essential

Our lovely location:
824 Paseo del Pueblo Norte
Taos, New Mexico 87571

Just 1.2 miles north of Taos Plaza on the main road Highway 64, also known as Paseo del Pueblo Norte.

Advance reservation required, please call:

575-751-4040☎️

We return calls with in 1 business day (Mon-Fri).

 


Professional STAFF

Several of our Licensed Therapists prefer not to be on our website.

Each Licensed Massage Therapist is trained in various modalities and all can provide firm to medium deep pressure.  Some therapists also offer deep tissue massage. "Deep" is very subjective.  Occasionally, clients request considerably more pressure than usual.  Although we do not charge more, we suggest a more generous tip for your Therapist.

Kyoko M. Hummel, Bachelor of Science, Massage Therapist #0072, Licensed Instructor # I-119

Since 1991, Kyoko has offered various massage modalities, spa therapies and specializes in CranioSacral Therapy. Previously, she was a prenatal massage instructor at two schools in addition to her private practice.

In October 2000, Kyoko founded Essential Massage and Spa Therapies with the vision of serving our local community and visitors to our area. In 2014 she expanded the space to include two more treatment rooms.

Kyoko added Biomats® to our massage tables, in response to her own profound healing with the Biomat® infra-red heat.

After 34 years of practice, Kyoko focuses on seeing Clients for CranioSacral Therapy and teaching new parents infant massage and movement.


Veronica Sandoval, Massage Therapist 2024-0120

Rooted in the healing landscapes of New Mexico, Veronica was raised in a community surrounded by medicine people, bodyworkers, and herbalists.

She is a graduate of the New Mexico School of Massage in Santa Fe, NM. Also, Veronica dedicated two years to train in Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy. Veronica’s approach to massage is both intuitive and grounded in technique, drawing from a range of modalities including Swedish massage, myofascial release, prenatal/postnatal massage, and energetic touch.

Veronica’s sessions are nurturing, trauma-informed, and deeply attuned to everyone’s needs.

Manuela Maeder, Massage Therapist #086Manuela gradated from the New Mexico School of Natural Therapeutics in 1992 in Albuquerque and brings many years of experience to her massage practice. In addition to doing customized relaxation massage, she als…

Manuela Maeder, Massage Therapist #0086

Manuela gradated from the New Mexico School of Natural Therapeutics in 1992 in Albuquerque and brings many years of experience to her massage practice.

In addition to doing customized relaxation massage, she also offers Shiatsu, Oncology, and prenatal massages. Manuela also studied Thai massage in Thailand and offers the traditional sessions on the floor on a mat.

Manuela's combination of nurturing deep work addresses specific areas of concern. Her caring heart and vast experience bring comfort and tension release to her clients.

Special Note: For Thai massage, the client remains fully clothed. Please wear loose, comfortable clothing. A Shiatsu session is done on a table also with the client wearing loose, comfortable clothing.


amta.jpg

For 34 years, Kyoko Moriyasu Hummel has been a professional member of the American Massage Therapy Association. She founded Essential Massage and Spa Therapies in October 2000.


October 25, 2025 we celebrated 25 years in the same location!

Your health is of paramount importance to use.  We follow Covid-safe protocols.We are in a “CONTINUED CAUTION” phase and we still require masks to be worn in the common areas and while face-up during your massage session.Thank you for caring.

Your health is of paramount importance to use. We follow Covid-safe protocols.

Katelyn Bright, LMT, RYT200

In 2011, Katelyn graduated from the Odessa College of Massage Therapy. For nine years, she helped a wide array of clients from youth to elders feel better.

In 2020 Katelyn moved to Dallas metro and joined Built 4 It Athletics where she worked with elite level athletes. From 2020-2023, Katelyn was a preferred therapist for the Dallas Cowboys, plus, worked with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2022 at SuperBowl LVI.

Katelyn uses different modalities customized on each individual patient’s needs and goals which include: Deep Tissue, Cupping Therapy, Myofascial Release, Orthopedic Medical Massage, Sports, Dynamic Stretching, Cransiosacral, NeuroMuscular Reprogramming, and Lymphatic Drainage. Also as a 200hr Registered Yoga Teacher and coaches clients on breathing and movement for improved health and vitality.


Louie Zepeda, Massage Therapist 2025-0193

In 2019, Louie graduated from Massage Masters in Pharr, Texas. After studying in Thai massage in Thailand, he also trained in Ashiatsu which is a Japanese style where Louie will use his feet to apply compression to release tension and increase flexibility.

Louie’s specialty is a blend of Thai and Ashiatsu bodywork. He is dedicated to providing a healing experience that promotes relaxation, flexibility, and overall well-being. His personalized approach ensures that clients receive care tailored to their individual needs.

Special Note: For Thai massage and Ashiatsu, the client remains fully clothed. Please wear loose, comfortable clothing. These massages are done on a mat on the floor.