| Beating deadlines, sleepless nights and your | | | | worthy as gold by the rejuvenating effects that it |
| workload piling up could really take a toll on your | | | | brings. Heated stones (usually basalt or marble) |
| body. It may be time to give yourself some | | | | are placed under the back, along both sides of the |
| overdue pampering and there is no better way | | | | spine, and on top of the torso. These relax the |
| than a long soothing massage to relax those | | | | muscles, allowing the massage therapist to work |
| worn-out muscles. Research has shown more | | | | deeper into the muscle. Cold stone therapy is also |
| benefits of massages which include pain relief, | | | | becoming popular. Cold stones act as a powerful |
| reduced anxiety and depression. It also | | | | decongestant. Stone Massages are being offered |
| temporarily reduces blood pressure and heart | | | | with rates starting from $35 for half an hour and |
| rate. | | | | $90 for a full hour. |
| Massage Salons offer services that relieve aching | | | | 6) Aromatherapy Massage This type of massage |
| points in the body, thereby, promoting relaxation. | | | | is done with the use of aromatic essential oils |
| Here are the usual massage services being | | | | from plants and herbs, to pacify pain and alleviate |
| offered: | | | | tension. Imagine lying in a water tub surrounded |
| 1) Pregnancy Massage It is believed to ease the | | | | by vibrant-colored fresh flowers, soak in the |
| labor process. It also reduces the stress, strains, | | | | fragrance of aromatic oils that serve to relax and |
| and discomforts of pregnancy. A Pregnancy | | | | soothe the mind. Some massage salons have a |
| Massage often costs $20 an hour. | | | | wide selection of different massage oils from |
| 2) Shiatsus and Acupressure It is an oriental finger | | | | which you can choose from. Aromatherapy |
| massage that releases energy blocks and | | | | massages are usually priced at |
| balances the energy flow. Shiatsus and | | | | 7) Watsu Massage This is a water massage done |
| Acupressure costs $50 an hour. | | | | in warm, waist-deep water. The person receiving |
| 3) Reflexology A technique based upon the | | | | massage is placed in a special Watsu pool that is |
| knowledge that all organs and muscle groups have | | | | slightly heated wherein he or she floats at the |
| corresponding reflexes in the hands and feet. | | | | surface of warm water with support while being |
| Pressure point stimulation releases tension, | | | | massaged. Price for one hour massage is about |
| reduces fatigue and opens energy pathways | | | | $95. |
| allowing the body's organs to function to their | | | | 8) Foot Massages These are performed in |
| fullest potential. Reflex points on the feet and | | | | adjunct with other services such as pedicures. It |
| hands are targeted by placing thumb and finger | | | | can also be performed in a treatment room. |
| pressure. This relaxing treatment improves blood | | | | Prices could be about $35 for a 25 minute |
| circulation and well-being. A reflexology session | | | | massage. |
| often costs $50 an hour | | | | 9) Swedish Massage One of the most popular |
| 4) Deep Tissue Experiencing muscle spasms | | | | relaxation therapies is the Swedish massage. The |
| lately? Then deep tissue massages are best for | | | | massage makes use of firm, gentle pressures in |
| you. This breaks up adhesions in the muscles, | | | | the direction of the blood flow returning to the |
| rejuvenates, and de-stress by focusing pressure | | | | heart to improve blood circulation and relieve |
| on deep muscle. Deep Tissue massages often | | | | muscle pain and tension. Swedish Massage |
| costs $60 an hour. | | | | services are priced at $70 for an hour. |
| 5) Stone Massages A stone may prove to be as | | | | |