Praxis College of Health Arts & Sciences

Praxis College of Health Arts & SciencesPraxis College of Health Arts & SciencesPraxis College of Health Arts & Sciences
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Praxis College of Health Arts & Sciences

Praxis College of Health Arts & SciencesPraxis College of Health Arts & SciencesPraxis College of Health Arts & Sciences
  • Home
  • History
  • Admissions
  • SPA
  • CLASSES
  • Praxis Process
  • EVENTS
  • FAQs
  • Free CEUs

Our SPA is by appointment only. No drop-ins

Our Philosophy

Praxis is from a Greek word meaning "the conduct of an art and science" or alternately “to perform with precision.” This is the focus of Praxis College. Praxis College emphasizes that both art and science are important to developing a successful massage practitioner. As the College logo states, Praxis aspires to be "a bridge between two worlds," the Western and the Eastern disciplines. The program has been designed to incorporate opposing theories of massage. The education provided is focused on principles and theories, and the universal truths of the healing Arts. The intent of the Praxis College experience is to give you a well rounded, liberal art education in massage. Therapists certified by Praxis have a medical and scientific base interwoven with a strong sense of “the Art” and possesses the talent needed for effective, therapeutic massage. This education leads to the development of a massage therapist rather than a technician, whose focus is narrowed to learning a limited number of styles of massage. Those less or minimally educated in massage have a trade, Praxis graduates have a community. 


Library & mentoring room

Just off of the main lobby (pictured above) is the library.  Many of the mentoring sessions are conducted here or in the director's office across the hall. Skills transmittals have a separate space. We never work with more than one student for mentoring  and no more than three students for transmitting skills at one time. 

1 of four treatment halls, 11 service rooms

Students learn their Art in a realistic health SPA. The hydrotherapy hallway is one of four treatment halls. It contains: a 4 person dry sauna, steam, two whirlpool rooms, wet table, Client dressing room with lockers.  Students are paid $10 to $15 for each hour of service they provide.


TOUR THE SPA

LOBBY & RECEPTION DESK: Atrium & Apres to the right, Director's office behind


    Massage Price List

    STUDENT MASSAGE

    All Praxis Students perform a wide spectrum of massage styles. Some advanced styles are not available from Apprentice or Craftsman students. Your massage can be in a style that the therapist has proven proficiency. Most styles can be given at the depth of your preference and tolerance. The massage can be limited to a specific area (i.e. back only) or include the full body at your level of comfort. TIPPING IS NOT ALLOWED FOR ANY REASON. There are no membership fees or hidden costs.

    Apprentice (500 to 1,000 hours)

    $30 for a 60 minute massage

    Students at this degree perform: Skilled Touch massage, Pregnancy massage, Sports stretching, Ostrom/Ling movement

    Craftsman (1,200 to 2,000 hours)

    $45 for a 60 minute massage

    As above, plus  Hoffa, Kellogg, Reiki, Kilburg open hand style (Hot Springs National Park Method), Stone massage

    Master (2,200 to 3,000 hours)

    $60 for a 60 minute massage

     As above, plus   Shiatsu, Tuina, Thai, Psychoanalytic, Advanced Sports, King Chicago Athletic Style

    CHAIR MASSAGE

    $1 per Minute at any level Including Staff

    PERFECT FOR THE SHY OR THE VERY BUSY

    It is  performed with you fully clothed and can be as short as 5 minutes up to 30 minutes.


    FACULTY & STAFF MASSAGE

    These therapists have 4 to 45 years of experience in performing massage.

    STAFF

    $75 for a 60 minute massage

    While they may have a preferred Modality or style, or massage that they have mastery in performing,, they a  have proficiency in a broad spectrum of massage skills and SPA treatments 

    FACULTY

    $85 to $180 Inquire for pricing

    Our most knowledgeable, practiced and highly skilled practitioners. We recommend that you begin with a student or staff, and possibly work your way up with experience. 


    The faculty is happy to assist you in choosing the best therapist for your needs, but also guide you and your therapist in designing the best possible massage style

    Most massages can be done “lavender neat” at an additional $20 charge. With the “lavender neat” option the Praxis massage oil is replaced with undiluted essential oil of lavender. It improves skin integrity, enhances sensitivity and body awarness. The skin feels clean and less oily. The word lavender comes from the Latin Lavandula “to wash.”


    SPA Services Price List

    AN OVERVIEW

    The term SPA is often misused and applied to a wide spectrum of establishments. In Latin sparege means to sprinkle or moisten, SPA can be an acronym of the Latin Salus Per Aquam meaning: “health through water”. No matter what the word origin, it is not a SPA unless it provides hydrotherapy or water healing services. Praxis performs a wide array of hydrology, Kneipp Wasser Kur treatments. Including tub baths, Blitzes, Affusions, Ablutions, Wraps, Stone massage, Packs, Sauna.

    HAND & FOOT MASSAGE (Reflexology)

    $45 - $75 Based on degree

    For the Modest or those on a tight schedule:


    Reflexology is performed with you fully clothed. It is a one hour treatment. It includes a warm aromatherapy foot bath, hot paraffin to the hands and feet, followed by a massage from the fingers to elbow and toes to the knee. Often combined with a full body massage assuring extra attention to these high stress  areas.

    SALT GLOW (full body exfoliation)

    $45 to $90 Based on degree

    This is a full body exfoliation process. The Praxis SPA experience is that you are heated in the sauna, then placed on a massage table and washed from chin to toe with Brandy. Then we scrub you with a mixture of salt, soap and oil. At the conclusion of the scrub you will shower and return to the table where you will be splashed with witch hazel and aloe vera. 

    Our most popular Package

    $75 to $150 Based on degree


    It is 2 ½ hours of service and consists of a reflexology treatment, a choice of 20 minutes of a Sauna, Hydrocollator or Banana leaf, followed by a 1 hour full body massage.

    Our most popular non-massage service:

    BODY WRAPS

    $75 to $150 Based on degree

    ALERT: Beware of claims of weight loss, detoxification or reduced inches with body wraps. They do not work and can be deadly.


    Our body wraps provide safe skin healing, muscle release, wonderful sensations, deep body heating and profound relaxing sleep.


    HYDROTHERAPY

    Praxis has a German trained Kneipp Medical Hydrologist. He is a Certified Bath Master and has conducted training at the Federally owned Bathhouses in Hot Springs National Park. Our students are trained in Kneippism, Kellogg theory, and a wide variety of American hydrotherapy treatments.

    Immersions (Tub baths)

    Varies: starts at $30

    We can provide a large number of full body or partial body immersion. From simple arms baths and a "Happy half bath" for depression, or up to your chin deep soaks or whirlpool. The combinations are near endless let us suggest what would be best for you and what should come next.

    SUBMERSION

    Varies: starts at $15

    There are two major types in this category: Sauna and Steam. There are others but we do not offer them routinely. 

    To learn about both go to the Sauna page below.

    And so much more

    Let us surprise and delight you by suggesting something new each visit.


    NO TIPPING ALLOWED


    Chinese Medicine Price List

    ABOUT CHINESE MEDICINE

    Acupuncture and Herbal therapy offered by Health Touch is firmly embedded in the philosophy and practice of traditional Chinese medicine.(TCM)

    In any system of health care, what is important is not the tools used, such as, needles, herbs or machines of any nature, but the theory and philosophy on which that therapy is based. It is not the needles or herbs which defines Chinese medicine but the theory and philosophy. Some people who advertise offering acupuncture have as little as 16 hours of classroom instruction and no hands-on training


    ACUPUNCTURE

    Not everyone who does needle placement or acupuncture practices Chinese Medicine.

    Initial ASSESSMENT and NEEDLE PLACEMENT

    $95

    Needle Placement as Continuing treatment

    $45

    CHINESE Herbs & Herbal Assessment

      Available  only with acupuncture treatments  

    Add Cupping to Acupuncture

    $20

    Acupuncture and Tuina

    $95

    This is a combination service and is scheduled for 60 minutes.

    Acupucture and Qi Gong

    95

     This is a combination service and is scheduled for 60 minutes. 


    TRADITIONAL TECHNIQUES

    These services are based in the principles of Chinese medicine theory.

    TUINA (CHINESE medical MASSAGE)

    $75

    This is a 60 minute session provided on a table.

    THAI Massage

    $95

    This is a 60 minute service performed on a mat. Please wear loose fitting, comfortable clothing.

    SHIATSU

    $95

    This is a 60 minute service performed on a mat. Please wear loose fitting, comfortable clothing. 

    Cupping to back

    $20 as add-on $40 alone

    Dry Heat treatments

    $15 & up

    Tai Ji and Qi Gong Classes Available

    $20 per class meeting

    Class meets Monday & Wednesday 5:30p to 7:30pm and Saturday 8am to 9:30a. Advanced enrollment required. No drop-ins please.

    Classes are conducted at the Tai Ji Center 3 blocks North of the the Praxis SPA. Enrollment information is available by e-mail from this site.

    ABOUT DESIREE DECHANT: She has studied Chinese and Asian arts & sciences since 1980. During three years of study with Dr. Cheung, she assisted in the translation of three Chinese texts to English. She did her clinical internship in Chinese medicine in China at Chang Sha, Hunan Hospital, Tian Jin Hospital and People’s Hospital at Jing Hong. Her experiences in Guyana with its varied cultural backgrounds have given her a strong heritage from which to appreciate a variety of cultures and approaches. Her Western education includes Medical Laboratory Technology and a Bachelor of Arts in Chinese Studies from the University of Oklahoma. She currently holds the position of lead Oriental bodywork instructor for Praxis College and maintains an active acupuncture and massage practice in her private clinic. Prior to teaching for Praxis College she was an educator in British Guyana.


    CORPORATE SERVICES

    ON-SITE CHAIR MASSAGE

    ON-SITE CHAIR MASSAGE

    ON-SITE CHAIR MASSAGE

    We Have been providing on-site chair massage at many of the largest corporations and businesses in the State for over  25 years. The financial support of these companies to our scholarship fund allows our students to obtain a superior education debt free with no financial obligation.

    CORPORATE EVENTS

    ON-SITE CHAIR MASSAGE

    ON-SITE CHAIR MASSAGE

    In addition to daily or weekly services inside of the corporations and businesses under contract with us, we give massage and SPA services at their yearly National conferences, Lead meetings and company social functions. 

    PERKS AND PRIVILEGES

    ON-SITE CHAIR MASSAGE

    PERKS AND PRIVILEGES

    Those companies that utilize us for their in house services receive discounts, priority booking and special days/times for services.


    We can provide in SPA parties, social gatherings and other group activities of groups from 5 to 25.


    HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST MASSAGE FOR YOU


    ABOUT MASSAGE MODALITIES

    A little about massage Styles: There is a great deal of confusion in the mind of the public about the different styles of massage. There are only four major modalities of massage and hundreds of styles that fall under each of the four. Think of it in terms of recipes. There are a limited number of categories of food, i.e. Italian, French, Chinese, etc. but there are hundreds of different dishes under each category. Each dish can have an almost infinite number of different recipes. But even when a recipe is followed exactly, no two meals are exactly the same. Each cook brings something special to the preparation and a number of things change each time it is made. In addition, the recipe can vary in the amount of spice or focus on a particular ingredient, more vegetables or meat. The same is true of massage. ALL massage is “therapeutic” and MOST massage can be “deep tissue.” Just like any food dish can be healthy and most can be made blazing hot. Healthy or hot is not a category of food, it is how it is prepared. So Therapeutic and Deep Tissue and a multitude of other terms are not modalities of massage, they are how the massage is prepared. So lets look at these four modalities.



    Mind-Body Modalities:

    Mind-Body Modalities:

    Mind-Body Modalities:

     It is the most popular form of massage in Oklahoma and probably in America. You have probably had it. Most massage therapists do not know that they are doing this modality, believing that it is “Swedish.” (A Federal research study states that “Swedish  massage” does not exist.) Mind-Body does not involve telling the therapist about your childhood or anything of that nature, in fact, a qualified practitioner will never allow talking during the massage. These styles are the most profoundly relaxing, while also being the most penetrating, yet painless, pressure into muscles. The focus is on mental functioning and reducing muscle stress by getting the mind to relax and let go of unneeded coping patterns, in the process you become as limp as possible. This allows the therapist to work deeper, with no discomfort. We are not attempting to change your mind, we are observing your body for insights into your functioning and assisting you in coping with the normal emotions of life. A few of the styles would be; Skilled Touch, Esalen, Hakomi, body centered psychotherapy, neo-riechian, psychoanalytic massage, among others. This type of work starts with you laying face down and the back worked first, then arms and legs, chest & abdomen, ending with the face.



     Mind-Body Modalities: This method of bodywork starts with the client laying face down with the back worked first, then arms and legs, chest & abdomen, ending with the face. Lymphatic manipulation is considered by most to be included here.    

    Athletic Modalities:

    Mind-Body Modalities:

    Mind-Body Modalities:

     This is the massage best known by Americans, but frequently is completely misunderstood. It was called “Anatripsis” (meaning: “to rub upwards”) by the Hippocratic physicians. The major precept in these “Western” athletic styles is to increase performance and stamina. They are all about muscle, bone and blood flow. Traditionally these styles are combined with hot baths, steam or sauna or sports activities, causing the client to sweat, so the massage begins with the client face up, starting at the head, so the head is cooled and sweat flows away from the eyes and mouth. Neuromuscular is a common style here.


    Some other athletic styles include; Beard’s, Kilburg open hand, Ostrom, Metzger, Kellogg, Ling Swedish Movement and a hundred others. “Swedish massage” is not a massage technique. “Swedish” was originally coined in order to indicate that the massage was legitimate or non-sexual. If you study massage, the proof becomes overwhelming that “Swedish,” outside of the Ling movement system, doesn’t exist. But the most obvious support is that those who claim to do “Swedish” use French words (Effleurage, Petrissage, etc.) not Swedish to describe it. These French words came from two European doctors named Metzger and John Luc Champiorre. The major concept in these “Western” athletic styles is to increase performance and stamina. They are all about muscle, bone and blood flow. While the entire body is impacted, the focus is on improving muscle function. It is done on a table, but the client may receive part of the session sitting upright. Because traditionally these styles are combined with hot baths, steam or sauna and are conducted during or after sports activities, causing the client to sweat, the massage normally begins with the client face up, starting at the head, so the head is cooled and sweat flows away from the eyes and mouth. 

    Asian Modalities:

    Energy Modalities:

    Energy Modalities:

     The major precept in Asian massage is to improve the flow of the life force or Qi. Traditionally they are all performed on the floor or a mat. They focus on lines of “points” called meridians. One of the earmarks of Asian bodywork is that you start face down and the therapist begins at your feet. All scientific massage probably began in Asia, and was brought to the West over time.  Ayurvedic Medicine comes under this modality.



    Some of the Styles (or recipes) would include; Tuina, Shiatsu, Thai, even acupuncture, acupressure and reflexology could be considered to be under this modality. The major concept of each of these is to improve the flow of the life force or Qi. Traditionally they are all performed on the floor or a mat. They focus on lines of “points” called meridians. But just like Asian food, it can be as mild and relaxing as Japanese Shiatsu or as rigorous as the stretches of Thai massage. Remember that putting oregano into a Chinese dish does not make it Italian, so adding “acu-points” or stretches to a table massage does not make it an Asian modality. One of the earmarks of Asian bodywork is that you start face down and the therapist begins at your feet. All scientific massage probably began in Asia, and was brought to the West over time. 

    Energy Modalities:

    Energy Modalities:

    Energy Modalities:

     Some practitioners of these styles and many legal entities do not consider them to be massage, since they frequently do not involve touching the body and they are not concerned with muscle function. The precept is to enhance or modify the body’s electromagnetic field or “aura.” While the method of operation is not understood, research exists indicating effectiveness.   


     The goal is to enhance or modify the bodies electromagnetic field or “aura.” The styles include; Deloris Kreiger, Rieki, Polarity, Healing Touch, to name a limited few. While the method of operation is not understood, there is research indicating effectiveness. The work can be done in a number of positions and can start at any point on the body that is in need of balancing, so there is no particular order or sequence. The pressure may range from the lightest of touch to no touching at all. 



    HOW TO TAKE A SAUNA or STEAM

    FROM HISTORY to DAILY PRACTICE

    Sauna History and Facts

    Sauna (Pronounced “Sow nah”) is the only Finnish word used in English, it means “bath” or “bathhouse.” The “dry” sauna, is over 2,000 years old. Finn’s build a sauna before building their house. The first U.S. sauna is believed have been erected in Delaware in 1638. The 1952 Olympic games brought the sauna to the world.


    A true sauna is always dry. Anything else is a steam bath or an improperly used sauna room. A true sauna bath is a process, a sensual pleasure. It is not a steam bath or “Russian bath (Banya).” While a true sauna has almost zero humidity small amounts of water can be added to the hot rocks. The vapor or steam coming off the rocks is called “loyly.” Since low humidity is essential for the sauna experience, the steam is minimal and controlled. 


    Most Americans have never had a true Sauna bath. They may have been in the sauna, but that hot chamber is only part of the experience of a true sauna bath. A sauna should be a leisurely, relaxed process. Do not rush it. Plan for at least 1 ½ hours. 3 hours is best. You will not be in the heat more than 20 minutes at a time, but you will go into the sauna more than once. Between time you can choose a variety of healthy options, from massage, salt glow, herbal wrap among other options.


    IT IS NOT TAKEN IN THE NUDE.

    Your modesty is protected at all times.Your attendant will assist you in wrapping in a sheet. You will need to remove all clothing, and all metal as it my became to hot against your skin. 


    So What is the issue with Steam?

    A steam, vapor or Russian bath actually decreases sweating. You feel wetter due to vapor collection. This hydrostatic pressure pushes the vessels and pores closed. This puts considerable strain on the heart and vessels in the brain which risks heart attack and stroke. Head-out steam is safer, but still does not give the benefits of a sauna.


    Aren’t Infrared hot boxes the same as a true sauna?

    While there are many benefits of infrared heat, it also does not have the same effects of a hot rock sauna. It doesn’t have the low O2 level of the sauna among other things. It relaxes the muscles at a different wave length and method. Consider the difference of warmth experience with a gas, electric or wood burning fireplace, each produce different wave lengths of heat and penetrate differently.


    So How Hot Is It?

    A Temperature is 160 degrees to 190 degrees. 

    BUT it is only 10% to 30% humidity.

    SO  REMEMBER: 

    “it’s not the heat, it is the humidity.”


    ARE THERE ANY RISKS?

    Unlike steam cabinets and hot tubs that add atmospheric pressure to your heated body, the dry low pressure allows your vessels to expand. So saunas are safe for anyone from pregnant women, infants and frail elderly. 


    German Physicians & Hydrotherapists say:

    “If you can go (travel) to the sauna, you can go (tolerate) the sauna.” 


     

    Analysis of Sauna Sweat shows removal of:

    Lead = 84μg   

    Nickel = 1.2μg  

    Copper = 0.11mg  

    Zinc = 1.3mg   

    Iron = 0.2mg   

    Calcium = 22mg

    Sodium = 0.84g    

    Cadmium = 6.2μg

    Manganese = 0.019mg 


    Even without any of these benefits it is just a wonderful, distraction free escape into total relaxation. 


    Pictured above is the wrong way to take a sauna.

    SO HOW DO YOU TAKE A SAUNA PROPERLY?

      If It Is Just a Single Sauna Trip

    Change into a sheet drape. Your therapist will assist you in entering the sauna. Do not sit upright on the bench. Pull your feet up onto the bench, and lay flat on the lower bench for 10 minutes. Your will be signaled to go to the higher bench for an additional 10 minutes after which you will be signaled to sit upright for a minute before exiting the sauna.

    Your sauna treatment is over. While not a true full sauna bath your body has experienced many of the benefits. 


     Taking A Full Sauna Bath

    • Shower, you may wash your hair. If you do please thoroughly dry and wrap it in a towel before entering the sauna.
    • A foot bath. Will be given by your attendant. You may wish to add a foot scrub to this.
    • Enter the sauna with your attendants assistance. 
    • Do not sit upright on the bench. Pull your feet up onto the bench, and lay flat on the lower bench for 10 minutes.
    • After 10 minutes move to the higher bench. Your attendant will signal for you to move for an additional 10 minutes after which you will be signaled you to sit upright on the upper bench for a minute before exiting the sauna.
    • Leave the sauna for a second shower. Using the coolest water you can tolerate is best. Your therapist may suggest other methods of "cool down" each time you leave sauna.
    • Cool down for 20 to 40 minutes until perspiration has stopped. There are a variety of ways to cool down. Recline and relax with a face pack, Lay down for a salt glow. Get a massage or the ultimate a banana leaf wrap.
    • Repeat the steps as determined with the assistance of your hydrotherapist. You will also be offered juice, sweets or light pastries between heating in the sauna.


    IS ONE TRIP ENOUGH?

    Studies have shown that just a single trip once or twice a week decreases your chances of colds or flu. It increases red blood cell count, improves heart and lung function, aids in digestion, improves sleep, increases metabolism, releases oxytocin and increases endorphins.


    What Are the Benefits of a Single Sauna Trip? Nothing deep cleanses the skin like a sauna, because it opens pores and flushes impurities from both the skin and the internal body as well. The dry heat breaks down impurities and metabolites making excretion more efficient. Research studies in JAMA have shown a single sauna is the equivalent to a 2 mile run or 30 minutes of jogging or a rowing machine. It improves circulation, cardiovascular functioning, rising heart rate from 65 to 81 bpm, BP lowers 7 points, heals heart tissue, supports weight loss by increasing caloric burn, relieves joint pain, produces an artificial fever which “burns off” viruses and bacteria and muscle fibers lengthen. It even  removes nicotine from smoking. 


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    Praxis College

    8900 N Western Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73114, US

    (405) 879-0224

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