Ten Ways to Spa-taneous Relaxation

Ayurvedic Body Balancer & Shirodhara
Ayurveda translates roughly to “knowledge of life” and is based on ancient medical practices that originated in India. First, I was balanced between all the elements: water, air, fire, ether, and earth. This is done with a unique massage that uses short, quick strokes, ending at joints, where practitioners believe we hold onto emotions—yes, it felt as though my therapist was pulling things out of my elbows and the backs of my knees. Then I was covered in a blend of herbs and exfoliated with a dry brush. By this point, I was only half-conscious. Then came the shirodhara, which is conducted by flowing warm oil through a funnel onto my “third eye.” It’s said to encourage creativity, and also to quiet “inner chatter” and bring the body and mind to a still point. In plain English: I could barely function the rest of the day, in the most glorious, not-functioning way. This service is especially recommended for times of high stress or of great change. Solimar Wellness Spa, 1121 Town Center Dr., Ste. 105, Eagan, 651-686-6686

Samunprai Royal Thai Massage
If a massage style has existed since the fourteenth century, there’s probably a good chance it works. Samunprai is a Thai massage that was developed to treat war-weary soldiers. The hand-to-body contact is less detailed than the massage I’m used to, but pressure points are pressed upon and there is a feeling of release. Then a poultice, warmed and filled with herbs, is rolled on the body, dispersing the heat to the knots, with herbs delivering healing properties. It would be perfect for athletes and those with joint pain. I felt the effects for the rest of the week. Simonson’s Salon & Day Spa, 3507 Round Lake Blvd., Anoka, 763-427-0761; 19320 Hwy. 169, Elk River, 763-441-5999; 13744 83rd Way, Maple Grove, 763-494-4863; 4315 Peony Ln., Plymouth, 763-550-1121

Watsu
Watsu sounds like shiatsu-plus-water, right? Float with special devices in the pool, while a specialist straightens out the kinks. Weightless massage therapy makes it easy on you, especially since there’s not nearly as much moving around as in a traditional massage. The Marsh is a spectacular place for cutting-edge wellness and spa services—the scrub and wrap with steam shower is also completely divine. The Marsh—A Center for Balance and Fitness, 15000 Minnetonka Blvd., Minnetonka, 952-935-2202

Hot Stone Massage
A great service for heat lovers. Heated stones were arranged in a line down each side of my spine—and, yes, I laid on them. It’s surprisingly comfortable, heating muscles and loosening them, as another row of stones was placed along the midline down the front of my body. Working clockwise, my therapist, Marguerite, patiently rubbed knots out of me with both her hands and stones. Then I turned over, and it was all repeated, to my great delight. Especially good for when you have tough, lasting knots. Eq-life, 870 Grand Ave., St. Paul, 651-225-2880

Total Body Indulgence
Lying atop a padded table, which later I discovered hid a whirlpool tub, I was covered in exfoliant, scrubbed, and misted. After being wrapped for a few minutes, I was ushered into the whirlpool tub beneath me, where I soaked as my head was massaged. Spalon Montage, 8375 Seasons Pkwy., Woodbury, 952-915-2900

Caviar Facial
Located next to the tony 601 Graves, Jewel offers high-end services. The Caviar facial is among its offerings, and with its mask made of sea life ingredients, the spa promises to turn back the clock up to 35 percent after one treatment. Warm steam, light massage, Skinceuticals products, and the most comfortable spa bed I’ve laid in made for a delicious experience. Jewel Spa, 600 Hennepin Ave., Ste. 150, Mpls., 612-746-5010

Chocolate Fondue Body Wrap
This is a basic wrap that smells sensational. Get slathered in warm chocolate with a slight massage, then wrapped and left to bake for about twenty minutes. Then, get wiped down with hot towels, and presto! Soft skin that smells great—plus the relaxation does wonders for stress levels. New Beginnings, 1672 Grand Ave., St. Paul, 651-698-1867