Tried & Tested: Masters of massage at The Method

Carrie Mitchell takes some much-needed time out at new city sanctuary, The Method.

Slowing down isn’t something that comes naturally to me so I’m surprised how quickly I relax when I set foot in The Method, a new lifestyle store and massage therapy space on St Stephen Street in Stockbridge. Of course, that’s no accident – brother and sister duo Dan and Jodi Fox have carefully designed their joint wellbeing project to be a soothing escape from the world outside.

From the wooden parquet flooring, limed oak shelves and marble counters to the expertly curated beauty and lifestyle products (all amber bottles, gleaming tin, and exclusive niche brands), every detail in the store is a seamless blend of natural materials and modern minimalist style.

Having previously worked as a therapist at Neal’s Yard, Jodi now presides over the massage therapy space in the basement. Much like upstairs, everything down here is designed to soothe the senses from the concrete flooring and gleaming white metro tiles to the Scandi-style furnishings and flickering wall of candlelight (soon to be replicated in my own bedroom).

 I sank deeper into a stage of bliss, there was just one nagging anxiety remaining in my mind - namely that I might fall asleep and miss the actual massage

I was booked in for 60-minute session with Jodi which she explained could be spent exactly how I pleased. Rather than booking a set ‘treatment’, clients are advised to book a timeslot then decide on the day what they need. It’s a clever approach that offers a bespoke experience whether you’re looking for a relaxing massage or a rejuvenating facial. However, if it’s a high-tech cosmetic effect you’re after, move along – The Method’s focus is founded upon Ayurvedic and therapeutic techniques so you’ll certainly emerge feeling lighter, brighter and more balanced but you won’t walk away with the dubious promise of shedding pounds or wrinkles.

After a chat, Jodi and I decided a de-stressing full body massage was the way forward and she invited me to lie back so she could begin with a meditative introduction. As I sank deeper into a state of bliss, there was just one nagging anxiety remaining in my mind – namely, that I might fall asleep and miss the actual massage. Thankfully that didn’t happen and I felt every knot and ounce of tension drain from my body in Jodi’s capable hands.

It was all over too soon but before I left, Jodi took the time to talk me through the areas of tension she’d felt and how I could adjust my habits to reduce stress in my body. It was a genuine and thoughtful way to end the session (much more so than the sales pitch that so often comes at the end of a spa treatment) and one that simply made me more sure I’ll return - whether that be for a massage, shopping trip, or simply more interiors inspiration.

Treatments at The Method cost from £35 for 30 minutes. To find out more, visit themethod.life or Tel. 0131 225 4700. 
 

The Method, 9 St. Stephen St, Edinburgh, EH3 5AN