By Susan J. Crook Special to 
Photo courtesy of Steve Rush
Hal-lai (pronounced ha-lay), at 1349 Bardstown Road in the Highlands, is not a game popular in south Florida. It?s a therapeutic massage center developed by St. Matthews native Rhonda Etherton. Hal-lai offers many styles of healing body work. Hal-lai is more than a traditional day spa.
"We invite our clients to unwind and balance their mind, body and spirit through a variety of extraordinary experiences such as our reflexology foot bath, Levite Stone Treatment and Life Force Consultation," she said. "It?s extraordinary because there really is nothing offered like this in our area."This is only one of two places in the world that offers the Levite Stone Treatment, which combines massage, sound therapy and essential oils."
Etherton also handcrafts her own line of oils and bath salts designed to assist each client with his or her individual needs. Her earlier career in cosmetology and as an esthetician inspired her to develop oils and bath salts free of unhealthy chemicals long before it became a trend. She meets her clients "where they are" in their healing process, whether they come in for relief of pain and stress through massage work or desire a more comprehensive evaluation of their nutritional and spiritual needs with a Life Force
Consultation.
"Hal-lai?s approach is based on blending the ancient healing arts, Chinese medicine and modern techniques so that clients are educated and self-empowered to get better," she said.
"One example of how this works is that when the oil is applied to the soles of the feet it begins to reach the cells throughout the body within 21 minutes, Etherton said. "This aids in healing where your body is in need, promoting circulation to the heart, liver and nervous system for clarity and balance. There are more than 7,000 nerve endings in your feet that are stimulated by this treatment.Everyone from children to the elderly enjoy the benefits of this treatment," she said.
Etherton works with clients who have have arthritis and hip or knee replacements. She works with many other health-care professionals in the area to assist clients in their overall healing programs.
"I enjoy working with clients from the Michael Quinlan Brain Cancer Foundation," she said. "Hal-lai?s treatments and products awaken the innate healing wisdom, which resides within each of us to allow the body to heal itself." Hal-lai?s treatments and products are located in a restored old home for a comfortable and relaxed experience. Etherton sells the Hal-lai 12 Essentials line of natural bath and body nutrients at the center. Visitors are welcome to stop by, have a cup of tea and learn more about how to feel better physically, emotionally and spiritually.
"We work on detoxifying the body and slowing down the aging process," she said. "We age from the inside out, so we teach people how to create healthier thoughts and feelings as well." Etherton has a master?s degree in science and healing and a doctor of divinity degree from Pathway University in southern Indiana. She has practiced natural healing for more than 25 years.
Etherton offers educational seminars, corporate group packages, private parties, gift certificates, couples massage and a new membership program, which provides an opportunity for clients to experience all that Hal-lai has to offer at an economical rate.
Hal-lai is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or later any day by appointment.
The store?s phone number is 451-880l.
