When it comes to exploring alternative healing techniques or stress reduction methods, Stress Recess delivers plenty of information and opportunities thanks to owner, Char. Located just outside Rhinelander, Stress Recess provides a beautiful environment to get a massage, learn about essential oil benefits, or experience halotherapy, a salt therapy that can help with breathing and skin conditions.

In fact, Char has just recently made available the first salt therapy room in Wisconsin. Halotherapy was part of life for ancient Greeks who realized the value of salt-based remedies and their expectorant powers. Although somewhat popular in European countries and other places around the world today, halotherapy is relatively new in the United States and is used an alternative treatment for lung and skin conditions. “I did a lot of research before I built my salt therapy room,” said Char. “So far, the clients who have used it have seen some remarkable improvements to their health, especially those with breathing problems and skin conditions like psoriasis. Children in particular can really benefit.”

While the salt therapy room is a new addition at Stress Recess, Char has been a licensed masseuse for 14 years and before that she was a licensed occupational therapist. She opened Stress Recess five years ago on her own piece of property that is surrounded by peaceful waters and a beautiful landscape. Her indoor massage room is relaxing and inviting, ready for clients to rejuvenate. She also has an outdoor massage area, and when weather permits, this oasis provides another unique place to receive the healthy benefits of massage.

There are many types of massage techniques Char is knowledgeable about and provides for her clientele. Hot stone and raindrop therapy sessions are popular in addition to ahshiatsu, a deep tissue massage where gliding and pressure techniques are applied through a bare foot massage.

Char also provides a wide range of options for her customers. There are 30, 60 and 90 minute massage times; sport and foot reflexology massages, reike, seated massages, aroma steam baths available and much more. Before each session, Char does a complete consultation to find out exactly what technique or treatment will benefit her client the most.

In addition to these services, Char also has a wide range of products on hand for at home therapy as well. Essential oils, yoga hands and toe devices, salt lamps, and supplements are on hand for purchase.

For many, alternative techniques may be mystifying but Char is providing a unique opportunity this weekend on Saturday, Sept. 14 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. That’s when she will be holding a Stress Recess Wellness Day at her facility. Wellness practitioners will be on hand to demonstrate acupuncture, reike massage techniques, intuitive medium sessions and halotherapy benefits. Participants will get a chance to see and experience the benefits of these alternative methods and techniques. “This is the first Wellness Day I have held and I hope anyone who is interested in learning more about these methods and products comes for a visit,” said Char. “It will be fun and educational as well.”

Stress Recess is located at 3999 Hwy. 47 N in Rhinelander. It is open Monday and Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Thursday and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Appointments are required. The phone number is 715-369-7222. The website address is stressrecess.massagetherapy.com.