By Catherine Gonzales

Thomas Luke came on the Focus on Mexico program in October 2010.  This article is being written to introduce Thomas’ services to our Focus Family. His special skill is his touch and knowledge of health and wellness. He has maintained a successful private practice as well as a consultant practice in the affluent communities of Minneapolis, Minnesota and Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Specifically, Thomas offers integrative healing health therapies in the form of facials and massages with a view toward the whole person. 

As I had my appointment with Thomas, I knew that something was different.  For one, we sat and chatted until I was comfortable in my environment. There was no feeling of time pressure.  Then, Thomas asked me about my experience with facials and if I had any issues.  I’ve had LOTS of facials and massages in my life and generally have a difficult time sitting still for two hours.  Since, Thomas had told me to allow two hours , I was wondering how tough this would be for me.  When Thomas told me that we were finished, I couldn’t believe it. Had you asked me how much time had passed, I would have guessed 45 minutes.

So, what makes Thomas’ practice so unique?  Well, Thomas himself.  In 1991 Thomas was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and began dealing with restricted vision. Although Thomas is now legally blind (having less than 10 degrees vision) he has chosen to use this to enhance his practice. As a patient, he encountered the difficulty and helplessness that is oftentimes brought about by a chronic disease. Conventional medical science was of no help to him. Eventually he sought out therapies and philosophies that responded to him as a whole person. This experience led him to the field of integrative healing health therapies and makes him a particularly compassionate and gifted therapist.

Part of Thomas’ approach to working with the “whole person” rather than approaching his work as a service is the consultation at the beginning.  He tells you what he will do, what you will hear and what you will feel on your skin.  He gave me a lovely foot bath while we talked.  Then he gave me a choice of oils (I chose eucalyptus) and put a heavy, comforting and warm blanket on me. My hands and feet were swathed in electric mitts and booties.  Are you jealous yet?  Then a lovely surprise was the use of heated stone therapy on my arms, hands, feet and leg massage. Heated stones make me drool with delight.

The facial I received was the best I have ever had. My skin felt smooth, healthy and soft and stayed this way for weeks. I know that regular visits will be in my future.  For future visits I will change a few things.  First, I won’t show up for my session wearing eye make-up since I just have to take it off.  Second, I would not plan any activities after my session with Thomas. It is such a deeply relaxing feeling, that I want to experience this feeling for as long as I can. Instead, I went flying out the door to meet some friends for dinner.  Next time I’ll just go home and luxuriate in the feeling of wellness and relaxation.

Thomas has received his working papers. The Mexican Government has accredited Thomas in his fields of Guided Imagery/Visualization, Rhythmic Breathing, Tranquility Imagery with Aromatherapy, Mind/Body Therapy, Heated Stone Therapy, Integrative Skin Care Therapies, Therapeutic Touch/Healing Touch, Reiki Therapy, Reflexology, and Photo Stimulation. He is also a Massage Therapist and a Licensed Aesthetician with a focus on clinical and therapeutic healing skincare services. So, he is available for appointments.

However, for the next six months, Thomas is dividing his time between his private practice in Ajijic and the work with his foundation in the U.S.  The facility in Ajijic that Thomas is using to establish his practice is a newly renovated, beautiful place called Lolita’s Inn/Gallery /Healing Arts Center.  It is just around the corner from Bugambilia Plaza on Calle Guadalupe Victoria #73.  It is easy to find (bright pink) and there is plenty of parking.

Thus begins an exciting time for Thomas as he makes the transition to Lakeside.  He is creating“Thomas Luke - Santuario ” and the concept of “el cuerpo del templo” - The Body is a Temple. Santuario is a Spanish word which means “Sanctuary” and Thomas has chosen this word to embody his philosophy.

When clients visit Thomas they enter a quiet healing place and for a period of time can leave the outside world behind. It is insightful of Thomas to realize that even in paradise we all still need a place to be still, heal and rejuvenate. We all need a break from our “real lives” every now and then.

TESTIMONIALS

Kathleen Carlson

Recently  I had the pleasure of experiencing one of the finest facial treatments I’ve ever had.  As a former corporate event planner, I’ve had the privilege of visiting many resort spas around the U.S., as well as in Mexico, Canada and Europe.  Without question, this was one of the finest treatments I’ve had.  Thomas’ gentle touch, as well as his focus on my comfort and goals for the treatment, were at a level I haven’t experienced at other spas – even those of 5-star resorts.  Lolita’s Inn and Healing Center make for a unique, charming and inviting atmosphere. I highly recommend this experience for any discriminating clientele.

Lana Baily-Coffman

I wanted to share with you how blessed I feel after having your treatments. You share more than just a facial. I truly feel Divine Inspiration passing through your hands. I can see why you named your business Sanctuario, I leave feeling centered. I especially enjoy your meditations.  In addition my face feels tight and the wrinkles are actually fading. I also see age spots lighting with each facial.

Growing up I had noticed older people having larger pores and more blackheads. I knew it was something I did not want to happen and you are keeping my face and back so clear and bright I feel like I am glowing. I don’t mind growing older as long as I have appointments with you. I always feel years younger when I come out of your session. Thank you for all that you offer people. My husband loves his facials, also. His pores have shrunk and the treatments have helped his dry skin.

Graciela Ducet

I was fortunate enough to schedule a facial with Thomas Luke, a licensed Aesthetician who’s in the process of establishing a practice at Lakeside.  Labeling this treatment a “facial” doesn’t begin to do it justice.  Tom begins the session with a foot bath, followed by an application of moisturizer to the hands and feet, enveloping them in mitts and booties that heat up to facilitate absorption, and then treating the face, neck and shoulders with an array of cleansers, masks and moisturizers, all while listening to soothing music and imagery CDs to help you reach a state of total relaxation.  The session ends with arms, hands, legs and feet massages incorporating hot stones.  This treatment not only leaves your skin feeling wonderful, it truly has an overall wellness effect unmatched by any other facial I’ve had at Lakeside.  I encourage you to seek Tom out and treat yourself to his signature facial as I’m certain you will never go back to your previous treatments.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Thomas Luke
ThomasLukeSantuario@gmail.com
“el cuerpo del Teplo”
The Body is the Temple
Guadalupe Victoria #73,  Ajijic, Mexico
Mexico Cell 331 695 0166       US 605 330 9634

FEES:

“Espiritu de Belleza Cara Hermosa” - Beautiful Spirit Beautiful Face

SKIN CARE SERVICES

Therapeutic Signature Facial Treatment

• Rosemary and Mint Salt Scrub for the Hands
• Aromatherapy combined with Guided Imagery
• M - Dermabrasion 
• Glycolic Renewal
• Your choice of Enzyme Peel
• Your choice of Aromatherapy Face Formula
• Your choice of Treatment Masque
• Soothing Eye Gel Massage
• Face, Neck and Shoulder Massage
• Foot Soak
• Hand and Foot Heated Mitts and Booties
• Arm and Hand Massage with Heated Stones
• Leg and Foot Massage,

1 hour 45 min (allow two hours)       $1280

Mini Therapeutic Facial Treatment

• Rosemary and Mint Salt Scrub for the Hands
• M - Dermabrasion
• Aromatherapy
• Mini Facial Massage
• Your choice of Aromatherapy Face Formula
• Your choice of Treatment Masque

45 min (allow 1 hour)      $650

Intro Mini Facial Consultation

• Skin care consultation
• Glycolic Renewal
• Skin Care Product Evaluation
• 30 min (allow 45 min) $490

 “Renueve el Cuerpo” - Renew the Body

BODY TREATMENTS / MASSAGE

Therapeutic Stress Relief Back Treatment

• Rosemary and Mint Salt Scrub for Hands
• Foot Soak
• Aromatherapy
• Your choice of Exfoliating Treatment
• Massage
• Heated Stones
• Your choice of Treatment Masque

1 hour (allow 1:15 hour)      $650

Therapeutic Leg and Foot Revitalizing Treatment

• Rosemary and Mint Salt Scrub for Hands
• Foot Soak
• Aromatherapy combined with Guided Imagery
• Your choice of Exfoliating  Treatment
• Massage
• Heated Stones
• Your choice of Treatment Masque

1 hour (allow 1:15hour)   $650