Ames, IA Spa and Massage

Today's Groupon gets you $100 worth of services for $50 at Sanctuary Spa d' Sante, a Highland Village retreat that Citysearchers voted Best Facials and Best Massage in 2006. Sanctuary's holistic treatments use carefully crafted techniques, aromatherapy, and seaweed-based products to cleanse, stimulate, and soothe stressed skin. Its huge menu of services includes facials, massage, hydrotherapy, waxing, sunless tanning, and an audio treatment that teaches you how to fly an airplane. Running From: Ghosts or monsters Potential Haven: Boarded-up old mansion

After studying at La’James International, Gage Bauer started Mr. Massage IA. Having grown up in Des Moines, Gage finds a particular joy in being able to help open up access to massage to the wider area community that surrounds him. He boasts proficiency in multiple modalities, administering treatments inside one of two private rooms whose taupe walls are as soothing as a bathtub full of money. As a certified member of the Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals community, Gage maintains professionalism and a commitment to client satisfaction throughout every single guest visit.

Cindy Larson, the massage therapist behind Total Relaxation, has relieved aching bodies with a variety of hands-on techniques since 1997, including at the Special Olympics in 2006 and at Iowa State University's dance marathon in 2009. At her practice, she discusses the ins and outs of different massage modalities with clients before sessions, helping them choose the most beneficial one for them. Relaxing Swedish massages alleviate tension with light pressure, whereas trigger-point and muscle-release techniques work to unclench tense muscles and constricted fascia. Cindy specializes in relieving hip, back, and shoulder pain, as well as headaches and pain associated with plantar fasciitis.

Even down to its decor, Sacred Stone Massage & Bodywork exudes comfort. The space’s airy feel and soothing color palette take guests in with slate-gray walls, soft lighting, and plush blankets and pillows that adorn the furniture. The spa’s licensed massage therapists embrace and complement the mellow ambiance with a host of massage services. They stretch and soothe aching muscles during relaxing Swedish and deep-tissue sessions and give expectant mothers a break from the tension that comes with carrying an infant and constantly fighting off flocks of storks with prenatal treatments. Hot stones and paraffin wax augment some sessions, whereas others include peppermint- and lavender-infused scrubs.

Rather than viewing massage and chiropractic treatments as separate disciplines, the wellness experts at Reset view them as complementary tools that can be used together to reinvigorate bodies. The simplest path to wellness consists of three components: massage, chiropractic, and an active lifestyle. However, their primary focus is energizing and refreshing clients through bodywork, which can consist of soothing aching muscles, improving structural and spinal alignment, and relaxing the back with a massage—or a custom blend of all three. Through these methods, the therapists can minimize pain and stress and boost energy levels.