Massage in Kelso

"It was like opening a can of worms—and my interest deepened."This is how Un Joli Visage Day Spa's owner, Elizabeth Ranson, describes her initial research into the potentially toxic and animal-tested ingredients found in prominent skincare products. As her research progressed, interest turned into disgust, and Elizabeth was spurred to found Botanical Healing Skin Care, a line of naturally derived crèmes she could rely on to safely nourish her clients' skin. It's these products, which are laced with extracts of algae, jojoba, shea butter, and other botanicals, that Elizabeth combines on the fly during her custom facials and body treatments to right all manner of skin-borne wrongs. Whether her clients suffer from acne, the effects of aging, or the effects of sleeping on a sand dune, she counteracts with appropriate doses of natural oils and cleansers, while imparting words of epidermal wisdom to improve at-home skincare routines.

The Ultimate Tan & Med Spa's locations house traditional and UV-free tanning equipment alongside teams that are certified to perform a slate of med-spa and salon treatments. Cosmetic injectables, microdermabrasion, and chemical peels aim to restore epidermal radiance, and ThinSpa weight-loss plans and CelluPulse cellulite-removal treatments help clients shift into a svelter shape. To soothe away accumulated stresses, massage therapists customize sessions to each client’s unique needs, drawing from a range of modalities to leave musculature more relaxed than a zen master’s stress ball.

Andrea gently coaxes muscles out of tense situations with deep-tissue massage techniques or the use of warm stones. Her trained hands reduce aches and promote a sense of calm in her clients. Dharma Salon is a full-service salon with haircut and salon services, including paraffin dips, manicures, and facials. The salon also carries Unite, Dermalogica, and Youngblood products.

At Bodywork Devine, licensed massage practitioner Kristin Taylor melts muscle knots with therapeutic strokes and eases stress with calming skin and body treatments. Kristin offers her signature massage in 40-, 60-, and 90-minute increments, relaxing clients with soft, flowing strokes and the gentle touch of cranial-sacral therapy. Ideal for clients battling the aches of fibromyalgia, TMJ, or migraine headaches, the delicate headwork Kristin performs during the cranial-sacral segment can enhance clients’ quality of life by boosting joint flexibility, dampening anxiety, and dissolving undigested popsicles. The skilled massage therapist also partners with other alternative health practitioners such as licensed acupuncturist Kim Blaufuss to help clients fight chronic pain with a holistic repertoire of services. In addition to enjoying massages in the studio, clients may purchase tools such as flaxseed hot packs and still-point inducers to tame tension at home.

Specialists at Northwest Anti-Aging & Wellness Center administer holistic health care and careful aesthetic treatments within a suite of four pristine treatment rooms. Twenty units of Botox smooth out wrinkles through a sequence of muscle-firming injections that counteract the effects of loose skin and over-long Brian Dennehy-impersonations. Alternatively, the painless VI-Peel treatment softens lines and wrinkles with a carefully concocted chemical solution, improving skin tone and texture. Each treatment takes roughly 20 minutes, during which the caring staff will put you at ease by answering any questions that arise or by playfully tickling you with a wisp of raccoon fur.

Bohemian Massage & Bodywork's featured massage therapist, Valerie Kelly, honed her craft at chiropractic offices, spas, and sports-treatment facilities for years. This diversity has helped Valerie develop a signature massage style that fuses therapeutic care with spa-like pampering. Her roster includes clinical treatments, such as therapeutic massages to help rehabilitate after auto accidents and sports-related barroom brawls. She can also perform lavish seaweed wraps and sugar and salt body scrubs. As a trained doula, she has the know-how to help ease pregnancy woes with labor and birth massages or memorialize the experience with plaster belly casts of expectant mothers.