Massage in Berlin

While most businesses claim “no shoes, no service,” The Barefoot Zone welcomes unclothed feet, pampering them to relieve bodily pain. Certified reflexologist Allyson Nolan helms the practice, using reflexology to alleviate symptoms of conditions including high blood pressure, plantar fasciitis, migraines, and fibromyalgia. Clients rest atop a heated spa table as Allyson applies pressure to specific points on the hands, feet, and outer ears. To round out each treatment, warmed river stones nestle between toes and canoodle with sock lint as a warm towel infuses extremities with heat.

Doctors and massage therapists join forces to address alignment issues, joint stiffness, and muscular tension all within the same visit to HealthSource Chiropractic & Progressive Rehab. Massage therapists correct muscular imbalances in shoulders and backs with hands licensed in therapeutic massage and shadow-puppet recital. Chiropractic consultations provide detailed assessments of the ailments behind each client's particular symptoms, as well as specific instructions for massage therapists and recommended courses of action.

Healing Touch Therapeutic Massage's licensed therapist Louisa Abarno whisks clients toward a state of relaxation with spa treatments. As a fitness instructor and personal trainer who’s well versed in soothing sore musculature, Louisa zeroes in on trouble points during a variety of services, from reflexology sessions to hot-stone massages. She also revitalizes skin with paraffin and European rose mud, which is designed specifically to soften feet in preparation for important toe-model auditions.

Today's Groupon prettifies any part—big or small, tall or short, blond or brunette, square or circle—at Element Day Spa, an Aveda salon and spa in Charlestown. You get $125 worth of any service, salon or spa, for $50. Element offers seven different types of massages (a Swedish is $85 for an hour), six different facials (the classic Aveda facial is $50 for 30 minutes), waxing (a Brazilian is $65), manicures ($25), haircuts ($45 to $65), hair color ($65+), and more.

When Laurie Granger graduated from massage school in 2004, a surprise awaited her at home. Her husband, Steve, had converted their one-car garage into a three-room spa, which she soon christened Heaven's Door. Today when clients show up to the aptly named spa, Laurie whisks them away to a greeting room where they can warm their feet by a pellet stove as she asks about their massage preferences. A small business that focuses on excellent service, she tailors her strokes to these tastes and delights in hearing praise for her gentle touch. "I couldn't ask for a more rewarding profession than this," she confesses.

All of Laurie’s massages include 15 minutes in a private hot tub, which unwinds muscles with its soothing jets. From there, a door opens directly into the private massage room, where Laurie further eases tension with unscented lotions and a heated table.

Crystal Lake Spa is a place where clients head for everything from bed and spray tanning to laser treatments and psychic readings. Groups can celebrate the half birthday of the inventor of the loofah by booking spa parties, during which they nosh on complimentary food and wine as they enjoy discounted treatments. Treatments take place in a spa setting marked by dark-wood accents and down-home knickknacks such as plush bunnies and ornamental plates.