When I first arrived at Omni Wellness I wasn’t sure what to expect. I’ve never received acupuncture before. I went based on a referral and had an open mind with only one ingrained misconception: all my ailments would be cured at once after being stuck with a million needles. Misconceptions or not, my experience at Omni was a truly rewarding experience.

Plus #1: My health insurance covered my visit, but they clearly stated their willingness to work with me within my budget had it not.

Plus #2: Omni Wellness is conveniently located in at 928 Broadway between 21 and 22nd streets, easily accessible by all forms of public transportation.

Plus #3: Unless you’re a student of Chinese medicine the terminology of acupuncture can be intimidating or downright ridiculous. The acupuncturists on staff (independent practitioners who lease space on site) do a really great job of gauging the knowledge of their clients and communicating with them and to them at their level. Not once during my time there did I feel like I was being fed a bunch of mumbo jumbo.

Plus #4: Omni’s offices were clean, minimalistic and invited you to relax. The lights were low, but not so much that you had to squint in order to see your way around.

Plus #5: The consultation. My acupuncturist, Seanna Sifflet, Lac, LMSW, an amazing and very reassuring person, spoke with me at length about all that ailed me, stressed me, and all that didn’t. This happened before I received my first needle. It was an experience that cleared my head and would’ve erased any unease had I had any prior to receiving treatment.

40 minutes later I emerged from my mini-vacation feeling as if I had been taken away from it all, if only for a little while. I was given my prescription: drink plenty of water and get a good night’s rest. I made an appointment for my next visit and extended my hand for the customary shake. This was promptly dismissed by Seanna who instead gave me a hug. I can’t say I’ve ever been hugged at the doctor’s office, but strangely enough this felt pretty natural. Within two days all but one ailment remained after my treatment. If I wasn’t a full believer before, I definitely am now.

Omni Wellness’ amenities don’t stop at acupuncture. They also have chiropractic, skincare and massage services, rounding out an entire menu of care. If you plan your day accordingly I’m sure you could make a day of it. But unless someone is there to take you home you may not have the desire to ever leave.

Omni Wellness. Wholistic care — and a hug.

Omni Wellness
928 Broadway, Suite 1200
New York, NY 10010
Between (21st / 22nd)
Telephone: 212-777-1318
E-mail: omninyc@gmail.com

On Christmas Day when my wife presented me with a gift card for a spa day for the two of us I was openly thankful but quietly unenthused. We need a vacation, not a spa day. It’s on a Sunday, who’s going to watch the kids for us? We should be going to church. These were just a few of the naysayer thoughts that initially registered in my head.

Having two schedules that rarely meet in the middle and two kids always in the forefront of our minds, my wife decided a simple recharge on the first weekend of the new year was a perfect, simple and cost effective solution. And the place she picked was Oasis Day Spa.

With East Side locations on 34th Street and Park Avenue we opted for Oasis Westchester, their newest location off the beaten path, located approximately twenty-five minutes north of New York City in Dobbs Ferry, New York. It’s an easy commute to this location, visibly situated just off the Saw Mill River Parkway and sharing a building with a Starbucks and New York Sports Club. Physical fitness, relaxation and pampering and coffee, all in the same space. What more could anyone want? Parking. Expect to either be patient or drive around the facility a couple of times before finding a space.

Once you’re inside, the stress of parking becomes a distant memory once you enter the bright and inviting waiting area and are greeted with a smile at the front desk.

There is a full menu of services at Oasis Westchester from your expected health and beauty options — facials, massages, scrubs and manis/pedis — to your not so expected facials for teens, CosMedix peels and on site consultations from a board certified plastic surgeon (Saturdays only, from 10 am to 2 pm). The prices are very reasonable, another surprise considering the range, depth and quality of services offered. There isn’t a single spa package that tops $500.

My spa experience with my wife consisted of side by side full body massages, a full body scrub and a facial. The staff was attentive and pampering to the point of almost nurturing. The only time I didn’t doze was during my scrub. The facility was simple and clean with dimly lit spaces, soft cool grooves pumping throughout and aromatic but not perfumed. Relaxed, thankful for my wife’s thoughtfulness and thoroughly hydrated with tea, orange and cucumber water, I had no desire to leave and reenter the real world.

If you’re looking for something to do whether it’s with the girls, with your spouse, for your spouse or you simply need some alone time to recharge, Oasis Day Spa Westchester in Dobbs Ferry is the retreat you’ve been waiting for. Give them a call. They’re waiting to hear from you.

Oasis Westchester
Saw Mill River Parkway Exit 16
(in service road with NYSC & Starbucks)
50 Livingstone Ave.
Dobbs Ferry, NY
914.409.1900

Photo credit: Oasis Day Spa