Bull City Soles

Overview

Bull City Soles is a unique wellness studio in North Durham, NC, specializing in therapeutic bodywork, contrast therapy via private infrared sauna and cold plunge, and professional training for massage therapists. It combines hands-on and barefoot massage techniques with recovery services to provide deep relief for chronic pain, postural issues, and stress. The studio serves as a collective for independent practitioners, offering a holistic approach to help clients move and feel better naturally.

The overall atmosphere is professional yet nurturing, emphasizing vulnerability, healing, and education. Clients enjoy private sessions in a supportive environment focused on long-term structural improvements, nervous system regulation, and recovery boosts. With over 30 years of experience behind founder Julie Marciniak, the studio blends clinical precision with innovative barefoot methods, creating an empowering space for both pain relief and professional growth.

Features & Amenities

• Private Infrared Sauna & Cold Plunge Room: Solo or buddy sessions for contrast therapy; customizable (sauna-only, plunge-only, or combo starting at 30 minutes); enhances recovery, immunity, and detoxification.
• Overhead Bars & FasciAshi Straps: For safe, gravity-assisted barefoot massage delivering broad, consistent deep pressure without hand fatigue.
• Treatment Rooms: Equipped for Rolfing®, Ashiatsu, stretching, and myofascial work; minimal oil use for direct fascia manipulation.
• Educational Space: Durham campus for NC Barefoot Massage (NC Ashiatsu) with classes on bar setup, body mechanics, and clinical techniques.
• Additional Tools: Hot towels, heated eye pillows, aromatherapy, cupping for sinus relief; self-care recommendations like sinus pillows.
• Wellness Blog: Insights on sauna benefits, first sessions, cupping, and therapist tips.

Services

Bodywork & Massage

• Ashiatsu Barefoot Massage: Signature deep tissue using feet for broad strokes, trigger points, and myofascial release; best for effective deep relief.
• Rolfing® Structural Integration: 10-series by Certified Advanced Rolfer® Julie Marciniak; focuses on fascia realignment for long-term pain relief, better posture, and movement (6-month waitlist).
• Myofascial Therapy & Stretching: Releases tension, restores mobility; passive/active/resisted ROM techniques.
• Sinus Relief Massage: 30-minute session with barefoot upper bodywork, facial/chest cupping, hot compresses, and aromatherapy for allergies, congestion, headaches.

Recovery & Contrast Therapy

• Infrared Sauna + Cold Plunge: Powerful reset for recovery; pair with bodywork; boosts immunity and extends session benefits.

Therapist Training (NC Ashiatsu Durham Campus)

• Fundamentals (3 days, 24 CEUs): One-foot barefoot basics, supine/prone sequences.
• Intermediate (2 days, 16 CEUs): Anterior/lateral work, psoas, hip flexors.
• Range of Motion (ROM, 2 days, 16 CEUs): Stretch therapy techniques.
• Advanced (2 days, 16 CEUs, prereq: Intermediate): Myofascial release, multi-position.
• Clinical: Neck (2 days, 16 CEUs, prereq: Advanced): Cervical pain protocols.

Pricing

• Rolfing® Full Session (New Clients): $185 (waitlist required).
• Training Classes: Fundamentals $750; Intermediate/ROM/Advanced/Clinical $500 each.
• Massage/Stretching/Sauna Sessions: Pricing not listed online; book via email (info@bullcitysoles.com) or call 919-477-9887 (M-F 9am-2pm); same-day availability possible.
• Waitlist for Rolfing®: Free consult via email.

Location & Hours

• Address: Guess Road, North Durham, NC (just north of I-85, across from Guess Road Baptist Church).
• Operating Hours: Not explicitly listed; phone support M-F 9am-2pm; classes run 9am-6pm daily (1-hour lunch). Book sauna/bodywork flexibly; check availability for same-day.

Notes

• What Makes Bull City Soles Special: Pioneers barefoot massage (Ashiatsu/FasciAshi) using feet for deeper, longer-lasting results than traditional hands-on methods; reduces therapist burnout. Unique private contrast therapy integrates seamlessly with bodywork. Dual focus on clients (pain relief, wellness) and therapists (CE training) as the official Durham campus for Center for Barefoot Massage. Emphasizes fascia-focused, structural change over temporary relaxation; client testimonials highlight lasting posture improvements, pain reduction, and sensory enhancements. Evolved from North Pointe Body Therapies to reflect location, solo vision, and foot-based expertise—“Bull City Soles” nods to Durham’s history and dual meaning of soles/souls.