THERAPY FOR THE SOUL

The day before yesterday I treated myself to an hour long sample of heaven. A new store called “Let’s Massage” opened about a mile from our house. Lou wondered if it was the type where the massage has “a happy ending”. It was indeed “a happy ending” but certainly not the kind he was referring to!

The past few years several of these massage parlors (for lack of a better word) have opened in Northern California. They are all run by Chinese people and offer several types of massage. My favorite is the foot reflexology which also includes your whole body. Who knew? I certainly didn't - and you are fully clothed for the entire hour.

This was one hour, the first half of which focused on my entire body while my feet soaked in an herbal bath. My massage therapist, Susan (I doubt that’s the name her mother gave her but it's what her name tag said), started with my face and head. It was soothing and relaxing to just sink into the sensations.

There was quiet new age music in the dimly lit room. The scent of the aroma therapy bath was almost intoxicating. It was kind of flowery, kind of fruity, kind of sweet. I realized that I had been trying unsuccessfully to pinpoint the scent for 15 minutes and finally decided to stop it and just enjoy the heavenly aroma.

Susan worked her way from my head to my neck to my arms and hands, all of which was delightfully pleasurable. When she left the room for a few seconds I snuck a peek at the clock. Yaaayyyy! Still 30 minutes left!

I did not discover the pure joy of having my feet rubbed until later in life when I met Lou. Now, it is really close to the top of my life’s little pleasures list. As Susan spent the latter part of our hour working on my feet and legs, I remember thinking how fortunate we are to live in a place where this kind of sensory delight is available to anyone for a relatively inexpensive fee.

The grand opening special price for this hour of indulgence was a mere $21 plus a tip for Susan. Next month the regular price will be $30 – still a bargain in my book. I’ve only recently discovered that a little selfish pampering can go a long way toward soothing the soul.

These types of establishments seem to be popping up all over. If you happen to see one in your neighborhood, I highly recommend treating yourself to an hour of massage therapy – it’s good for you and it’s good for your psyche.