Massage in New Baltimore

Lymphologists and lumberjacks concur that a Swedish massage is an invaluable ally in the ongoing quest for total health. Swedish massages employ several styles of expansive and ebbing strokes to relieve tension, mellow the muscles, and restore free-flowing fluency to the toxin-dispersal chutes of the lymphatic system. During effleurage, the hands smoothly circle the skin like epidermal ice skates as a primer for renewed venous and lymphatic circulation. The petrissage and tapotement strokes knead and knock on pressure points in the humanhide, while friction strokes untie the knots in the shoelaces of your muscle fibers. The vibration stroke goes all "cell-phone setting during a ballet" on the back and the limbs to get blood and muscles moving. The lesser-known high-five move at the end of the Swedish massage generates camaraderie and coolness.

Pure NV Salon & Day Spa keeps Detroit-area minds and muscles mollified with a soothing mosaic of full salon services. A mane-molding menu of hair services keeps locks lopped, styled ($27–$32) and colored ($35 and up), while the one-hour relaxation massage smoothes over bunched-up back dough with gentle kneads and pepperoni slices. The relaxation massage is tailored to every individual’s specific needs, and the value can be used toward a more expensive massage, such as therapeutic or hot stone. The anti-aging facial utilizes a wrinkle-wrangling serum to restore skin's natural moisture and vibrancy, and the spa manicure/spa pedicure combo pampers feet and hands with cuticle treatments, nail filing and polishing, and soothing massages.

At International Therapeutic Massage, the staff values well-being above all else. They dedicate the full appointment to the massage, refusing to subtract any time for changing, a consultation, or a quick game of patty-cake to warm up the therapist’s hands. Once a client stretches out in one of 10 treatment rooms, the therapist goes to work using various techniques—deep-tissue, hot-stone, or Swedish, for example. These techniques are designed not just to alleviate pain and discomfort, but also to improve mental well-being, promote self-healing, and enhance the immune system.

The licensed massage therapists at Center for the Healing Arts & Massage have reduced the stress of half a million clients in the past 20 years. Their extensive experience earned them nominations for CityVoter's Best Massage in 2011 and 2012, and includes expertise in 10 different massage modalities. They can soothe the senses with an aromatherapy massage, or use a deep-tissue techniques to address chronic pain from stress or wearing sweaters made of steel wool.

The center shares the crew's vast knowledge by training up-and-coming massage and reflexology professionals at an in-house school. They also promote wellness via nutritional supplements, relaxing spa treatments, and behavior-changing hypnotherapy.

Always looking for the best ways to help the well-being of her clients, owner Anne-Marie Rathburn has pursued training in a number of massage modalities including myofascial release, craniosacral therapy, and lymphatic drainage. Amid the soothing, zenlike decor of potted plants and hardwood accents at East Windsor Massage Therapy Clinic, she leads a team of other registered massage therapists who work to improve joint mobility, release endorphins, and help trapped “ahhs” to escape from bodies with massage therapy that may include heat or ice, jade stone, or organic herbs from Thailand.

Tree of Life’s dedicated therapists ease aches with restorative massages performed in serene rooms while soft music permeates the air. After determining each client's desired outcome and preferred treatment areas, they hunker down to untie tricky muscle knots and french braid fraying tendons. Smooth, gliding strokes culled from several massage modalities tend to overworked muscles and melt tension into a conveniently positioned bucket. The enticing aromas of pure essential oils fill the air during treatments, promoting relaxation for all of the senses.