2017 spa hopping The Spa at Water's Edge at Mid-Columbia Medical Center The Dalles, Oregon D espite its medical facility exterior, a relaxing internal ambiance and a seamless blend between The Spa at Water's Edge and Mid-Columbia Medical Center makes it easy for patients and guests alike to unwind once inside. When the medical center fi rst opened in 1997, the administration's vision included incorporating massage into patient healing, but it wasn't until June 2010 that the plan became a reality. Over time, the spa developed into a wellness center, bringing with it a slew of spa services. "It was quite a visionary step," says Barb Robison, director of mind and body medicine. "The philosophy is very holistic. We're trained to make this a balance between a resort spa and a medical spa where clients feel luxury in their health care." An added benefi t and challenge of the spa's connection to a medical center is working with insurance companies. Although it's a complex system for a spa, it can be done, Robison notes, as nearly 50 percent of the spa's clients go through their insurance. "That certainly sets us apart; we've undoubtedly seen an increase in insurance companies covering massage as a wellness benefi t." Other services on the menu include hydrotherapy, facials, body treatments and mind-body workshops. Some of these sessions are covered for clients by fi nancial scholarships sponsored by the Mid-Columbia Health Foundation as a way to increase patient accessibility. Twice a year, a registered nurse teaches an in-depth, mindfulness-based stress reduction program, founded on ancient and modern evidence-based research. The two-hour course ($199) meets once a week for eight weeks and off ers meditative yoga and other mindfulness relaxation techniques to serve patients struggling with anxiety, depression, cancer, sleep disorders and other conditions. The spa also off ers complimentary meditation and breath work classes every month, which attract locals interested in learning more about calming the mind. It's good for business to off er some freebies, Robison notes, adding that about half of those who attend the complimentary courses come back for the spa's eight- week meditation course. "We need more of those classes in the nation," says Robison. "It's a strong addition to any spa, and an excellent way to bring in foot traffi c." u b d d d b Aloe & Herb Body Wrap Solution Detoxifying Body Wraps for Professional Salons & Spas www.setnmefree.com 503-666-9661 n s s 666 9 6 6 1 COURTESY THE SPA AT WATER'S EDGE