Brookline, MA Spa and Massage

Everyone knows that Swedes use a lot of oils in their famous massages, but did you know that Sweden is the world's second-largest consumer of lubricating oils? A 2006 study in The American Examiner of Suspicious Swedish Behavior reported that Swedes annually consume 1,460 gallons of lubricating oils per person. That comes out to exactly four gallons per person per day (leap year not factored in to avoid over-complication). And taking into account that children require less oil to become slick, it appears that adult Swedes may be lathering themselves with up to 12 gallons a day.

This will go down as the worst period in the history of mankind. First, the economy tanks and forces everyone to buy less Pringles. Then, gas prices force people to walk more, causing foot and back pain. Then, as the foul icing on the crap cake, seasonal allergies get slightly worse across the globe. With the end of the world near (never doubt the Mayans), there's only one way to cope—acupuncture.

The press doesn't lie. Well maybe about foreign policy, but when it comes to spa reviews, Melt's hot reviews in nearly every publication you can imagine are indisputable evidence of the media’s awesomeness.InStyle listed Melt as one of five spas that provides the best facials in all of America. Boston Common said, "Taking luxury and relaxation to a whole new level, Melt spa and salon is sure to pamper even the most discerning of spa-goers." And The Boston Globe called Melt "a mind-riveting thriller". Wait, actually it said that about The Dark Knight, but it called Melt "gorgeous". We're always mixing those two up since they're both so awesome.But what about the people? Citysearch users give Melt a five-star average. Here are a few cyber-pontifications:

Massage therapist Michael Moore keeps the Boston Ballet limber. The award-winning healer has been the company's go-to bodywork provider for the past four years, and its dancers say he "truly understands the physical needs of the body." Before joining up with the ballet, Michael had plenty of experience maintaining hard-working bodies as a therapist for athletes, such as the U.S. Ski Team in Vail.

But Michael doesn't discriminate, and he gives each of his clients the same high-quality rubdown that the athletes enjoy. This attention to detail earned him Boston magazine's Best Massage Therapist award from 2006 to 2009. The magazine credited Michael with "consistently thorough handiwork that reversed our laptop shoulder and boosted our energy for days." He and former college athlete Steven Toland perform Moore Massage's treatments, which range from traditional Swedish kneads to Active Release Techniques, a patented style that aims to break up scar tissue and codependent muscles.

There are three different relaxing options for you and your significant other to choose from (and a fourth option if your significant other is you), giving you one last thing to debate before all your worries drip into a puddle of feel good.

An Aveda-concept salon, Element Day Spa pampers clients with high-quality, natural products in a soothing environment. Show appreciation for your noggin's natural winter cap with a hair spa treatment ($50), which lavishes rich, luxurious oils onto the scalp during a relaxing massage, then swaddles strands with a warm towel to facilitate shine absorption. The health-boosting service, followed by a style-boosting blow-dry with hydrating treatment ($25), will keep your follicles feeling loved and your loved ones feeling your follicles until you feel justified charging them a petting fee. Professional makeup application ($35) will add the finishing touches to your refurbished façade by highlighting your best features and camouflaging warped wooden paneling. Before you leave, appease your skin's incessant demand for at-home mollycoddling by using your $10 voucher for Aveda skincare products.