The House that Laya Built
This month, let’s explore the expansion of one of Kansas City‘s premier health havens. When walking into the remodeled Laya Center, transformation is evident. If you haven’t visited the new location at 1814 Oak St. you’re definitely missing out! The building has been completely changed from its original form. You are now entering a healing space and it is apparent before even opening the doors. Once inside, one can’t help but take in the smell, sights & sounds that lead to alignment of inner peace & holistic health. An amazing staff greets you with genuine smiles and knowledgeable efforts. A tea bar awaits you, surrounded by living moss displays from the @fatplantsociety. Sage is burning and there are shelves filled with Herban Brand products as well as books/remedies from other contributors. (For more information on the Herban Brand product line, refer to last month's blog post, The Afrivedic Anomaly).
Venturing further back into the space, more treasures await you. Aesthetic of the entire space can be described as ancient-modern. It is accented with tribal elements, salt lamps and calming light sources. Gorgeous double wooden doors lead to one side of a paradise of sorts. In this part of the building you will find massages, facials & a meditative space fit for the Gods. Some of the massage therapies include-but are not limited to-traditional Thai Massage, Muscle Isolation, Reflexology, and Cranial Sacral Release. The Afrivedic infused practices take these traditional massages to the next level, integrating Shirodhara for mental health and Upanaha Swedam - a type of herbal hydrotherapy that incorporates medicinal leaves being wrapped on the body to steam away impurities and inflammation. Find your center on the table and maybe even add on hot or cold stones. Have your way!
Yoni Steams are available for individuals or groups. Connecting to the Sacred Feminine is the purpose. Yoni is the Sanskrit word for the female genitalia, the womb and vagina. It literally means “sacred place” and symbolizes our divine nature and its portal to creation. Gently steaming the yoni with healing herbs is a simple, safe and ancient tradition. Women from indigenous cultures throughout centuries have been passing down this ritual to cleanse their yoni and awaken Feminine Essence. Whether your goal is to tighten, tone, or heal-it’s all included! The yoni herb blends are curated by Yoruba Herbalist and Owner, Toyia Mays. She has also developed steaming blends for Fertility, Fibroid shrinkage, and Urinary Tract wellness. If you are on a Sacral wellness journey, consider purchasing a Yoni Egg to work from home in between sessions. There is also an abundance of information on this topic in their online member platform The Freedom Haus. We will explore the science of Yoni in more detail in a later blog feature-so keep a look out for that!
Across from the double doors on the opposite side of the space there are private rooms for targeted cryotherapy, infrared saunas, and HBot. Let’s take some time to break down each of these holistic healing systems.
The Laya Center is proud to feature the only true whole body Cryotherapy™ system in the Midwest. Unlike similar treatments, this chamber does not utilize any chemicals. The session aims to work toward activation of the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS), the system responsible for nerve function and cellular activation. Cold air therapy in the full body chamber is dry, fresh, oxygenated air. It is not painful like an ice bath or immersion because the moisture is removed from the environment. During the treatment, your skin temperature will decrease between 30-45 degrees within 2.5 to 3.5 minutes inside the chamber. On your first time, customers start at 2.5 minutes and you can literally feel the body system reset. Personally, I would recommend choosing a song you really like for the session-because motivation is needed for the process! Some of the results include better sleep, reducing pain, and a healthy boost to regular workouts.
Let’s move from cold to hot therapy. Infrared Saunas & other heated options are offered as well. Infrared chambers can get over 150+ degrees producing a healthy detox sweat. Infrared is a form of energy that is emitted naturally from the Sun and all living creatures. During the session, heat penetrates the body with infrared light for healing within. Some benefits include increased muscle relaxation, speed injury recovery and a boost in metabolism. Keep in mind you can also combine cold and hot therapy techniques, taking your body through a myriad of moods and temperatures in just one visit. Connect to the natural elements as needed for an empowering, body positive experience.
Last but certainly not least, Laya Center features the HBot. The Hyperbaric Chamber is oxygen therapy that involves exposing the body to 100% oxygen at a pressure that is greater than normal. This is achieved by submerging yourself into the chamber, which is then sealed and pressurized. The goal is to fill the blood with enough oxygen to repair tissues and restore normal body function. Give your immune system a boost!
There are also a myriad of Ayurvedic Therapies to explore, check them out at thelayacenter.com. Yoga will start very soon, and feature a lineup of gentle classes that move the soul, so stay tuned. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly, making the experience a pleasant one from the time you enter until it’s time to leave. It’s the connection with people that ultimately makes the trip to downtown Kansas City worthwhile. Come experience a unique haven of healing that is unmatched. You will not be disappointed! To understand how they integrate African Healing with Ayurvedic principle and elemental wellness click the button below.
Stay tuned for November’s Feature: Yoni Life: Exploring the Divine Feminine
