The Velvet Lotus Massage Spa
Two Locations: Ellicott City and Columbia
Now Accepting HSA / FSA
Client Special for Swedish and Myofascial Release Massage:
$99 for a 60 minute massage / $150 for a 90 minute massage!
Welcome to The Velvet Lotus Massage Spa
Now Accepting HSA / FSA
Client Special for Swedish and Myofascial Release Massage:
$99 for a 60 minute massage / $150 for a 90 minute massage!
Our Popular Services
Swedish Massage
The Swedish Massage is one of the most common types of massages and is great for overall relaxation of the body-mind-spirit, utilizing long, superficial, flowing strokes that can increase blood flow, reducing back and neck tension, as your massage therapist executes a flowing massage choreography that is customized to your preference of pressure, ranging from light, medium, or firm.
Myofascial Release
Do you have muscle knots or areas of tightness in your body from working out or from sitting at a desk? Myofascial Release can help. By releasing tension knots and trigger points in the myofascial tissues, pain and discomfort can be reduced. Improved Flexibility: Tight myofascial tissues can restrict movement and contribute to stiffness. Myofascial release helps restore flexibility and range of motion, promotes blood and lymphatic circulation, which aids in the recovery process and reduces soreness after physical activity.
Advanced Training & Credentials
At The Velvet Lotus Massage Spa, our work is informed by advanced continuing education beyond basic massage training, with a focus on fascia, pain science, and nervous-system-aware techniques. This training allows us to offer thoughtful, fascia-focused sessions tailored to clients experiencing chronic pain, tension, postural strain, and restricted movement.
We believe effective pain relief requires more than applying indiscriminate pressure, it requires precision, education, and an understanding of how the body truly responds to touch. Here is a list of our continuing education credentials that you can find posted in our spa:
- Myofascial Release I – John F. Barnes® Certificate of Completion, 2025.
- Fascial-Pelvis – John F. Barnes® Certificate of Completion, 2026.
Myofascial Release – Certificate of Completion with Maria Alfieres, PT, 2025.
Fascial & Pain-Informed Massage Therapy – PESI Institute, 2025.
Ongoing continuing education in fascia, chronic pain patterns, and movement-related dysfunction.
Note: We’ve been applying myofascial release techniques in practice for the past 2 years, handling 80 clients per month, refining our skills and working with clients to relieve chronic pain, tension, and restricted movement before completing formal certification.
Why Choose Myofascial Release?
We are certified in the John F. Barnes method of Myofascial Release (MFR), widely recognized as one of the most effective approaches for achieving real, long-lasting pain relief. Many people who are seeking pain relief choose to go with Swedish or Deep Tissue massage, however, these types of massage only reduce restrictions by 20% and mainly focus on relaxing muscles, without addressing the fascia, the leading cause of tension knots, pain and other restrictions. MFR reduces restrictions closer to 100% and the pain relief is longer lasting (typically lasting 4 weeks) than Swedish and deep tissue massage. MFR works directly on the fascia, the connective tissue that actually causes most knots and tension patterns, mobility issues, and recurring pain. Instead of relying on heavy pressure (which actually causes more inflammation and pain), MFR gently melts through fascial restrictions to treat the of discomfort, not just the symptoms. If you’ve tried Swedish or Deep Tissue and your pain keeps coming back, Myofascial Release goes deeper in a different way, restoring alignment, improving mobility, increasing circulation, and offering long-lasting pain relief results that traditional massage techniques can’t reach.
Myofascial Awareness is Growing
Although Myofascial Release has been around since the 1960’s, with the growth of social media and TikTok, Myofascial Release is rapidly gaining recognition as a go-to therapy for pain, mobility issues and muscle tension knots, which can restrict mobility. As its popularity grows, many massage practices are starting to list it as a service, often without proper training protocols or proper certifications, which can lead to poor or mediocre results. At The Velvet Lotus Massage Spa, myofascial release is our specialty. We hold four advanced certifications in Myofascial Release, including John Barnes’ Myofascial Release I, widely regarded as the gold standard in the field. Our treatments utilize the Barnes approach, focusing on evidence-based, gentle, hands-on techniques that target and reduce the root cause of tension and restrictions. We are committed to on-going education to ensure our clients receive the most authentic and effective care possible.
How Our Approach Is Different
The first session begins with a posture and movement analysis. This allows us to identify fascial restrictions that are often the true source of pain, even when the discomfort shows up elsewhere in the body. From there, we develop a personalized treatment plan designed to: release fascial restrictions, reduce pain and tension knots, improve mobility and movement efficiency which supports long-lasting relief, not temporary fixes. All of the restrictions are documented in your chart so that we can keep track of any changes and make you aware of any improvements. This focused, one-on-one approach helps your body return to balance, so you can move more freely, with reduced pain, and feel better in your daily life.
How Should you Prepare for your First Appointment?
No oil is used for the Myofascial Release portion of your treatment. Myofascial Release works best on clean, dry skin, so we kindly ask that our clients not wear any type of oil, creams or lotions so that we can deliver the best results.
Here are some issues that Myofascial Release can correct:
- Neck pain
- Shoulder pain
- Back pain (upper, mid, lower)
- Hip pain
- Sciatica
- SI joint pain
- Knee pain
- Plantar fasciitis
- TMJ dysfunction / jaw pain
- Headaches & migraines
- Repetitive strain injuries
Muscle & Soft Tissue Restrictions
- Tight upper traps
- Frozen shoulder
- Limited shoulder mobility
- Tight psoas / hip flexors
- Restricted chest/pec mobility
- Stiff quads, hamstrings, calves
- IT band tension
- Carpal tunnel–type symptoms (soft tissue related)
- Posture & Structural Issues
- Forward head posture
- Rounded shoulders
- Slouched posture
- Postural imbalances from long hours of sitting
- Muscle compensation patterns
- Uneven hips / rotations
Sports & Performance Issues
- Reduced mobility
- Decreased range of motion
- Slow recovery
- Overuse injuries
- Muscle fatigue from training
- Performance-limiting tension
Nervous System & Stress-Related Issues
- Stress-related tension
- Anxiety-related tightness
- Overstimulated nervous system
- Difficulty relaxing
- Body “guarding patterns”
Scar Tissue & Adhesions
- Limited movement after injury
- Soft tissue restrictions from old strains/sprains
- Postural stiffness due to adhesions
- Restricted fascial planes
Curious how we help clients move and feel better? Follow us on TikTok for education, updates, and behind-the-scenes care.
Massage Enhancements
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Chinese Herbal Medicinal Aromatherapy $20
Experience our aromatherapy that meets your specific needs, whether it’s relaxation, headaches, muscle discomfort, menopause symptoms, stress, or even support for weight loss. Our aromatherapy is sourced and custom blended by an aromatherapist with a background in Chinese medicine and extensive training in essential oil formulation. Each blend is crafted with intention, combining therapeutic-grade oils to restore balance, enhance well-being, and encourage natural healing for body and mind.
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Heated Stones $30
Experience the deeply relaxing and soothing effects of hot stones as they melt away areas of tension. Let the warmth relax your muscles and provide a sense of calm and tranquility.
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Herbal Heat Pack $20
This herbal heat pack is allowed to penetrate and soothe tired, sore back muscles, as an epsom salt heated towel further relaxes your back.
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Warm Oil Scalp Massage $75
Indulge in pure bliss as a steamed towel and warm oil scalp massage restore circulation, release tension, and leave you deeply relaxed. (15 Minutes)
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Warm Oil Foot Reflexology $75
Your service begins with a gentle exfoliating scrub for the feet and calves to smooth skin and stimulate circulation. Next, enjoy the soothing warmth of heated foot tools to melt away deep tension. We then pamper your feet with warm booties, followed by a luxurious massage using champagne rose oil and a rich champagne emollient cream, leaving your skin silky soft and your legs light and refreshed. (25 Minutes)
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Assisted Stretching $25
While Swedish and Deep Tissue massage are often used for relaxation, they typically only address about 20% of muscle tension. We recommend Assisted Stretching for longer-lasting relief. Please note that incorporating stretching into your regular massage time will reduce the amount of time spent on hands-on massage, so we recommend adding this Assisted Stretching enhancement. (10 Minutes)
What We Do?
Client's Satisfaction are Our Priority
At Velvet Lotus Massage, we are committed to creating a serene and healing experience tailored to each client’s needs. Whether you’re here for deep relaxation or pain relief, our goal is to help you leave feeling restored, renewed, and truly cared for.
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About The Owner
Traviata “Maria” Raudales, a Licensed Massage Therapist and graduate of the Cortiva Institute, founded The Velvet Lotus Massage Spa with a mission to help others find relief from chronic neck, shoulder and back pain/discomfort while experiencing true relaxation. With a background in caregiving and over a decade of experience in hands-on therapeutic work, Maria understands the importance of personalized care and long-term wellness.
Today, she leads a skilled team of licensed massage therapists who specialize in treating neck, back, and shoulder pain, primarily through a less-know, but powerful technique, myofascial release. Under her leadership, The Velvet Lotus Massage Spa serves more than 80 clients per month, offering both effective pain relief and an atmosphere of calm and renewal.
Every session at The Velvet Lotus is thoughtfully designed by the team to blend clinical precision with relaxation—featuring gentle Swedish massage, soothing music, the calming scent of lavender, and luxurious foot treatments.
Maria’s vision is to provide a space where healing and tranquility coexist—where every client is cared for with compassion, expertise, and a commitment to helping them move and feel better, day after day.
Testimonials
What Our Clients Are Saying
Lacey Okonski
17:03 12 May 25
Maria gave me an amazing massage. I grew up with my family owning a wellness center and have had many massages. Hers absolutely stood out above the rest. She was very generous and offered me multiple techniques. She can offer relaxation massages or more therapeutic methods like myofascial release, cupping, and hot stones. It really helped me with some tension issues. I hope to visit her again soon! 10/10 highly recommend!
Steven Everette
16:10 05 May 25
I have chronic lower back pain that has been addressed. I feel progress is being made. I am a customer for life!
Response from the owner 01:01 07 May 25
Thank you for taking the time to write us a review! We are happy to see that are feeling better.
booms1027
15:26 03 May 25
My massage was great!! I had such a relaxing time. My main issue was my back and shoulder after the massage I felt so much lighter. Thank you so much!!
Response from the owner 21:14 03 May 25
I’m so thankful for your review and most of all, I’m happy that I was able to help.
Kevin DaCosta
18:04 14 Apr 25
Maria is very good, she took the time work on some areas on my back that needed attention. She’s very professional & i will definitely visit her again.
Response from the owner 23:20 14 Apr 25
Thank you Kevin for your great review!
Shaila Yllescas
22:19 09 Apr 25
Maria was amazing. I had horrible back pain from spring cleaning and now I feel like a new woman 10/10 definitely coming back 🙂
Response from the owner 11:16 14 Apr 25
Thank you Shaila for your wonderful review!
Geneva Pittman
21:37 24 Mar 25
Maria was AMAZING! She asked about my problem areas, gave suggestions for things to do post-workout, and gave me the best relaxation session ever. THANK YOU!!
Response from the owner 17:22 28 Mar 25
Thank you for your stellar review Geneva!
Michael Berry
00:33 19 Mar 25
Absolutely fantastic! Totally fixed my back! Thank you and I will be back.
Response from the owner 17:27 28 Mar 25
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review Michael! 
Hannah Sawyer
18:55 16 Mar 25
I absolutely love the velvet lotus massage, Maria was so so wonderful!! I will recommend her to anyone!! My favorite massage so far!!
Response from the owner 17:29 28 Mar 25
Thank you for your review Hannah! We appreciate your business.
William Napper
01:00 08 Jan 25
Outstanding Massage - Great ambiance - Very friendly and professional Thearapist.
Response from the owner 22:47 08 Jan 25
Hi thank you for taking the time to write us a review! We appreciate your kind feedback!Ready to Book?
Click below to choose your massage, add your desired enhancements, and reserve your appointment today.