| Getting Rubbed the Right Way |
|
|
| Written by Laura Marie Allen | |
|
Massage improves circulation, boosts the immune system, and relieves stress by working out the knots in the muscles. Toxins made up of lactic acid build up in the muscles when oxygen is not flowing properly so knots are made of waste. There is a major misconception that massage has to be an exorbitant cost or that the spa has to have waterfalls and mood lighting to be beneficial. At chi-chi spas like well-known Bliss in Soho, massage therapists are given regimented instructions on everything from how to massage to properly folding down the sheet for clients. But at Kneaded Body works in the theater district, owner Doug McDermott prides himself on a business where people are taken straight from the waiting room where they check in to their private room. Once there, a masseuse meets with the client and they discuss what trouble spots they have and what kind of stress they are under. Instead of getting a strict Swedish or deep-tissue massage, their masseuses combine technique to best adapt to the client’s need. While some people are quick to strip off their clothes and let the hands of a professional relax their entire body, others are timid and uncomfortable with the idea of getting a massage. "Massage is an intimate thing. It takes people different amounts of time to establish a connection between the therapist and the client,” McDermott said. Below are a few places near Times Square where massages are affordable; in the spirit of Valentine’s Day, there are special packages and prices are available. Editor’s Picks: Tips for giving the perfect home massageProfessional massages are not for everyone. A lot of people are uncomfortable with a stranger touching them any where, or find the pricing prohibitive, it's possible to reap the benefits of an awesome massage without the cost or feeling compromised. Below are a few tips compiled from therapists around NYC on how to give an effective and enjoyable massage at home. Kneaded Body Works 518 Fifth Ave., 2nd Floor New York, NY 10036 212-642-4307 www.kneadedbodyworks.com  Massage therapists perform shiatsu, Swedish, acupressure and deep tissues on individuals and in side-by-side couples rooms. Here, I had the opportunity to experience a 90-minute massage at Kneaded Body Works and it is safe to say it was the best massage of my life. I have to admit that when I saw the space I was unimpressed with the décor--but they did just move into the space and since my visit I have been informed that there have been improvements. My masseuse Jessica Crowe was attentive, thoughtful, and took the time before my massage to ask where I would like her to concentrate on. She combined Swedish massage techniques with deep-tissue strokes, and even stretched out my arms and legs which are always sore and tight from working in a restaurant three days a week. When my massage was over she showed me stretches I can do at home to maintain flexibility and comfort. Pros: Intuitive therapists, no waiting Cons: No complaints here Pilates on Fifth 501 Fifth Ave. (at 42nd St.) New York, NY 10017 (212) 687-8885 www.pilatesonfifth.com  Former Rockettes and identical twins Kimberly and Katherine Corp opened this pilates, gyrotonic, and cardiolates studio six years ago. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced client, you’ll receive a workout that's catered to your needs and goals. They have a small massage room with a sky light in the ceiling allowing for natural mood lighting. My masseuse Cody Landis makes a point that after a massage, a person should “feel better tomorrow than they did today.” Pros: Exercise equipment on site, massage is designed for active people Cons: Small massage room, no mood music
|
I am a massage aficionado. Every time I go on vacation I make sure to get a massage. When I lived in San Francisco, I spent hundreds of dollars in the three years to get a massage at some of the nicest hotel spas the city had to offer such as the Westin St. Francis and the Four Seasons. While many people think that massage is an expensive luxury and only visit a masseur on special occasions or during vacations--a massage is actually as important to our health and well-being as a sensible diet and regular exercise. 
This midtown spa treats clients to a range of facials, body treatments, massages and more. Package and couple treatments are given discounts. They offer aromatherapy, hot stone, Swedish and reflexology. Skin care services offer mud baths, seaweed wraps and herbal body scrubs. They even treat cellulite with parafango wraps (a treatment combining volcanic mud and paraffin wax used to relieve aches and pain from rheumatism and arthritis) and endermology. 
