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Sharing news & wellness tips

The Importance of Self-Care as a Priority

What is self-care and what does it really mean to practice it? Self-care has been a hot topic these days and has been at the forefront of managing one’s well-being. It has almost become a blanket term as it is used to describe multiple groups of related things. So...

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Self-Billing Insurance

Self-Billing Insurance

Generally, you need three things to request reimbursement for your out-of-network medical services: 1) Reimbursement form; 2) Invoice; and 3) Receipt.

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Ballaura Anniversary

December is Ballaura Wellness Spa's anniversary month! On December 8th, 2008, Nicole Chryst founded Ballaura from nothing but a vision for a wellness space that would truly serve the Olympian community. Starting a business during the 2008 economic crash as a 25...

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As seen in: Thurston Talk Holiday 2022 Gifting

As seen in: Thurston Talk Holiday 2022 Gifting

Ballaura Wellness Spa is featured in Thurston Talk this holiday season! Thurston Talk is a community blog centered around sharing the positivity of life and community in Thurston County. Thurston Talk posts about community events, local businesses, and organizations...

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insurance News from Ballaura Wellness Spa

insurance News from Ballaura Wellness Spa

share helpful updates on using your insurance for massage therapy. As you may know, we no longer bill directly to major medical insurance. However, we continue to provide the following services: billing for PIPs and L&I, accepting HSAs and FSAs, assisting you in self-billing major medical.

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Tips to Enjoying a Massage at Ballaura

Tips to Enjoying a Massage at Ballaura

Ballaura is where the South Sound comes to relax. And, with these tips, you can become an expert relaxer too!Before Your MassageSleep Get 8 hours of sleep the night before This is easy to overlook, but getting enough sleep will allow your body to support the shifts...

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Finding relaxation at Ballaura Wellness Spa

Finding relaxation at Ballaura Wellness Spa

We recently had an article written about us and it perfectly describes Ballaura and who we are. At Ballaura, our number 1 goal is to help every person who comes through our door, whether it be through stress relief, pain relief or relaxation. We are here to help you,...

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What causes Electrolyte Imbalance?

What causes Electrolyte Imbalance?

To start off with, let's define what  electrolytes are.  Electrolytes are essential minerals-like sodium, calcium, and potassium that are important to many key functions in the body but why do our bodies need them? Electrolytes help regulate muscle contractions and...

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Feeling good with proper hydration

Feeling good with proper hydration

Proper Hydration is key after strenuous exercise but did you know it's also important after a massage or using our new IR Sauna?  As your massage therapist is working your muscles and melting away your stress, toxins are released and can cause a nausea or even...

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Hiring- Licensed Massage Therapist

Hiring- Licensed Massage Therapist

Since 2008, Ballaura has been Olympia’s most-experienced boutique massage spa, empowering clients to find recovery in their own unique way. Our clients value and seek out personalized service that’s based on experience, scientific knowledge, and exceptional...

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5 Ways to Maximize your Massage

5 Ways to Maximize your Massage

Maximizing your massage benefits and helping you get the most out of our services is high on our priority list. At Ballaura Wellness Spa in Olympia, Wa, we specialize exclusively in massage. We solely have one specialty so that we can deliver top-notch service. We...

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Using HSA and FSA  Debit Cards to Pay for Massage Therapy

Using HSA and FSA Debit Cards to Pay for Massage Therapy

Did you know Massage therapists in Washington State are Health Care Providers? Licensed Massage Therapists must complete 700 hours of education. They must also pass a state board exam to get licensed. Since we are licensed health care providers in Olympia, WA, our...

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Massage For Couples in Olympia, Washington

Massage For Couples in Olympia, Washington

  Couples Massages in Olympia, Wa A couple’s massage is a great way to spend some quality time together, bond with your partner, or to just simply celebrate your relationship. At Ballaura Wellness Spa, it is our goal to make our clients feel relaxed and to help them...

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Massage Therapy Information

Massage Therapy Information

What is Massage Therapy? Massage therapy is a process where a licensed massage therapist that is certified to perform manipulations to tissues in your body. In doing this, they loosen your body, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and skin by applying a variety of motions...

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Massage Therapy Specialists

Massage Therapy Specialists

Our Staff of Massage Therapy Specialists One of the best parts about Ballaura is our licensed massage therapy specialists located in Olympia, WA. We have a well trained, talented team that genuinely cares about the well being of their clients. Working hard to make...

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The Perks of Massage Therapy in Olympia, WA

The Perks of Massage Therapy in Olympia, WA

Why should I get massage therapy in Olympia, WA? A quick trip to the spa is always a nice way to de-stress and relax. Along with helping you relieve stress, massage therapy provides many benefits to both your physical and mental health. Spas and other therapy clinics...

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How to Manage Stress with the Self-Care Meter

How to Manage Stress with the Self-Care Meter

I don't know about all of you, but the current pandemic has rattled me. In the beginning, it was a panic. You were not sure who this virus was going to affect; we had to start closing down businesses, could not find toilet paper, and then entered into a stay home...

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Spa Opening for Urgent Massage in Olympia, WA

Spa Opening for Urgent Massage in Olympia, WA

We will be opening for URGENT CARE ONLY on May 26th and will operate based on the opening guidelines established by Governor Inslee, OSHA, CDC, and Washington Department of Health. Examples of urgent care include, but are not limited to, lymphatic overwhelm issues,...

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Ballaura will be temporarily CLOSED March 16 to June 1

Ballaura will be temporarily CLOSED March 16 to June 1

UPDATE APRIL 28, 2020: Dear Clients, We have been monitoring the CDC recommendations regarding COVID-19. Based on their latest information, it has become clear that the best way to support our team, clients and community is to continue to temporarily discontinue...

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Support your wellbeing right now

Support your wellbeing right now

In efforts to be socially responsible and support health and wellness for our beloved community in Olympia, WA, Ballaura has decided to close its doors until April 13th, 2020 (or longer if recommended). Thank you to everyone who has expressed support for us during...

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What’s that Mean? Common Massage Terms

Massage therapy is such a diverse practice and has a multitude of effects on the body. As such, there are some terms that you might hear your therapist use from time to time. Here, we discuss several common terms that come up during and after a massage. Adhesions and...

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The Base of Your Troubles: How Massage Helps the Neck

The Base of Your Troubles: How Massage Helps the Neck

Massage as a part of a treatment plan goes pretty much hand-in-hand with neck pain, reduced range of motion, stiffness, strain, headaches, and more. A variety of conditions can prompt a Physician or a Chiropractor to prescribe massage to help alleviate such symptoms....

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Massage and the Winter Blues

Winter- it’s that time of year again. From the short, dark days to the aching cold, winter has a way of getting to pretty much everyone. A major issue for many of us this time of year is the winter blues, also known as seasonal depression. This mental health condition...

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Setting Healthy Resolutions for the New Year

It’s finally 2020- that feels wild to say, doesn't it? With 2020 here, many people are setting New Year's Resolutions with their health and wellness in mind. From exercising more to eating better, the end goal of “looking better” is something that many strive for....

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Why Athletes Should Get Regular Massage

Why Athletes Should Get Regular Massage

Pushing the body to its limits- that’s what athletes do. The quest for fitness can take a toll on the body, particularly with the musculoskeletal system. Working out stresses muscles and can put added pressure on joints and ligaments, causing pain and general...

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5 Myths About Massage

5 Myths About Massage

At Ballaura Wellness Spa, we get a variety of questions related to massage that are common misconceptions. Here, we address a few of them. Myth 1: All Massages are the Same So not true! No massage is ever the same. Even at our spa, each massage therapist has their own...

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Tech Neck: How to Treat this Modern Problem

Tech Neck: How to Treat this Modern Problem

When you hear “Tech Neck”, what comes to mind first? Tech Neck is a relatively new condition  that is noticeable everywhere, affecting almost everyone. Tech Neck is described as the forward head posture caused by the use of modern technologies such as smart phones and...

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How to Pick a Massage Therapist that’s Right for You

How to Pick a Massage Therapist that’s Right for You

Massage therapy is like an art form- it is unique to each therapist and the person receiving it. Everyone has different preferences when it comes to what they want from a massage. In turn, each massage therapist is different and it can be overwhelming to know what you...

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5 Self-Care Hacks to Help Transition into Fall

With Summer coming to an end, many of us are left feeling bummed. With the kids back in school, the weather getting cooler, and summer vacations coming to an end, it’s important that you take care of you during this seasonal change. Here, we share 5 self-care hacks to...

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5 Things You Should Tell Your Massage Therapist

5 Things You Should Tell Your Massage Therapist

Since massage is medical in the state of Washington, your massage therapist will do a verbal medical intake with you before every session in addition to the intake form you fill out for the spa. This verbal intake gives your therapist more information about what is...

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What to Expect at Your First Massage Visit

What to Expect at Your First Massage Visit

Our Licensed Massage Therapists at Ballaura Wellness Spa in Olympia, Washington are dedicated to improving the wellness of our clients through quality massage. Whether it’s your first massage because you received a doctor’s referral or because you’re coming in for a...

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When Should You Reschedule a Massage?

When Should You Reschedule a Massage?

Massage therapy is beneficial for the mind and body. Unfortunately, there are some conditions that either completely contraindicated massage or should prompt you to reschedule your appointment ahead of time. A contraindication for massage means that the massage...

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5 Self-Care Tools to Enhance Massage Therapy

5 Self-Care Tools to Enhance Massage Therapy

Massage itself is such a wonderful therapy to help with pain, achy muscles, tension, range of motion, circulation, and more. When used subsequently with other self-care tools, the side effects can be boosted and symptoms can improve even further. Here, we discuss 5...

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5 Physical Conditions that Massage Therapy Can Help With

5 Physical Conditions that Massage Therapy Can Help With

Massage therapy is very healing for the body. The gliding strokes used during massage increase circulation to the area, meaning increased healing and tissue regeneration. Massage also helps reduce pain in the body’s tissues and improves lymphatic drainage, which...

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How Posture Works and Ways to Fix it

How Posture Works and Ways to Fix it

Stress, desk jobs, commuting, and being on our cell phones all day- these are common but difficult to avoid factors that contribute to poor posture. When our bodies rest in prolonged, unnatural positions for lengthy periods of time, our muscles begin to adjust to...

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The Benefits of Pregnancy Massage

The Benefits of Pregnancy Massage

Pregnancy itself is such a wonderful process but has many uncomfortable symptoms that mom has to deal with. Massage is great for pregnancy in that it can help alleviate a variety of these uncomfortable symptoms and reduce overall stress levels. In this post, we...

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Why Massage is a Necessity and Not Just a Luxury

Why Massage is a Necessity and Not Just a Luxury

The idea of massage as only a pampering, luxurious experience is long gone. It’s easy to see why massage is thought of as a luxury; it’s so relaxing! Research has found many therapeutic benefits of massage that make it highly beneficial for most people. While massage...

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5 Reasons to Get a Couples Massage

5 Reasons to Get a Couples Massage

Ballaura Wellness Spa in Olympia offers a Couples Massage experience that you and your loved one can share together. Even better than a relaxing massage is sharing one with your partner! Change into one of our plush robes while soaking your feet next to your partner...

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Retail Products Offered at Ballaura Wellness Spa

Retail Products Offered at Ballaura Wellness Spa

We have been getting asked by clients lately about the retail products that we are selling in our lobby on the front shelves. Here, we discuss what these products are and the benefits of each. Most of these products receive the 15% off discount from the signature...

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Massage Memberships: Which One is Right for Me?

Massage Memberships: Which One is Right for Me?

Us at Ballaura wholeheartedly believe in self-care as a way of healing and overall wellness. We’ve carefully and thoughtfully created a membership program for you that stands in line with our mission to help you relieve, relax and recover. Your commitment to a...

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Massage Frequency: How Often Should I be Getting a Massage?

Massage Frequency: How Often Should I be Getting a Massage?

A question that our massage therapists at Ballaura Wellness Spa in Olympia get a lot is “How often should I be getting a massage?”. It is very important to finding out what your body needs based on your lifestyle, occupation, health, etc. Here, we take a look at...

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Guest Blog Post: Mackenzie with Beautycounter

Guest Blog Post: Mackenzie with Beautycounter

Hello Ballaura Wellness Spa community! I am honored to be writing as a dedicated client of the spa and as a safer beauty advocate for Beautycounter.   I started my health journey about two years ago and since then I have gained a great deal of knowledge about the...

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When to Use Ice and Heat During Stages of Inflammation

When to Use Ice and Heat During Stages of Inflammation

Many clients ask us when it’s best to use ice and heat on their sores muscles and injuries. Both have their benefits and are especially useful at various stages of inflammation during tissue repair. It is key to know how old your injury is and when it started as well...

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Massage Care: Before and After Your Appointment 

Massage Care: Before and After Your Appointment 

In order to get the best results from your massage, there is some recommended before and after care that you can take part in. Here’s our basic guidelines for pre and post massage care to ensure that you receive the best massage experience possible. Before: Take a...

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Spa Etiquette: What to Expect When Visiting a Wellness Spa

Spa Etiquette: What to Expect When Visiting a Wellness Spa

Cancel in Advance Most spas, including Ballaura, have a 24-hour cancellation policy. You should have received an electronic version of our spa policies to sign, which includes our cancellation and no-show policies. On the flip side, we do our best to ensure that we...

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5 Beneficial Essential Oils for Massage

5 Beneficial Essential Oils for Massage

Essential oils have been used therapeutically all over the world for thousands of years. Essential oils are a great way to boost the effectiveness of massage as well as improve overall mood. Here are 5 essential oils and their known benefits.

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Injury Treatment Massage vs. Relaxation Massage

Injury Treatment Massage vs. Relaxation Massage

What’s the Difference Between a Relaxation Massage and an Injury Treatment Massage?   A massage can provide relief from a number of different ailments, both mental and physical. Before you lay down on the massage table, you’ll want to specify your pain points so...

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What is Sports Massage and its Benefits?

What is Sports Massage and its Benefits?

What is Sports Massage and its Benefits? Whether you play sports professionally or out of love for the game, you should explore the wonders of sports massage. Every sportsperson is aware of the fatigue and stiffness they experience after a game. For people who have...

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5 Reasons to Add Magnesium to Your Massage

5 Reasons to Add Magnesium to Your Massage

5 Reasons to Add Magnesium to Your Massage   The health and skin benefits of magnesium are many and varied. For centuries, magnesium oils, salts, and waters have helped to restore the skin's natural beauty and help heal muscle injuries via immersion, consumption...

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Were Hiring for a Masage Therapist

Were Hiring for a Masage Therapist

Ballaura Wellness Spa is hiring a Licensed Massage Therapist. Successful candidates will report directly to Ballaura owner Nicole LaPraim.   Job Overview   As a member of our staff at Ballaura, the successful candidate will provide high-quality massage with...

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Five Health Benefits of Massage

Five Health Benefits of Massage

Five Health Benefits of Massage The art of massage has been used for time out of mind and the world over to provide relaxation, healing, and comfort. Present in every culture, a rich depth of different techniques in massage exist to improve the function of the human...

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The Benefits of Dry Brushing in Massage

The Benefits of Dry Brushing in Massage

Even if you've never heard of dry brushing, there are loads of benefits to dry brushing both before and after a massage. Dry brushing involves using a natural bristle brush (like boar bristle or horsehair) and gently moving it along the skin.   From circulation...

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Healing Through Nature – Our Carrier Oils

Healing Through Nature – Our Carrier Oils

Healing Through Nature - Our Carrier Oils An essential part of any great massage is massage oils. Each and every massage oil has its own unique properties – and can complement different types of massage or help alleviate specific skin, muscle, and joint problems. Read...

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5 Reasons Massage Makes a Great Gift

5 Reasons Massage Makes a Great Gift

Ah, massage. The very word conjures up images of softly-lit rooms, comfortable massage tables, and deep relaxation. Massage is a soothing and beautiful experience after a long week, a major sports competition, or to aid in healing after injury. And for all these...

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Five Paths to Self-Care

Five Paths to Self-Care

The phrase “self-care” is one we hear a great deal these days. While it is an exceptionally vivid phrase, many envision self-care as being somewhat limited purely to treating yourself to something that makes you feel good.   Of course, doing things that make you...

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When is the best time to get a Sports Massage?

When is the best time to get a Sports Massage?

A question commonly asked by Ballaura's clients is, “When is the best time for a sports massage?”   Research has determined that the very best time to receive a sports massage is 45 minutes after your workout of the day (WOD), but that the human body also...

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The Ballaura Story

The Ballaura Story

Nicole, our founder, struggled a lot as a young adult. She endured personal troubles and anxiety, almost leading her to a breaking point. In one moment of pure serendipity, she had an opportunity to go to massage school, where she quickly, and deeply, gained a passion for healing and recovery through the power of massage. It quite literally changed the rest of her life.

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